European stock markets settled higher on Tuesday as relief over a potentially market-friendly outcome in France's presidential election continued to boost sentiment.

Europe's leading Blue-chip index, EURO STOXX 50 rose 5.78 points or 0.16 percent to settle at 3,583.16. UK's benchmark index FTSE 100 went up 10.96 points or 0.15 percent to close at 7,275.64.

Germany's benchmark index DAX gained 12.06 points or 0.10 percent to end at 12,467.04. French benchmark index CAC 40 rose 9.03 points or 0.17 percent to end at 5,277.88.