How to Become an Au Pair in France

Am I eligible to be an au pair in France?

Au pairs in France are generally aged 18–30. Beyond age, host families look for real childcare experience, reliability and genuine enthusiasm for cultural exchange. Read the key requirements below carefully, because they determine whether you need a visa and which documents to prepare.

What will I actually do as an au pair in France?

Your days as an au pair in France revolve around the children: school drop-offs and pick-ups, preparing their meals, playing and helping with homework, and keeping their spaces tidy — typically up to 25 hours per week. An au pair is not a housekeeper, so heavy cleaning and demanding newborn care normally sit outside the role. Make sure your duties, hours and any babysitting are written down before you arrive: it protects both you and the family and sets the placement up to succeed.

How to apply and arrange your visa

Create a free au pair profile, then search and message host families whose location, children and expectations match what you are looking for. When a family invites you, you arrange the “Jeune au pair / stagiaire aide familial” residence permit together. Keep copies of your signed agreement and any official documents, and never pay large upfront fees to a family or an unverified agency.

Pocket money, working hours and time off

As an au pair in France you can usually expect €320 per month (≈ €90 per week minimum), with childcare of up to 25 hours per week. You should also have free time every week and at least one full day off — many au pairs use it for a language course, to travel locally or to meet other au pairs.

Daily life and making the most of your stay

Living with a host family is the fastest way to improve your language and build friendships that last for years. Agree house rules early, speak up if something is unclear, and treat the placement as a true cultural exchange rather than just a job. Staying connected with other au pairs nearby makes settling in much easier.

Tips for a happy stay in France

Say yes to family life — shared meals, day trips and local traditions are where the real cultural exchange happens, and where your language skills improve fastest. Enrol in a language course early, connect with other au pairs nearby so you have a social circle of your own, and raise anything that is bothering you with your host family calmly and early rather than letting it build up. A little openness and effort on both sides is what turns a year in France into a genuinely life-changing experience.

Key requirements in France

• Au pair enrols in a French language course for the duration of the stay
• Up to 25 hours per week (about 5 hours per day) plus limited babysitting
• Host family signs the official au pair agreement (accord de placement)
• Non-EU au pairs apply for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS); EU citizens are exempt
• At least one full free day per week, including one Sunday per month