CDI Saisonnière Restauration Template for France

A CDI Saisonnière Restauration (seasonal permanent contract) is a specialized employment agreement that addresses the unique staffing needs of France's restaurant industry. Unlike traditional fixed-term contracts, this arrangement provides permanent employment status while acknowledging the seasonal fluctuations inherent in hospitality work.

When do you need this document?

You'll need this contract when hiring restaurant staff for positions that naturally fluctuate with seasonal demand. Ski resort restaurants, beachfront establishments, tourist destination eateries, and venues with outdoor terraces all benefit from this structure. The contract is particularly valuable for roles like servers, kitchen staff, and bartenders whose work directly correlates with seasonal customer flow. It's also essential when you want to retain skilled employees year after year, offering them job security during slower periods while ensuring their availability during peak seasons.

Key legal considerations

The contract must clearly define the alternating periods of work and rest, with specific dates for each seasonal period. Under Article L1242-2 of the Code du travail, the seasonal nature must be genuine and justified by the business's operational reality. You must include detailed job classifications according to the HCR collective agreement, specify working hours and potential overtime arrangements, and outline compensation during both active and inactive periods. The contract should address reconduction rights under Article L1244-2, giving employees priority for renewal in subsequent seasons. Social security contributions remain mandatory throughout the contract duration, even during inactive periods, and you must respect maximum working hour limits and mandatory rest periods as defined in Articles L3121-1 to L3121-49.

Legal requirements in France

French law requires specific mandatory clauses in seasonal restaurant contracts under Article L1242-12. You must include complete identification of both employer and employee, precise job description with HCR classification, exact workplace address with any mobility clauses, detailed working time arrangements including seasonal schedules, and comprehensive compensation structure covering base salary and applicable bonuses. The contract must specify social security arrangements and clearly state the cyclical nature of work periods. Additionally, you're required to provide written notice of seasonal schedule changes and maintain compliance with collective bargaining agreements specific to the restaurant sector. The document must be registered with relevant labor authorities and include provisions for professional training during inactive periods where applicable.