Two persons were feared dead in the hostage-taking incident in a supermarket in the south-western France town of Trebes, a security source said on Friday.
The hostage-taker, who has claimed allegiance to the Islamic State, had earlier shot at a police officer.
French prosecutors say they are treating the hostage-taking as terror incident.
Here's a look back at some of the deadly attacks on French targets.
(Click on the dates to read more about the deadly attacks of the past)