Mornings that start with a cafe-au lait and a warm croissant, afternoons strolling by the Seine, and weekends exploring the lavender fields in Provence: a cultural exchange in France can include this and much, much more!
Whether you are a family interested in bringing different cultures into your household while sharing your own, and receiving childcare support, or a future au pair dreaming about French life, this is the guide for you. Let’s walk you through everything you need to know about becoming an au pair in France, from visa rules and requirements.
Au Pair Requirements: No Eiffel Tower Without the Basics 🗼
Before you start packing your suitcase, make sure you meet the main requirements for becoming an au pair in France:
Age: 18–30 years old (from 17 for EU citizens)
Nationality: You must not be French (the goal is cultural exchange!)
Family status: Single and without children
Language: At least a basic knowledge of French
Education: You’re studying or have completed secondary school (for EU citizens, this rule is flexible)
Duration: Minimum stay of 3 months, up to 1 year (and can often be extended to 2 years)
Purpose: Willing to attend French language classes during your stay
You’re there to learn, explore, and experience life like a local, not just to work as a nanny.
Visa and Paperwork
EU / EFTA Citizens
Good news! If you’re from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you don’t need a visa to au pair in France! 🙌
You’ll simply:
✅ Travel to France with your passport
✅ Register with local authorities once you arrive
✅ Sign an au pair placement agreement (convention) with your host family
Non-EU Citizens
If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay “au pair” visa (visa long séjour – jeune au pair).
You’ll need to provide:
- A signed placement agreement (between you and your host family)
- Proof you’re enrolled in or plan to attend a French language course
- Proof of your basic French skills
- Your secondary school certificate
- Proof you can cover your travel costs
Once approved, your visa doubles as a residence permit valid for one year, also extendable to two years total.
Here’s how quickly your French adventure can come to life:
1️⃣ Match with a French host family 🇫🇷
2️⃣ (If non-EU) Apply for your au pair visa
3️⃣ Sign your placement agreement
4️⃣ Book your French class & flight ✈️
5️⃣ Arrive and register locally
6️⃣ Enjoy your year of café au lait, language lessons, and new friendships
Requirements for Host Families
Thinking of hosting an au pair in France? Here’s what families need to know:
- There must be at least one child under 18 living at home
- The family should speak French in daily life (so the au pair can learn the language)
- The au pair must have their own private, furnished bedroom
- Meals and board are included, the au pair lives as part of the household
- Working hours are typically 25-30 hours per week
- Duties include childcare and light household chores
- The au pair must have enough free time for French classes
- A formal placement agreement (convention) must be signed and, for non-EU au pairs, filed with authorities
- The host family must register with social security (URSSAF) and cover contributions for non-EU au pairs
All of this ensures the role stays true to what it’s meant to be: a cultural exchange, not full-time employment.
Once you’re in France, your living costs are minimal, so most of your allowance can go toward travel, pastries, and French adventures!
The Au Pair Agreement
France takes the au pair arrangement seriously, it’s official and structured, but not complicated.
Both you and your host family must sign a “convention d’accueil” (placement agreement) that covers:
✅ Working hours and duties
✅ Pocket money amount
✅ Language course attendance
✅ Room and board details
✅ Insurance and registration info
For non-EU au pairs, this agreement is required for the visa application and must often be filed with local authorities or URSSAF.
Why choose France, and what to expect?
Life as an Au Pair in France
Living as an au pair in France means becoming part of your host family, sharing meals, and experiencing daily French life, from simple tartines at breakfast to visits to Sunday markets. What can you expect?
- Helping with children and light housework for 25–30 hours per week
- Pocket money: around €80/week (varies by family)
- Housing & meals: included, you live with your host family
- Language courses: often at your own expense, but some families contribute
- Insurance: Non-EU au pairs are covered under French social security (paid by host family); EU au pairs can use their European Health Insurance Card
- Flights: usually paid by the au pair (sometimes families help!)
France is more than croissants and the Eiffel Tower (though we love both). Here’s why it’s a dream destination for au pairs:
🌻 Learn or improve your French in real life
🥖 Immerse yourself in French family culture
🎨 Explore world-famous art, food, and landscapes
🚄 Travel easily across Europe (Paris to Barcelona in 6 hours!)
💛 Live affordably while gaining international experience
It’s the perfect mix of language learning, cultural discovery, and everyday French life.
Ready to Start Your Adventure? 🇫🇷
Whether you dream of Parisian cafés, mountain hikes, or coastal sunsets in Nice, au pairing in France is your chance to live like a local, learn French, and become part of a real family abroad.
At Nina.care, we’ll help you match with a welcoming host family and make your au pair year in France simple, fun, and unforgettable. Ready to say bonjour to your next adventure? Let’s make it happen! 🌍