We're leaving on the 15th of this month for our annual trip to Paris. I was curious to know if anyone had hired a babysitter there (either an individual or through a reputable agency). There are plenty of ads on the Paris craigslist, and I've found a couple of agencies by googling, but first hand recommendations would naturally be preferable. Thanks very much.

Daniel,
I do not have experience myself with babysitters but these are heavily regulated in FRance. Do not just leave with someone from an ad.

The two services i have heard from folks at work at online as these
http://www.babysittingservices.com/
you can contact them in English too, their are HQ just outside Paris but cover all the area

and this one, has in english page that can do even in hotels
http://www.babychou.com/services/parents/hotel-et-evenement-english.shtml

These are agrée, meaning certified by the French govt agency to handle babysitting services.

Good luck in your search,hope it helps.

Pedro, thanks. Very helpful. I'll let you know how it works out.

Daniel:

I think you are probably renting an apartment. But we have hired babysitters twice at the Hotel Mansart (which I know has been discussed here before). They were both great sitters. Maybe you could call them and ask which agency they use. Or some people contact the American Church in Paris. They might have a registry.

Just a thought.

quote:

Originally posted by Fancy:
Daniel:

I think you are probably renting an apartment. But we have hired babysitters twice at the Hotel Mansart (which I know has been discussed here before). They were both great sitters. Maybe you could call them and ask which agency they use. Or some people contact the American Church in Paris. They might have a registry.

Both good ideas. Thank you.

Daniel,

It's been over 6 years now, but we used a service called ABABA, 8 av. du Maine, tel. 01.45.49.46.46. They sent the same sitter twice, a wonderful college girl who was great with the kids, who were 2 and 4 at the time. They promise (again, check on this because this was 6 years ago) English-speaking girls if you require one. Our sitter spoke English about as well as I speak French, which was good enough.

Have a blast!

Dan

quote:

Originally posted by dpb:
ABABA, 8 av. du Maine, tel. 01.45.49.46.46.

Dan, they're still in business which I suppose is a good sign. Thank you.