Help a host family with childcare
Au Pair France
Au Pair France
Live with a host family, care for children, and experience France!
As an au pair in France, you’ll live with a vetted host family for up to a year, care for your host children for up to 25 hours per week, and experience France as a local. You’ll receive a stipend, private bedroom, and meals. This intercultural experience is a great way to help others and gain insight into French culture with the safety and support of a program.
In an effort to increase opportunities abroad we're hosting information about Fée Rêvée in France. Learn more about Fée Rêvée.
Key Info
Location
In or near cities including Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon as well as the South of France
Program Dates
Start year-round
Application Deadline
Apply 3+ months prior to your desired start date if possible
Duration
2-12 months
Requirements
- 18-30 years old at program start date
- High school graduate
- At least 200 hours of childcare experience
- Driver’s license (preferred)
Program Highlights
Welcoming Hosts and Great Meals
Stipend, private bedroom, and all meals included
Great Locations
Most families reside in urban areas such as Paris
Opportunity to Learn
Learn about France and improve your childcare and language skills
Become Part of a Family Abroad
Help with your host children's development
Friends from Around the World
Connect with fellow au pairs from all over the globe
Process
Sign Up
complete an application with Fée Rêvée in France.
Connect
Meet your host family through video chat.
Travel
Get your visa and flight and head to France!
Au Pair Life
The Homestay
The homestay is the heart of this program. Here’s what you can expect when it comes to host-family living on your Au Pair France program:
Safe Placements
- Host families are screened for safety.
- Families submit applications and references, have an interview, and pay a program fee (they are not paid to host you).
Typical Family
- Families vary in personality and size but most have two or three children and they’re all excited about cultural exchange.
- Usually, at least one parent is conversational in English. If you’d like to work on your French, let them know—they’re happy to help!
- Most families reside in or near cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, and others, are middle class, and have young children; some have elementary-aged children.
Matching Process
- You’ll have an opportunity to connect with potential host families.
- Fée Rêvée will send you a profile when a potential host family has been found.
- You’ll set up a video chat to ensure it’s a good fit.
- Matching can take a few days to a few weeks.
Living with a Family
Living with a host family is about connecting with the family members and integrating into their life. Families want au pairs who:
- are eager to learn about France and French culture.
- behave like an ambassador from the U.S. and a role model for the children.
- are responsible and enjoy caring for children.
- engage with them over meals and share their culture.
The Au Pair Role
The term “au pair” means “on par” or “equal,” meaning you’re meant to be on equal terms with your host family. As an au pair you’ll live with a welcoming host family and care for the children. Childcare usually takes up about 25 hours/week of your time in France, enough to be a crucial part of the kids’ day-to-day lives but with time to get out and explore.
Childcare
Caring for your host children can include:
- taking them to and from school
- engaging them with activities
- light housework (tidying and cleaning)
- preparing their meals
- helping them with homework
You’ll connect with your host family before you travel to find out what they’re looking for in an au pair.
Hours & Stipend
- Up to 25 hours per week
- Typically at least €400/month
- When you connect with a potential family, you can discuss the childcare schedule so you know what to expect.
Free Time
- You’re entitled to at least one full day off per week.
- Two weeks paid vacation for a one-year placement
- France is well connected by public transport so excursions are manageable during vacations.
- Some au pairs link up with each other to explore.
