PARIS (Reuters) - Birkin bag maker Hermes reported a 17% surge in first quarter sales on Thursday, sustaining a rapid growth rate from the previous quarter and underlining strong demand for high end luxury.

Sales for the first three months ending in March were up 17% at constant exchange rates to 3.81 billion euros ($4.08 billion), beating expectations for a 13% rise, according to consensus provider Visible Alpha.

One of the most consistent performers in the luxury goods sector, Hermes is known for its ability to maintain strong growth even in the face of deteriorating economic conditions.

($1 = 0.9340 euros)

(Reporting by Mimosa Spencer. Editing by Dominique Patton)