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Au pair in France.
The classic au pair route. Here is what the exchange typically looks like there — money, hours, paperwork and pace of life.
- Typical pocket money
- €90–€115 / week
- Hours
- Max 30 hours / week
- Time off
- 1 full day + 1 half day weekly
- Typical stay
- 6–12 months
- Language
- French
The visa, in plain language
France runs a formal 'au pair' status under European agreement: a written contract is filed with the regional labour authority (DDETS), and non-EU au pairs apply for a long-stay visa with that contract in hand.
- 01
Sign the French au pair agreement (accord d'accueil)
- 02
Family files the contract with the labour authority before you apply
- 03
Apply for the long-stay au pair visa at the French consulate
- 04
Validate your visa and enrol in a French course after arrival
Typical current practice, January 2026 — not legal advice. Always check the country's official immigration guidance before applying.
What makes France different
- Long summers and generous school holidays to travel
- Families often pay part of a formal French course
- Food is central to family life — expect real family dinners
- TGV connections put most of Europe within a few hours
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