Being an Au Pair in France

Have you ever dreamt of going up to the top of the Eiffel Tower, having a fresh baguette with cheese for lunch, wandering around the wonderful fairy-tale castles in the Loire region, getting lost in time in Mont St-Michel, sunbathing in the French Riviera or skiing in the French Alps? These are just a few of the reasons to become an au pair in France!

Nowadays more and more French families are looking for au pairs. Becoming an au pair in France is a great chance to learn a beautiful language spoken in many countries throughout the world (including Canada, Belgium, Switzerland and most African countries). 

France is one of the few countries in Europe where au pair placements are regulated by law. This means that young people au pairing in France have less chances of being exploited by families and have officially recognized rights and duties.

What do you need to become an au pair in Fance?

Au pairs in France are called ‘stagiaire aide familial étranger’. The age range to apply to be an au pair is between 17 and 30 years of age. Exceptions are made for people over 30 who are about to finish their studies. A minimum knowledge of French is required to be able to communicate with the host family and au pairs are required to enrol to a French course for foreigners during their placement.

The length of the au pair placement can be from 3 months up to  12 months with a possibility of extending it to 24 months. A contract signed beforehand by both parties is mandatory, this way both au pairs and families already know what to expect from each other and can avoid future disappointments.

Working hours and pocket money. The amount of working hours for au pairs can’t exceed 5 hours per day for a maximum of 30 hours per week and the family must ensure the au pair can attend her language classes. Au pairs in France are entitled to receive free board, free accommodation and between €264 and €316.80 pocket money per month (this amount is re-evaluated every year as it corresponds to 75%-90% of the current minimum wage). On top of that, the host family will have to pay social security contributions (like illness, maternity, etc.) to the au pair.

Sounds too good to be true? Find your ideal French family on www.kangarooaupair.com and start planning your au pair stay in France!

For more detailed information, please visit the French administration official website and the French social security website.