French shares lost on Thursday, with the benchmark Paris CAC 40 down 1.66 percent, or 77.91 points, to close at 4,611.48 points.

A total of 34 of the 40 selected large companies lost in the day.

STMicroelectronics, a French-Italian multinational electronics and semiconductor manufacturer tumbled 11.61 percent, the top loser of the blue chips. French software company specializing in 3D design Dassault Systemes was down 6.39 percent. French luxury goods holding company Kering edged down 5.49 percent.

French retail giant Carrefour advanced 1.94 percent, the top gainer of the day. French telecommunication company Orange gained 0.60 percent. French multinational food-products corporation Danone was up 0.08 percent. Enditem