Art, history, science, the Eiffel Tower, delicious baguettes — France is famous for many things. When looking for a culturally enriching experience for your children, you should consider a French au pair. Your children will enjoy hearing a new language from their live-in nanny while also learning about new things. The wisdom of using live-in child care from France is that you benefit in many ways beyond simply finding a caregiver. Your entire family will learn more about French culture from in many ways:

- Your children can learn about French traditions and experience them first-hand (such as making crepes on Mardi Gras!);

- Your children can be exposed to a new language as your au pair can read them stories in French or teach them the alphabet in French;

- Your family can ask questions and hear from a native how growing up and living in France really is.

When you use EurAupair to host an au pair from France, you can feel secure you’re getting the best possible match for your family’s needs. We have been connecting au pairs from Europe, South America and Africa with American families for three decades, and we know how to find a fit that’s right for everyone.

Getting to Know Your Au Pair From France

The French culture is a mix between Northern and Southern Europe. A live-in nanny from France may be more punctual than a Spanish au pair for example, but will be more flexible on schedule than say a German au pair. Typically, French au pairs will be able to communicate any issues or concerns and will enjoy participating in the family life.

French couples have on average two children. While large families are less common than they use to, France still has one of the highest average number of children per family in Western Europe. French people have rather strong family values and will typically gather every evening as a family for dinner and meet for hours-long meals with near-by relatives on weekends and holidays. You can usually expect your French au pair to enjoy cooking and to participate in your family dinners and get-togethers.

French children will usually leave home at around 18 years old to pursue post-secondary studies in larger cities. They will get their own apartment and become independent at quite an early age.

French au pairs will usually have experience in doing private baby-sitting as well as being camp counselors. The French BAFA is a certificate for young adults (17+ years old) to become qualified camp counselors during holidays or during the summer. Some French high school students receive first aid instructions although it is not a mandatory part of their curriculum.

The French’s driver’s exam (written and practical) is very challenging. One can drive with a parent in the car from 16 years old but the driver’s license can only be obtained at 18 years old. Dozens of hours of actual driving experience is required to obtain a license. Public transportation is well developed in large cities but young adults outside of the main cities will most likely own a car and drive regularly. It is always recommended that you discuss your driving needs with your au pair.

French students are required to learn two foreign languages (starting in middle school) and English must be one of the two. The English curriculum in France will focus a lot on reading and writing so French student will usually be better in writing and reading than listening and speaking. It may be useful with your French au pair to write down any guidelines and schedule to make sure they are understood. Also, it is not uncommon for the French to think that their spoken English is way worse than what it actually is!

Host a French Au Pair

Educate your children about a different culture by finding a live-in French nanny. Participate in an exchange experience that will enrich your family’s life by helping you learn more about France and the rest of the world. Relax knowing EurAupair thoroughly checks the background of our au pairs and has been designated by the U.S. Department of State, following federal guidelines put in place for your safety.

Start the process with us today by submitting an application or by contacting us for further information.