Your rights are absolute — nobody can take them away
Maternity leave and paternity leave are statutory rights that an employer cannot oppose. Regardless of your length of service, contract type, or the company's situation. As soon as you notify your employer within the required timeframes, your rights are secured. This is not a favour you're requesting — it's the law.
Maternity leave: duration and notification deadlines
Maternity leave lasts 16 weeks for the first two children (6 weeks before birth, 10 weeks after), 26 weeks from the third child, and more for multiple births. You must notify your employer at least 15 days before the start of pre-natal leave, attaching a medical certificate stating the expected date of delivery. During your leave, your daily allowances are paid by CPAM.
Paternity leave: duration, deadlines and mandatory days
Paternity leave lasts 25 calendar days (32 for multiple births). The first 4 days are mandatory and must be taken immediately after the birth — the employer cannot refuse them. The remaining 21 days can be taken in one or two periods within 6 months of the birth. Give your employer at least 1 month's notice before the intended start date.
Full protection against dismissal
A pregnant employee's protection is among the strongest in French employment law. She is protected from the announcement of pregnancy until 10 weeks after the end of maternity leave. During this period, dismissal is null and void by law, except for gross misconduct unrelated to the pregnancy. If you receive a dismissal letter during this period, immediately contact a lawyer or a union.
Return from leave: your rights on resuming work
On returning from maternity leave, you have the right to your previous position or an equivalent one with at least the same pay. You're also entitled to a mandatory professional interview. If your employer assigns you to a lower position or reduces your pay, this is discrimination — report it immediately to staff representatives or the labour inspectorate.