French law lets minors reclaim Livret A savings; many savers shift to LDDS

Under French civil‑code rules, the capital in a Livret A opened for a minor belongs entirely to the child. Parents act only as legal administrators and may not appropriate the principal; they can receive only the modest interest income for the child's support. A minor can bring a claim against a parent for unauthorized withdrawals within five years after reaching the age of majority, as confirmed by recent legal commentary.

Because the Livret A ceiling of €22,950 is often reached, thousands of French households find their account full each summer. The equally safe Livret de Développement Durable et Solidaire (LDDS) offers the same tax‑free interest and liquidity with a separate €12,000 ceiling, allowing savers to keep excess funds earning returns. Banks rarely promote the LDDS, leading many to leave money idle in non‑interest‑bearing current accounts.

The combination of both accounts lets families maximise tax‑free savings, with some couples exceeding €89,000 across the two products.