France leaves six paid vacation days unused each year

A study by Deel shows French employees receive a median of 34 paid days off (including RTT), the highest among 23 surveyed countries. Yet only 25 % use their full entitlement, leaving an average of six days unused annually. The unused days make France rank last for leave‑usage rates, even though French workers still take more days (median 28) than neighbours such as Germany, Denmark or Sweden.

In September 2025 the French Court of Cassation ruled that employees may carry over paid leave that coincides with a period of sick leave, provided they submit a medical certificate within 48 hours and follow prescribed procedures. The decision aligns French practice with EU law, distinguishing paid vacation from sick leave and allowing workers to reclaim lost vacation days after recovery.