(Reuters) - Europe's main stock markets were little changed in early trading on Monday, with caution the order of the day ahead of this week's inflation data, and after recent strong gains.

In Paris, the CAC 40 gained 0.09% to 8,159.04 points around 08:34 GMT. In London, the FTSE 100 gained 0.08% and in Frankfurt, the Dax advanced by 0.16%.

The week promises to be rich in inflation data, particularly in the US, with price trends remaining the focus of market attention as most major central banks hint at interest rate cuts in the months ahead.

Any stronger-than-expected rise in the Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) price index on Friday, the Fed's preferred indicator of inflation, could dampen hopes of a rate cut in the US as early as June.

In Europe, the session is quiet this Monday in terms of macroeconomic indicators, with markets awaiting consumer price data in France, Italy, Belgium and Spain this week, before the publication of inflation figures for the Eurozone on April 3.

In securities, French artificial heart designer Carmat rose 9.2% after announcing on Friday that it had reached a final agreement with all its financial creditors on new repayment terms for its bank loans.

The Believe label gained 5.43%, after it decided to invite Warner to submit a binding, unconditional and fully-funded offer for the group by April 7.

Dassault Aviation advanced by 3.42%, boosted by BNP Paribas, which raised its recommendation to "buy".

British insurer Direct Line lost 13% after Belgian insurer Ageas decided not to bid for the group.

(Written by Diana Mandiá, edited by Kate Entringer)