September 2026: A Wave of Changes Across France and Paris
As September approaches, France, including Paris and the Île-de-France region, is preparing for a series of significant legislative, fiscal, and social changes that will come into effect on September 1, 2026. These adjustments, often introduced during the back-to-school period, are designed to impact various aspects of daily life, from purchasing power and energy bills to social aid and regulated prices. The government frequently uses this time to implement budgetary measures or adapt public policies, with direct consequences for households, businesses, and local communities.
Key National Changes Taking Effect on September 1, 2026
School Calendar Adjustments
The summer holidays are over, and approximately 12 million students will return to school starting Tuesday, September 1, 2026, with the exception of Corsica, where classes resume on September 3. The Toussaint (All Saints’ Day) holidays will commence on the evening of Friday, October 16.
New Rules for Conventional Termination of Employment Contracts
For employees under 55 years old, the maximum duration of unemployment benefits following a conventional termination of employment will be reduced from 18 to 15 months. For those aged 55 and over, the duration will decrease from 22.5 to 20.5 months. This measure aims to modify the framework for mutually agreed-upon contract terminations, which allow employees to receive unemployment compensation, unlike resignation.
Work Stoppage Duration Capped
Starting September 1, 2026, initial work stoppages (sick leave) will be limited to a maximum of 31 days. Subsequent extensions will be capped at 62 days. Previously, there was no legal limit on the duration of work stoppages. Doctors, midwives, and dental surgeons will now be required to adhere to these new time limits for issuing sick leave certificates. An initial 31-day stoppage can be extended if necessary, but it will require a new consultation and medical assessment.
Changes in Pension Calculation for Parents
The average annual income used to calculate the basic pension for private sector employees, traditionally based on the 25 best earning years, will see a modification for parents. For those with one child, the calculation will now consider the 24 best years, and for those with two or more children, it will be based on the 23 best years. This aims to increase retirement income by excluding lower-earning years and applies to both mothers and fathers, provided they meet government-defined criteria.
Property Tax Notices
Property owners will begin receiving their property tax notices from September 19, 2026. For those who pay their taxes monthly, the notice will be available online. The payment deadline for property tax will be between October 15 and October 20, 2026, depending on the chosen payment method. Owners not paying monthly should have already received their notices online.
New Rules for Reimbursement of Certain Medications
Pharmacists will now be authorized to offer patients hybrid or biosimilar medications as substitutes for prescribed reference treatments. From September 1, patients who refuse these substitute medications without medical justification will be required to pay a portion of their treatment, as the third-party payment system will no longer apply in such cases.
Aid for Purchasing Used Electric Cars
A new aid program is being introduced to encourage the purchase of used electric vehicles. This initiative, funded by energy and fuel suppliers, targets 100% electric cars with at least 80% battery capacity, first registered in France between 2017 and 2023. These vehicles must be purchased from an authorized automotive professional. Interested motorists can apply for this aid through participating operators, whose names are yet to be announced.
Local Changes and Events in Paris and Île-de-France
Beyond national reforms, the Île-de-France region and Paris are also experiencing several local developments and events:
- Public Transport Disruptions: Metro and RER services in Paris and Île-de-France will continue to experience disruptions from August 24 to 30, 2026, with the RER B still partially closed towards the airport in the evenings and significant work on the RER C until September 18.
- 82nd Anniversary of the Liberation of Paris: Commemorations and ceremonies are scheduled from August 23 to 25, 2026, to celebrate the 82nd anniversary of the Liberation of Paris in August 1944.
- Weather Forecast: The weather in Paris and Île-de-France for the week of August 24-30, 2026, is expected to be unstable. After a warm start to the week, with temperatures around 28°C, several thunderstorms are possible before a significant drop in temperatures on Friday.
- Yvelines Drought Restrictions: Drought conditions in Yvelines are worsening, leading the prefecture to tighten water restrictions. Three zones are moving to a reinforced alert level, and the southeast remains in crisis since mid-August 2026, with watering, swimming pools, and car washing under scrutiny.
- Olympic Cauldron at Tuileries Garden: The Paris 2026 Olympic cauldron will be on free display at the Tuileries Garden until September 14, 2026, continuing a tradition.
- Monceau Park Dog Area Reopens: Good news for dog owners: from July 8, 2026, Monceau Park will reopen its dedicated dog area, a 2,000 m² enclosed space accessible all day under the supervision of a dog trainer.
- End of Cardboard Tickets for Public Transport: Since November 5, 2025, cardboard tickets have been phased out in Île-de-France stations. Travelers passing through Paris now have alternative options, including the Navigo Easy Pass, Liberté+, the Île-de-France Mobilités app, and contactless payment on buses.
- République Metro Station Closure: Line 8 of the Paris Metro will see the République station closed for nine months starting Wednesday, July 22, 2026, due to renovation work.
- Swimming in the Seine and Marne: Swimming in the Seine and Marne rivers is making a comeback this summer, with eight supervised sites, including three in Paris and a new spot in Seine-Saint-Denis, opening from June 20 or July 4 until the end of August 2026.
- Champs-Élysées Pedestrian Day: The Champs-Élysées will be pedestrian-only one Sunday a month throughout the year, offering a unique opportunity to experience the iconic avenue without cars. The next date is September 6, 2026.
- Val d’Oise Dungeon Reopening: The troglodyte castle in La Roche-Guyon, featuring a 100-meter secret passage, reopened to visitors on April 1, 2026.
- Free School Supplies in Yvelines: The Ensemble association in Mantes-la-Ville (Yvelines) will be distributing free school supplies without conditions at Parc de la Vallée on Saturday, August 29, 2026, along with free haircuts and entertainment.
These changes and events highlight a dynamic period for France and its capital, as both national policies and local initiatives continue to evolve to meet the needs and challenges of the time.
Source: sortiraparis.com
