Having this legally set up in France (typically to 3 months) makes it easier for everyone. As an employee you do not get to choose, as the former employer you k

Having this legally set up in France (typically to 3 months) makes it easier for everyone. As an employee you do not get to choose, as the former employer you know exactly what to expect, as the new employer you know you will need to wait. This time can be negotiated down by mutual interest of both parties. It is usually the employee who would initiate the discussion. The calculation also takes into account vacation time so it may be much shorter from the perspective of the employer. Finally, the employer can forbid the employee to come to work and get back all the equipment, but still has to pay them for the 3 months.