French retirement and life insurance savings comparison

Financial planning options in France are highlighted through comparisons of retirement savings plans (PER) and life insurance (assurance vie) contracts.

For PER holders, managed management (gestion pilotée) offers a way to delegate investment decisions to professionals who adjust risk profiles based on the investor's proximity to retirement. Key selection criteria include minimizing management fees and ensuring access to diverse investment supports to avoid long-term cost penalties.

In the life insurance sector, while unit-linked investments (unités de compte) reached a 39% share of contributions in 2025, some savers continue to seek 100% capital-guaranteed euro funds. The average yield for euro funds in 2025 remained at 2.63%, though specific contracts like Corum (4.10%), Ampli Mutuelle (3.75%), Carac (3.55%), and France Mutualiste (3.50%) significantly outperformed the market average.