This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.
When we first began looking into childcare in France, we quickly realized that there are a lot of options and each one works a little differently. If you’re expecting a baby in France (or have recently welcomed one!), you’ve probably already started hearing unfamiliar words like crèche, assistante maternelle, and halte-garderie. The terminology alone can feel confusing at first!
Since childcare often needs to be arranged before maternity leave ends, many parents start exploring and comparing their options early on. This guide walks you through the main early childcare options in France before children start school at age three, along with some pros and cons to consider when deciding what might work best for you.
The Main Childcare Options in France
Here’s a quick comparison of common early childcare options in France.
| Childcare Type | Typical Age | Setting | Cost | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crèche | 2.5 months-3 years | Daycare center | € | Structured group childcare |
| Halte-garderie | 2.5 months-3 years | Daycare center | € | Part-time, structured group childcare |
| Assistante maternelle | 2.5 months-6 years | Childminder’s home | €€ | Small-group home-based childcare |
| Nounou / Assistante parentale | Any age | Your home | €€€ | Personalized childcare at home |
| Jardin d’enfants | 2-6 years | Early education center | €€ | Bridge between daycare and school |
Most families rely on at least one of these options before their child begins school. Some families combine different types of childcare depending on their needs and resources.
In our case, we ended up combining part-time daycare with a nanny. Our son has found noisy and busy environments very overstimulating, so this has given him a mix of social time and quieter days at home.
Cost guide:
- € – Lower-cost childcare options depending on hours; often subsidized & income-based
- €€ – Moderate cost depending on arrangements
- €€€ – Typically the most expensive option
Costs in France vary depending on factors such as family income and location. This guide is just to give a general idea of what to expect.
Crèche (Daycare Center)
A crèche is a daycare center for babies and toddlers, from 2.5 months old to 3 years old. Children are cared for in groups in a structured environment. Depending on the size of the daycare, they may be divided into groups by age.
Crèches can be run by municipalities, private companies, or associations. Almost all daycares calculate fees based on family income.
Hours can vary but generally align with typical working hours for parents. Many children are enrolled full time, but part-time options may be available.
Common Types of crèches
Crèche collective
A crèche collective or crèche municipale is the structure we usually think of when talking about public daycare in France. This is the most common type of daycare setup, with larger groups and more staff.
Spots in public daycares are allocated by the municipality, based on a points-based system that takes into account factors such as family income, employment status, and childcare needs. Only those residing in the municipality are eligible. For example, in Paris, you apply through the town hall of your arrondissement, and spots are only offered within that district.
Micro-crèche
A micro-crèche is a smaller daycare that can care for a maximum of 12 children at a time. While this creates a cosier environment, it may also mean that everyone spends their day altogether in one room, depending on the size and layout of the facility.
Crèche associative
A crèche associative is run by a nonprofit association or charity. They can vary in size. Fees are the same as in a crèche municipal but the application is made directly to the daycare.
Crèche parentale
As the name suggests, parents play an active and supportive role in running a crèche parentale. Depending on the structure, parents may be expected to be present a certain number of hours or help with administrative tasks.
Babies as young as 2 months old can be accepted in a crèche parentale. Applications are made directly to the daycare.
Crèche d’entreprise
A crèche d’entreprise is a form of private daycare (crèche privée) that is partially financed by an employer. Not all companies will offer this, but there are tax advantages available for them. In addition to company spots, many private daycares also reserve spots for families without employer sponsorship. If your employer is funding your spot, you’ll pay about the same amount as you would in a public crèche.
Crèche multi-accueil
A crèche multi-accueil is designed specifically to accommodate different schedules. Some children are enrolled full time while others attend part time.
When space is available, this type of structure can additionally accommodate kids on an as-needed or last-minute basis for occasional care. Usually this service is only available to children already known at the daycare.
Pros
- Among the more affordable of childcare options
- Children socialize with peers from an early age
- Care is provided by trained childcare professionals
- Structured routines and programs, including educational and motor-skills development
- Typically open most of the year (except bank holidays and a few weeks in August)
Cons
- Schedules may be less flexible than home-based care
- Busy/noisy group environments may not suit every child
- Availability can be very limited due to high demand
Best for…
- Parents working regular hours
- Families interested in a consistent schedule
- Families looking for relatively affordable childcare
Halte-garderie (Part-Time Daycare)
An halte-garderie is a daycare center providing occasional or part-time childcare rather than full-time care. Children typically attend for half days, a few full days per week, or a combination. The maximum number of hours and/or days for which you can enroll is limited—for example, 20 hours or 2 to 3 full days per week.
Halte-garderies can be public or private. In both cases, applications are made directly to the daycare.
Pros
- Flexible childcare for main caregivers
- Lower overall cost since it’s not full time
- Good opportunity for children to socialize
- Easier to secure a spot compared to full-time daycare
Cons
- Not suitable for full-time childcare needs
- Limited hours compared to other childcare arrangements
- Attending only once or twice a week may be a difficult adjustment for some children
Best for…
- Parents who work part time
- Families interested in occasional childcare
- Main caretakers looking for some reprieve
Assistante maternelle (Registered Childminder)
An assistante maternelle is a licensed childminder who looks after children in their own home. Most care for 2-4 children at a time and they will usually take no more than 1-2 babies (who require more attention).
Assistantes maternelles can also provide after-school care for children up to 6 years old.
Pros
- Smaller groups allow for more personalized attention
- Calm, home-like environment
- Most assistantes maternelles take the kids for outings
- Often more affordable than hiring a nanny
Cons
- Costs vary between caregivers and may include an allowance for meals
- Hours and the level of flexibility for pick up and drop off times are usually set by the assistante maternelle
- Parents are the employer and must manage contracts, payments, and time off
- Vacations or sick days may leave you without childcare
Best for…
- Parents who need a full-time childcare option
- Families who prefer small-group, home-based childcare
Nounou / Garde d’enfants (Nanny)
Commonly referred to as a nounou, a garde d’enfants provides childcare in the family’s home. You may also hear the newer term assistante parentale.
A nounou can be hired full time or part time. Some families in France hire a nounou just for school pickup and evening care.
It’s also possible to share a nanny with another family. This is called garde partagée. In this arrangement, the two families split the cost, and childcare usually takes place in one of the homes.
Pros
- One-on-one attention is great for language acquisition and skill development
- Flexible hours that adapt to parents’ schedules
- Children stay in their familiar home environment
- Individual routines and schedules are easier to maintain
- Can support breastfeeding or other specific parenting preferences
- Some nannies help with light household tasks
- Possible to find a nanny who speaks your family’s home language (This is one of the main reasons why we wanted to hire a nanny.)
Cons
- Higher cost compared with other childcare options
- Less built-in social interaction with peers
- Parents may need to organize activities or provide materials
- Finding the right person can be challenging and take time
- Parents are the employer and must manage contracts, payments, and time off
- Vacations or sick days may leave you without childcare
Best for…
- Families with demanding schedules
- Parents who want maximum flexibility and personalized care
- Expat families who want support maintaining their home language
Jardin d’enfants (Kindergarten)
A jardin d’enfants is a nursery school which accepts children from 2-6 years of age. Children can be enrolled here as an alternative to going the traditional route to a public école maternelle starting at 3 years old.
Programs typically combine play-based childcare with early learning activities, similar to a kindergarten model.
Pros
- Play-based learning with early educational activities
- Smaller class sizes than most écoles maternelles
- Helps prepare children for school
Cons
- Less common than other childcare options
- Availability may be limited depending on location
- Unlike public school, there is a cost
Best for…
- Children who would benefit from a smoother transition into school
- Children who thrive in smaller groups
- Families comfortable with school-style schedules and holidays
Starting School in France
In France, school is compulsory from age three. This is determined by the calendar year. If your child is due to turn three at any point during the calendar year, they start school in September of that year.
Most children attend école maternelle, the public preschool system. The école maternelle is part of the national education system and focuses on social development, language skills, and early learning.
Did this guide help you? Say thanks with a cup of coffee!
FAQ
What age can babies start childcare in France?
Most childcare options in France accept babies from around 2-3 months old, which is when maternity leave typically ends. Age requirements can vary between providers and establishments. Nannies or other in-home aids can sometimes help with newborns.
What is the most common childcare option in France?
Two of the most common childcare arrangements are crèches (daycare centers) and assistantes maternelles (registered childminders). In Paris, English-speaking nounous (nannies) are particularly popular among Anglophone expat families.
How difficult is it to get a spot in a crèche?
Crèches are a popular choice due to their relatively low cost and long hours, so it can be very difficult to get a spot. That being said, public crèches are managed by the local district or town, so availability depends on where you live. Paris and other large cities have notoriously low acceptance rates into the public crèches due to high demand, so many families explore private and/or alternative options.
Is childcare expensive in France?
Childcare costs vary depending on the type of care and the family’s financial situation. Public daycare options like crèches are often relatively affordable, while hiring a full-time nanny is typically the most expensive option. Many families receive financial support from the government or their job, which helps reduce childcare costs.
