In France, the Labor Code (Code du Travail) guarantees extensive rights to paid vacation leave for workers.

Minimum Vacation Entitlement

Every full-time employee in France has the right to 2.5 working days of paid vacation leave for every full month of work completed. This translates to 30 working days, or 5 weeks, per year.

Accrual and Eligibility

Vacation leave accrues monthly throughout the reference period, which typically spans from June 1st of the previous year to May 31st of the current year. Employees are not allowed to take vacation leave until it has been accrued. However, there are certain circumstances where employers may grant leave in advance.

Compensation

During vacation periods, employees must receive at least their usual remuneration. If their contracts or collective agreements specify a more favorable amount, then they should receive this instead.

Additional Leave for Specific Workers

Certain employees may be entitled to additional vacation leave. This is dependent on factors such as seniority, working conditions, or family status.

France celebrates a variety of public holidays, which are a mix of national, historical, and religious occasions. These holidays are observed across mainland France and its overseas territories.

Fixed Date Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1st): This day marks the beginning of the calendar year.
• Easter Monday (March/April): This is the day after Easter Sunday. The exact date varies yearly.
• Labor Day (May 1st): This day celebrates the contributions of workers internationally.
• Victory in Europe Day (May 8th): This day commemorates the end of World War II in Europe.
• Ascension Day (May/June): This is a Christian holiday commemorating the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. The exact date varies yearly.
• Whit Monday (May/June): This is the day after Pentecost Sunday. The exact date varies yearly.
• Bastille Day (July 14th): This is France's national day, commemorating the Storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution.
• Assumption of Mary (August 15th): This is a Catholic holiday celebrating the bodily assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven.
• All Saints' Day (November 1st): This is a Christian holiday honoring all saints.
• Armistice Day (November 11th): This day commemorates the Armistice ending World War I.
• Christmas Day (December 25th): This day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

In France, the Labor Code ensures that employees have access to various types of leave to cater to personal needs, health situations, and family responsibilities.

Vacation Leave

Employees are entitled to 2.5 working days of paid vacation per month of work, totaling 30 working days (or 5 weeks) per year. During vacation leave periods, employees receive at least their usual pay, potentially more depending on agreements.

Sick Leave

Employees become eligible for paid sick leave after fulfilling certain conditions related to social security contributions and employment duration. Compensation for paid sick leave is provided by the French social security system after an initial waiting period. The amount and duration can vary based on employment history and the nature of the illness. Employers may require a medical certificate to validate the need for sick leave.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 16 weeks of maternity leave, generally split before and after childbirth. This may be extended in cases of multiple births or complications. Eligible employees generally receive maternity benefits from France's social security system.

Paternity Leave

Fathers are entitled to 28 calendar days of paternity leave, including a mandatory 4 consecutive days. Paternity leave is compensated by the French social security system.

Parental Leave

Following maternity/paternity leave, either parent can take parental leave to care for a young child. The duration can extend up to a few years. Parental leave may be partially compensated by the French social security depending on the length and circumstances.

Other Types of Leave

• Bereavement Leave: Employees may be entitled to short-term paid leave in the case of the death of a close family member.
• Leave for Family Events: Employees may have the right to short-term leave for events like marriage, moving, or a child's illness.
• Sabbatical Leave: Employees may have the right to take longer-term unpaid leave for personal reasons.