Chomeur  Now you're an unemployed person, you are known as a "chomeur". Best read our top tips for being unemployed in France.   A Pôle Emploi in France. Photo: Jacques Demarthon/AFP Chomage  And unemployment itself is known as "chomage", which is also the term to refer to the benefits. Allocations chômage  As long as you weren't sacked for gross negligence (faute lourde) then you're probably eligible for unemployment benefits, and in France, these are generally quite generous at up to 80 percent of your salary.  Time to start again with the whole process. Bon courage.