Read on for more information and many useful tips for your au pair stay in France.
France as au pair country
France is a romantic country with a lot of history and therefore the perfect place for au pairs who want to discover the world. But France is a lot more than just Paris!
There are many other cities in France that are also very popular with au pairs, such as Nice, Marseilles, Lyon or Corsica. Why should you go to France for your au pair stay?
An au pair program in France is a combination of work and travel. During your everyday life with a host family you learn a new language by doing, since you not only work in the house, but also live there as a new family member.
Requirements for an Au Pair Stay in France
not married, no children
between 18 and 30 years old
clean criminal record
valid ID or visa
basic level of French
it can be helpful to have a driver’s license
Au Pair Working Hours in France
Au pairs work about 5 hours per day and 30 to 34 hours per week in France. Additionally, you will have to babysit 2 or 3 nights a week.
Your working schedule should be organized in such a way that you have time to take French classes. In France, au pairs get 1.5 days off per week. This free time does not necessarily have to fall on the weekends.
Au pair salary in France
Depending on the agreement between au pair and host family, the average au pair salary in France is between 260 and 315 euros per month . You should make sure the exact sum is mentioned in the au pair contract.
Duration of an Au Pair Stay in France
The minimum duration of an au pair stay in France is 2 – 3 months and the maximum duration is 12 months . However, it is possible to extend the au pair’s stay for 6 more months.
Health Insurance in France
If the au pair stays longer than 3 months , the host family has to pay for the au pair’s health insurance. If the au pair stays 3 months or less, the au pair has to pay for the health insurance . We recommend asking your insurance company before your trip if your health insurance will be valid in France and if it will cover the costs in case of illness.
Au pair expenses in France
You have to organize and pay for the trip to France yourself. There are, however, some host families that will pay for your travel expenses so the total cost of your au pair stay won’t be too high.
In exchange for taking care of the children and helping with little chores in the house, you will receive free food and accommodation in your own room. Host families that live in the country also usually pay for your transportation to the language school.
Au Pair Visa and Entry Regulations in France
All au pairs from other EU countries can travel to France without any special entry regulations. All you need is a valid ID or passport. Please keep in mind that your documents have to be valid until the end of your au pair stay in France.
After entering the country you have to register with the local police department or the registration office. Your host family can help you with this.
Language courses in France
Au pairs in France must be able to take French classes. The au pair usually pays for the language course , but it is possible to make an agreement with some host families so that they pay for (part of) the language course.
The host family should register the au pair for a language course , since they know the city and the different language institutes better.