Employment & Benefits
Holiday and Leave Entitlements in France
In France, employees enjoy a comprehensive holiday and leave entitlements framework, designed to ensure work-life balance and support for personal and…
Table of contents
In France, employees enjoy a comprehensive holiday and leave entitlements framework, designed to ensure work-life balance and support for personal and family needs. Here’s an overview of the key aspects of holiday allowance and leave entitlements in France as of 2024:
Annual Leave
Employees in France are entitled to 30 days of annual leave (jours ouvrables), accruing at a rate of 2.5 days per month of work. The holiday year runs from June 1st to May 31st. It’s important to note that periods such as maternity leave count as effective working time for the purpose of accruing annual leave.
Public Holidays
France celebrates 11 paid public holidays per year, with Labor Day (May 1st) being the only public holiday that is legally required to be a paid day off. However, many employers offer paid leave on all public holidays based on employment agreements or collective bargaining agreements.
Sick Leave
For sickness absence, an employee must inform their employer and France’s national health insurance (Caisse Primaire d’Assurances Maladie - CPAM) within 48 hours, providing a medical certificate. Sick leave pay from CPAM starts on the fourth day, with a daily allowance capped at a certain amount, depending on collective or company agreements for additional pay.
Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption Leave
Maternity leave is set at 16 weeks, with provisions for extension in cases of pathological pregnancy or multiple births. Paternity leave offers 28 days, with the first 3 days paid by the employer and the remainder by Social Security. Adoption leave varies based on the number of children in the family and those being adopted, with the leave paid by Social Security based on the employee’s average daily salary.
Parental Leave
Following maternity or paternity leave, parents may opt for unpaid parental leave or part-time arrangements for up to three years, depending on the child’s number in the family. This leave is flexible and can be shared between parents.
Other Types of Leave
France also recognizes various other types of leave, including bereavement and sabbatical leave, each with its own conditions and allowances. For instance, bereavement leave duration varies based on the relationship to the deceased, with the employer paying for this leave as if the employee had worked.
These entitlements underscore France’s commitment to supporting employees through comprehensive leave policies, ensuring that workers have ample time for rest, recuperation, and family matters. For employers expanding into or operating in France, understanding and adhering to these regulations is crucial for compliance and fostering a supportive work environment. If you do not have a local entity, an Employer of Record in France can handle leave administration and payroll compliance on your behalf.
Do you have more questions about French employment conditions? Contact our European Staffing Agency today!
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Employees in France are entitled to 30 days of annual leave (jours ouvrables), accrued at 2.5 days per month worked. The French holiday year runs from June 1st to May 31st, and periods such as maternity leave count as effective working time for accrual.
France has 11 paid public holidays per year, but only Labor Day (May 1st) is legally required to be a paid day off. Many employers nonetheless grant paid leave on all public holidays through employment or collective bargaining agreements.
An employee must notify their employer and the national health insurance (CPAM) within 48 hours of falling ill, providing a medical certificate. Sick leave pay from CPAM starts on the fourth day of absence, with a capped daily allowance that can be topped up under collective or company agreements.
Maternity leave in France is 16 weeks, with extensions possible for pathological pregnancies or multiple births. Paternity leave is 28 days, with the first 3 days paid by the employer and the remainder covered by Social Security.
