French savers increasingly favor low‑risk products

A 2026 barometer by IFOP for Altaprofits shows that 81 % of French households place money in a savings product, with 75 % relying on regulated accounts such as Livret A, LDDS or PEL. The overall household savings rate is close to 18 % of disposable income, a level not seen for 46 years outside exceptional periods. Risk‑averse behaviour is evident: the share of savers investing in risky assets fell from 6 % in 2023 to 3 % in 2026. Insurance‑life contracts and capitalisation plans hold 27 % of the market, while retirement savings plans (PER) and equity‑saving plans (PEA) represent 14 % and 13 % respectively.

Financial advisers recommend diversifying across asset classes to protect wealth against inflation, geopolitical shocks and liquidity crises. Options include Luxembourg‑based life‑insurance wrappers that separate policyholder assets from the insurer’s balance sheet, direct or SCPI real‑estate holdings, high‑quality sovereign or corporate bonds, long‑term equities, and gold for systemic protection. Tax optimisation is highlighted through French life‑insurance after eight years, the PEA for European equities after five years, and the use of SCI structures for real‑estate assets. The overall guidance stresses a multi‑asset approach that balances safety with modest growth while adapting to potential changes in residence or fiscal regimes.