Au Pair Life in France: A Realistic Look at My Routine, Challenges & Highlights

From morning school runs to navigating language barriers, here’s what my day actually looks like as an au pair in France — the routines, surprises, and everything in between.

11/28/20254 min read

When I decided to become an au pair in France, I imagined croissants, cute cobblestone streets, and an exciting transition into life abroad. And while some of that is true, the reality is a lot more… real. Here’s what a day in my life actually looks like as an au pair living in Laval, France.

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My Morning Routine as an Au Pair in France

School Drop-Off & Breakfast Time

I usually wake up around 7 a.m., so I have enough time to get myself ready before the morning rush begins. Then I head downstairs to make the kids’ breakfast. They eventually come down, eat, and if there's extra time, they’ll read or play a quick game before we leave. The walk to school is short and easy — one of the small perks I didn’t know I’d love so much. I usually carry my small crossbody (linked here) with my essentials, and it’s honestly been the perfect size for simple mornings.

Navigating the Language Barrier in Laval

One thing I’m really grateful for is that the kids speak English really well, so communication with them has never been an issue. The walk to school is short and easy — one of the small perks I didn’t know I’d love so much. Communication with other people in Laval, though? That’s been… different. I don’t know much French yet, so conversations with locals are pretty limited. I definitely expected more people to speak English here, but the reality is not nearly as forgiving. So we’re here, buckling our bootstraps, slowly learning French, and doing our best.

How I Spend My Midday and Personal Time

My Weekly Routine

Once I drop the kids off, I walk back home and have a little “me time.” My mornings usually stay the same — make my breakfast, enjoy a coffee, and start slow.

Finding Independence Abroad

The rest of the day varies. Two days a week I go to my workout classes in the early afternoon. I usually toss my things in a small black backpack, similar to this one, that’s become my everyday bag. On my off days, I try to split my time between learning French (AirPods are a lifesaver for language apps and listening), running errands, exploring the town, or working on my next blog. It’s a pretty flexible part of the day, which is something I really appreciate.

Afternoon Responsibilities with the Kids

After-School Flow

After school, I head back to pick up the kids. Once we’re home, they usually grab a snack and play a game or unwind a bit. I’m currently not driving here, so taking them to after-school activities isn’t one of my responsibilities yet. That may change eventually.

Watching Their Weekly MMA Class

But I do get to attend their weekly MMA class, which is surprisingly fun to watch — especially because I know next to nothing about MMA. It’s become one of the more unexpected parts of my week that I actually look forward to.

My Evening Routine with the Host Family

Family Dinner

While the kids are at their activities, I usually help set the table or finish anything I was working on earlier. Once they’re back, we all sit down and have dinner together. I love that this family always eats dinner as a group — it feels grounding and intentional.

My Nighttime Wind-Down

After dinner, I help clean up, and if it’s not quite bedtime, we’ll sometimes play a game before they head off to bed. My nights usually end with me watching a show — lately it’s been Lupin, partly for my French and partly because it’s actually so entertaining. I like to do this curled up in some super-soft cozy socks, like these, which I’ve been loving.

What I Didn’t Expect as an Au Pair

The Language Adjustment

The language barrier can feel isolating at times. I knew I didn’t speak French well, but I didn’t realize how much of daily life depends on small interactions — and how awkward or stressful they can be when you can’t fully communicate.

Emotional Connection with the Kids

I feel like I bonded with the kids quite quickly. You’re not their parent, you’re not exactly a sibling… but you’re someone they see every day. The connection forms fast.

Daily Life Surprises

The helpfulness of having structure. I thought I’d have tons of free time to fill however I wanted. But having a routine actually keeps me grounded and makes life abroad feel normal in a good way.

Pros & Cons of Being an Au Pair in France

Pros

Built-in cultural immersion
So much personal growth
The chance to truly live in France, not just visit
Quiet, flexible chunks of free time
You become part of a family (in your own unique way)

Cons

Language barriers can be isolating or frustrating
Living in someone else’s home is definitely an adjustment
You miss independence, driving, and routines from back home
Social life can be hard to build from scratch
Every family does things differently, and adjusting takes time

Being an au pair in France isn’t this perfectly aesthetic, romanticized lifestyle you see on social media — but it is meaningful, challenging, and full of little moments that make you grateful you took the leap. Every day looks slightly different, and every week teaches me something new about the culture, the kids, and even myself. It may not be glamorous all the time, but it’s becoming an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.

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