Maternity leave (congé maternité)
Maternity leave in France is a statutory right — your employer cannot refuse it. Duration depends on the number of children:
- 1st or 2nd child: 16 weeks total (6 weeks before expected birth, 10 weeks after)
- 3rd child or more: 26 weeks (8 weeks before, 18 weeks after)
- Twins: 34 weeks (12 before, 22 after)
- Triplets or more: 46 weeks
You must notify your employer at least 15 days before the start of your prenatal leave, with a medical certificate stating the expected date of birth. During leave, CPAM pays your daily allowances (not your employer, unless your collective agreement provides for it).
Maternity pay: how much?
CPAM pays daily allowances equal to your average net daily salary (calculated over the 3 months before leave), up to a daily ceiling. In 2026, the maximum is approximately €100 per day. If your salary exceeds the ceiling, your employer may top up the difference — check your collective agreement.
💡 For self-employed women (auto-entrepreneurs, TNS): maternity leave daily allowances exist but are calculated differently and the amounts are lower. Check with your SSI.
Paternity leave (congé paternité)
Since 2021, paternity leave in France has been significantly extended:
- Total duration: 25 calendar days (32 for multiple births)
- First 4 days: mandatory — must be taken immediately after the birth, employer cannot refuse
- Remaining 21 days: can be taken in up to 2 separate periods within 6 months of birth
Notify your employer at least 1 month before the intended start date. Pay: same CPAM daily allowance system as maternity leave.
Dismissal protection
A pregnant employee cannot be dismissed from the moment she announces her pregnancy until 10 weeks after the end of maternity leave. Any dismissal during this protected period is automatically null and void by law — unless for a serious misconduct completely unrelated to the pregnancy. This protection is absolute and applies regardless of seniority or contract type.
Your rights on returning to work
On returning from maternity leave, you have the right to:
- Return to your previous position or an equivalent one with at least the same salary
- Benefit from any pay rises that occurred during your absence
- A mandatory professional interview (entretien professionnel)
If your employer assigns you to a lower position, changes your responsibilities negatively, or reduces your salary, this constitutes discrimination — report it to staff representatives or the Inspection du Travail immediately.