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AbstractReformed in 2021, paternity leave in France was extended and made more flexible. The proportion of fathers taking this leave continues to grow, particularly among those that used to claim it least, such as self-employed workers, those on fixed-term contracts, and the least-educated fathers. Fathers’ presence at the birth of their child and beyond is becoming the norm. However, occupational and financial pressures remain an obstacle to the use of paternity leave. Only a minority of fathers take a “solo” paternity leave after the mother’s return to work, but these numbers are increasing.