France has reported 833 new coronavirus deaths in the past day, the highest daily toll since its outbreak began, reports BBC News.
The total number of people who have died after testing positive for Covid-19 now stands at 8,911, while the number of infections is 98,010.
"We have not reached the end of the end of the ascent of this epidemic," warned health minister Olivier Véran.
Italy's daily death toll also rose on Monday after several days of slowing, but Spain's fell for a fourth day.
There was nevertheless some positive news, with the number of people being treated in intensive care only rising by 1.3% to 7,072.
Mr Véran said the government would also start a "vast operation" to screen nursing homes, which account for 27% of the death toll, to better protect residents.
France's equality minister, Marlène Schiappa, meanwhile said an abuse hotline had been set up for the perpetrators of domestic violence to seek help, as families struggle under lockdown.