Authorities were alerted yesterday after residents spotted the escaped animal on a second-floor window ledge.
The incident, which occurred in the town of Armentieres near Lille, saw police officers cordon off the building after the large black cat was seen jumping in and out of an open window.
A veterinarian was eventually able to subdue the animal using a tranquilizer dart.
According to reports, the panther - which was thought to be only six months old - had escaped from its owner before finding its way into the building. It encountered a young girl who fled when she saw it.
It is believed that the cat had been kept illegally because only a zoo could hold the necessary permit.
Authorities are now attempting to track down the owner and determine how they had obtained it.