This is a post about how to be an au pair in France.
How to Be an Au Pair in France: Step-by-Step Guide + What to Do After
Moving to France as an au pair is one of the most affordable and immersive ways to live abroad. You don’t need a huge budget or a fancy job lined up. Instead, you trade your help with childcare and light household tasks for accommodation, meals and a small allowance. In return, you get to experience everyday French life from the inside. From fresh croissants in the morning to speaking French with your host kids and exploring picture-perfect villages on weekends, being an au pair in France offers a unique cultural experience that’s hard to beat.
But how exactly do you become an au pair in France? What are the requirements and what happens after your year is over if you fall in love with the country and want to stay? This post walks you through everything you need to know.
Step 1: Understand what being an au pair means
An au pair is usually a young adult who lives with a host family abroad to help with childcare and light household tasks in exchange for free accommodation and meals. In France, au pairs also receive weekly pocket money and often take French language classes to improve their skills. It’s a cultural exchange, not just a job. You get to learn the language, adapt to French culture and live like a local while also contributing to family life.
Read more: 8 Reasons to Be an Au Pair: A Life-Changing Experience
Step 2: Check if you meet the requirements
To be an au pair in France you must be between 18 and 30 years old and unmarried with no children. You need basic knowledge of French and a genuine interest in working with children. You’ll also need a signed au pair contract and proof that you’ve enrolled or will enrol in a French language course during your stay.
Step 3: Find a host family
You can find host families through au pair websites like AuPairWorld or Aupair.com. These platforms let you set up a profile, browse families and message those who seem like a good match. You can also go through an agency, which might offer more support and help with the visa process but usually charges a fee. When messaging families, look for one that shares your values and lifestyle. Make sure the expectations are clear from the beginning. Ask questions about working hours, the children’s routines, holidays, days off and the type of help they’re expecting from you. Make sure to have video calls with the family and ask as many questions as you need to feel confident. It’s also helpful to connect with previous au pairs who have worked with the same family if possible.
Step 4: Sign the official au pair contract
In France, host families must provide a formal contract that follows French law. It’s called a “convention de placement au pair.” This document outlines your duties, working hours (no more than 30 hours a week), pocket money, days off and more. Once both parties sign it, you can apply for your visa.
Step 5: Apply for your au pair visa (if needed)
Non-EU au pairs must apply for a long-stay au pair visa at their nearest French consulate. Along with your signed contract, you’ll need to show proof of enrolment in a language course in France and a letter explaining your motivation to become an au pair. Make sure your passport is valid for the entire stay and apply several weeks in advance since processing times can vary. EU and EEA citizens don’t need a visa and can simply move to France once they’ve finalised an agreement with a host family.
Step 6: Enrol in a French language course
Enrolling in a language course is usually a requirement for non-EU au pairs but it’s also one of the best things you can do for yourself. Choose a school near your host family’s home and make sure it meets the required weekly hours for your visa. Language classes are also a great way to make friends especially with other au pairs or international students. Some courses are actually specific for au pairs!
Learning French makes a big difference in your ability to navigate life, make friends and access opportunities. Even if you’re starting from zero, your au pair year is a great time to start building those skills.
Step 7: Prepare for your move
Before flying to France get your documents ready. That includes copies of your contract, visa, proof of enrolment in a language school and health insurance. Pack lightly but smartly. Bring clothes suitable for the local weather, a few comforts from home and any essentials you’ll need in the first few days. You might also want to bring small gifts for your host family as a nice gesture. It’s a great way to break the ice and start connecting with the kids.
Step 8: Settle into your new life in France
As an au pair you’ll typically work 25 to 30 hours per week. Your tasks may include picking the kids up from school, helping with homework, playing games and preparing light meals. You’ll usually get weekends off and sometimes an extra evening or morning free during the week depending on the family’s schedule. Remember: in France kids don’t go to school on Wednesdays so that might be a longer day for you.
In exchange for your help you’ll receive your own room in the family’s home, meals and pocket money of around €80 to €100 per week. You’re also expected to attend French classes and make an effort to integrate into the culture, which makes this an ideal option if you’re looking to improve your language skills or just want to get a real feel for life in France.
Most au pairs are placed in or near cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille or Lille. But you can also find families in small towns or villages. While big cities might give you access to more expat groups and activities, smaller towns offer a slower pace and a more immersive language experience. Either way, you’ll get the chance to explore your area during your time off and even travel around France or Europe on long weekends or holidays.
Actually, I met a girl who was an au pair for a family in the mountains for the winter season and then for a family by the beach in the summer. Personally, I thought that was the best idea!
The first few weeks will be a mix of excitement and culture shock. Give yourself time to adjust. Learn the house rules, get to know the children and try to communicate in French as much as you can. Use your free time to explore your new town or city, visit cafés and meet other au pairs. Join Facebook groups or WhatsApp chats with other au pairs and internationals to build your support network.
Read more: How to Make Friends While Living Abroad: 10 Effective Tips for Expats and Travellers
Step 9: Make the most of your au pair year
Your au pair experience will fly by! Take time to enjoy the little things. Practice your French in everyday situations, spend weekends exploring nearby towns and immerse yourself in the culture. Write about your experience, take photos, try local food and allow yourself to grow. Remember this year isn’t just about work, it’s about discovering who you are outside your bubble.
A tip? Travelling by bus is way cheaper than the train! You can find more tips about travelling Europe on a budget here.
Read more: 8 Essential Tips to Make Your Au Pair Life Easier
Step 10: What to do after your au pair year ends
If you fall in love with France and want to stay longer, you’ve got options. First of all, did you know you can extend your au pair year and stay for a second one?
Now, once that’ the done, one common path is becoming a student. You can apply for a student visa and study at a university, a language school or do a vocational course. France also offers “alternance” programmes which combine studying and working. You’ll attend school part of the week and work the rest, getting paid and gaining real experience. This type of programme is open to foreigners and can lead to more long-term opportunities in France. You’ll need a certain level of French and a clear professional goal, but it’s one of the most practical and affordable ways to stay in the country while building a career.
If you already have a degree or significant work experience, you could also apply for a job-seeker visa or look for a company willing to sponsor you. This option can be more complex but is doable in fields where there’s a need for international talent. Some au pairs also stay by becoming language assistants or English teachers through programmes like TAPIF.
Another option is to volunteer with organisations that offer room and board in exchange for your time. Programmes like Service Civique (for EU citizens) or Workaway and WWOOF (for short stays) are good starting points.
Becoming an au pair in France is more than just a way to live abroad. It’s a chance to create memories, learn a language and grow in ways you never imagined. With the right planning and attitude, it can also open doors for a longer stay in the country. Whether you’re in a small village or a big city, France has so much to offer to anyone willing to embrace the experience.
While au pairing isn’t the same as a traditional job, it can open the door to a whole new world! Unexpected adventures, lifelong friendships and an international career. Whether you stay for a year or end up making France your home, it’s an experience that will change how you see the world.
Are you thinking of becoming an au pair? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to know!
