How the Paris early years system works
The Paris early years stack has three layers and they are easy to confuse on arrival. The first is the creche, for children from 10 weeks to 3 years, where state-run creches municipales are the dominant model and run on a means-tested fee table set nationally by the CAF. The second is the maternelle, for ages 3 to 6, which is now compulsory in France and is delivered in state ecoles maternelles, private contracted maternelles and independent bilingual maternelles. The third is the parallel ecosystem of jardins d'enfants, halte-garderies and bilingual playgroups, which add extra hours and dual-language exposure on top of the formal stack.
For relocating families, the most important fact is that maternelle is free and open to all children resident in the catchment from age 3, and the Paris state maternelles are widely regarded as strong. Many international families use a state maternelle for grande section then switch to a bilingual or international primary for CP at age 6. Equally many start in a bilingual private maternelle, secure a sibling-priority spot in the linked primary and stay through to college. Both strategies work. The decision is usually shaped by how quickly the family wants the child immersed in French and how many siblings will follow.
One administrative point that catches new arrivals: registration for the September maternelle starts at the mairie of the arrondissement of residence between January and April. Bring proof of address, the family livret or birth certificate translation and vaccination records. The mairie issues a certificat d'inscription that the local maternelle then needs in May to confirm the place.
Fees, state and private
Paris state maternelles are free at point of use. Lunch in the cantine is means-tested at EUR 0.13 to EUR 7 per meal depending on the family quotient. Bilingual private maternelles range EUR 6,000 to EUR 18,000 a year. The senior bilingual feeders, including the EIB and Jeannine Manuel maternelles, sit at EUR 12,000 to EUR 18,000. Montessori bilingual primaries with a maternelle stage typically sit at EUR 10,000 to EUR 16,000 for the 2 to 6 cycle. For full fee context across all Paris stages see our Paris fees guide.
Need help picking the right preschool route?
Take our 5 minute school finder quiz. We shortlist three Paris preschool options across the state, bilingual and Montessori routes based on your child's age and your arrondissement.
Illustrative example preschools
The five preschools below illustrate the international maternelle landscape in Paris. They are not ranked.
La Petite Ecole Bilingue runs multiple maternelle and primary sites across Paris (8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 17th, Boulogne) and is the largest single bilingual provider for the ages 2 to 11 cycle.
EIB Monceau maternelle in the 8th arrondissement is the entry point for the EIB network, with sibling priority at primary and a strong onward route into French Bac and IB streams.
Bilingual Montessori School of Paris in the 15th is one of the AMI accredited maternelles, with continuity into the linked Montessori primary.
Ecole Active Bilingue Jeannine Manuel maternelle in the 15th is the established bilingual feeder for the full Jeannine Manuel programme to the IB Diploma.
Babylangues Bilingual Preschool in Neuilly-sur-Seine serves the western corporate corridor with strong English exposure from 18 months.
Where preschool families live
Preschool families cluster in the same arrondissements as bilingual primary families, with the addition of corridors driven by creche availability. The 15th and 16th host the strongest bilingual maternelle cluster. The 8th and 17th centre on the EIB network. The 7th, with diplomatic families, mixes state maternelles with bilingual playgroups. Outside the boulevard peripherique, Neuilly-sur-Seine, Levallois and Boulogne-Billancourt offer creche supply that is meaningfully better than the inner arrondissements and tend to suit families combining La Defense work with preschool age children. Vincennes and the 11th have grown rapidly as bilingual maternelle destinations in the past five years.
Admissions calendar
State maternelle registration runs at the mairie of the arrondissement between January and April for September. Creche municipal commissions sit in February and May, with rolling top-up across the year. Bilingual private maternelles open registration files between September and February. Mid-year entry is widely available at private maternelles given the school-readiness focus on continuity rather than streamed teaching. Plan to register at the mairie within two weeks of moving in.
Choosing a feeder into primary
The single decision that shapes the next eight years is the choice of feeder into primary. Families who stay in a state maternelle move to the sectoral primary by default at CP and continue through the state system to college. Families in a bilingual or international maternelle most commonly stay within the network for primary, college and lycee. Montessori families typically continue at the same school to age 9 to 12. The transition decision is best made by moyenne section, not later. For onward routes see our Paris primary schools hub and our bilingual schools hub.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does maternelle start in Paris?
The French state maternelle is compulsory from age 3 and runs to age 6, with three classes: petite section, moyenne section and grande section. Many private creches and bilingual preschools accept children from 18 months, and the city of Paris runs a creche municipal network for children from 10 weeks to 3 years.
How much do international nurseries cost in Paris?
International nursery and preschool fees in Paris run from EUR 6,000 a year at neighbourhood bilingual maternelles to EUR 18,000 at the senior bilingual feeders. State maternelles are free. Creche municipal fees are means-tested and typically EUR 300 to EUR 900 a month based on household income.
Can my child attend a French state maternelle without French?
Yes. Maternelle classes accept all children resident in the catchment regardless of nationality, and small children acquire French quickly in immersion at petite and moyenne section. CASNAV support is available for newly arrived children when needed.
How do creches municipales work?
Each Paris arrondissement runs municipal creches for ages 10 weeks to 3 years, with means-tested fees set by the family quotient. Demand far exceeds supply; commission attribution sits in February and May each year, and most families also list with the CAF for the same period.
Do bilingual preschools secure a place in their primary?
Most bilingual primaries give priority but not guaranteed admission to families whose child completed the bilingual maternelle. Plan the primary application well before grande section and book observation visits during moyenne section.
