Everything that's changing in France in September 2026
As France prepares to go back to work, September brings with it new rules on sick leave and retirement, as well as changes affecting taxes, gas prices, medication and tobacco.
In September 2026, France will experience several changes and adjustments across various aspects of daily life. The month marks the return of children to school and the resumption of political life, with President Emmanuel Macron preparing for his final "rentrée" before the 2027 presidential election. New rules will limit the duration of sick leave prescriptions to 31 days for initial prescriptions and 62 days for extensions, with exceptions for serious health conditions.
The suspension of a recent pension reform will begin affecting retirees on September 1st, and public-sector workers are set to strike on September 29th due to resource shortages and working conditions. Strikes by easyJet cabin crew have already begun, affecting several French airports. Tax refunds for overpaid 2025 income taxes will be issued in September, followed by automatic collection of any remaining debts.
Gas prices are expected to rise 5.6% to €172.05 per MWh, while tobacco prices will see some increases and decreases. Pharmacists will be required to offer patients alternative medications, with patients who reject these options losing access to subsidized medicines. Unemployment benefits will be reduced for those leaving their jobs through a specific agreement, and electronic invoicing will become mandatory for all businesses in France, with small businesses given an additional year to comply.
Written by urgent.news from The Local France's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
