Beijing and Paris signed scores of deals Wednesday worth 18 billion euros (US$25 billion) on the second day of a state visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, in what President Francois Hollande said would bring much-needed growth.

Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan have been given VIP treatment on a nostalgia-tinted trip to France marking the 50th year of full diplomatic ties between the two countries -- a visit due to culminate with a concert at the Versailles chateau on Thursday.

The power couple kicked off their trip in the eastern city of Lyon on Tuesday, and a day later travelled up to Paris where Xi met with his counterpart Hollande and signed the deals.

"Eighteen billion euros of contracts -- that is jobs, growth and, most of all, significant prospects for the coming years," Hollande said during a joint press declaration with the Chinese president.

--50 agreements signed--

By far the biggest deal was a Chinese order for 70 Airbus planes worth more than US$10 billion.

The order covers the purchase of 43 mid-range A320 planes and 27 long-haul A330s, the European aviation giant said.