Why use an organisation rather than a classified ad?
No law forces an older host to use an intermediary. Even so, most French pairs are formed through an association, because it screens candidates, clarifies expectations and stays reachable when friction appears a few weeks into shared life.
International readers will recognise the model from Homeshare UK or similar programmes in the United States and Australia. In France, the 2018 legal framework lets these bodies supply a model contract and charter, but their real value lies in the time spent meeting both parties.
Cohabilis, the national network
Cohabilis brings together local homesharing associations across many French regions. It publishes an annual activity report, the 2025 edition reviewing member organisations, and distributes shared tools such as an explanatory fact sheet and thematic guides for partners.
The network also has regional branches. Cohabilis Brittany publishes its own activity report, Cohabilis PACA released a charter on the solidarity formula in 2023, and a call for expressions of interest aimed to launch new member organisations in the Hauts-de-France region.
What membership of the network means
Members share screening practices, contract templates and training for volunteers and staff. For a family, belonging to Cohabilis is a useful quality signal, though it does not replace checking each organisation’s prices and day-to-day practices directly.
Working with social landlords
Several social landlords have formed partnerships with network members to offer homesharing to their older tenants. The network has also produced a guide for autonomy residences wishing to welcome young people among their residents.
The long-established associations
Le Pari Solidaire, founded in Paris in the mid-2000s, is one of the pioneers. The town of Sceaux adopted a partnership charter with it in 2021, and a Lyon organisation of the same name is listed by the University of Lyon among its student housing resources.
Ensemble2générations, founded in 2006, became known for three formulas: a free option based on evening presence, an economy option with a small contribution, and a solidarity option with modest rent. It reports several branches outside the Paris region.
Other players
Other local associations, such as 1toit2âges, describe themselves as active in several cities; their actual coverage should be checked directly. Groupe SOS, a large French social-economy group, has also announced expansion in this field, alongside start-ups running online platforms.
Associations versus private platforms
Commercial platforms such as Colette work mainly online, with published pricing and fast matching. Associations favour face-to-face meetings and longer follow-up. Both models coexist; the right choice depends on how much support the older host actually needs.
How are candidates screened?
Most organisations hold an individual interview with the young person, request supporting documents and sometimes references. On the host side, a staff member or volunteer visits the home to check the room, understand daily routines and clarify what help is genuinely expected.
What does matching cost?
Charges usually combine an annual membership paid by each party and a matching or follow-up fee, often higher for the young person. Amounts vary widely between organisations and are not regulated by law, so comparing several offers is worthwhile.
On top of this comes the contribution paid by the young person to the host, which depends on the formula: free in exchange for presence, a small share of bills, or modest rent. Some local authorities subsidise associations, allowing them to lower fees.
Types of organisation at a glance
The table places each kind of player by status, strengths and the points to check before committing.
| Type | Examples | Strengths | Check before signing |
|---|---|---|---|
| National network | Cohabilis and regional branches | Shared practices and tools | Whether a member operates locally |
| Established association | Le Pari Solidaire, ensemble2générations | Experience, several formulas | Active local branch, current fees |
| Local association | 1toit2âges, municipal schemes | Proximity, links with the town hall | Real coverage, number of pairs |
| Private platform | Colette | Speed, online procedures | Level of human follow-up, cancellation terms |
| Social-economy group | Groupe SOS | Capacity to scale | Actual offer in the target city |
Which hosts and guests do they look for?
Organisations work with independent hosts aged 60 or over who can offer a furnished room and want company. Accepted young people are students, apprentices, interns or employees under 30, willing to commit to a regular presence at home.
Mistakes when choosing
Families who pick an intermediary in a hurry often run into the same problems.
- Signing without knowing the total annual cost of fees.
- Choosing an organisation with no active branch in the city concerned.
- Confusing human follow-up with simple online matching.
- Not asking who handles conflicts, and how quickly.
- Ignoring refund terms if the pairing ends early.
How to choose an organisation
A methodical approach takes a few days and avoids unpleasant surprises.
- List organisations present in the city through Cohabilis and the town hall.
- Ask each for its full fee schedule and formulas.
- Ask how many pairs it supported the previous year.
- Compare follow-up arrangements: calls, visits, mediation.
- Read the model contract and charter before paying anything.
- Book a first meeting and judge the quality of listening.
Frequently asked questions
These are the questions hosts and young people raise most often when choosing an intermediary.
Can an organisation guarantee a match?
No. It commits to a serious process, not a result. In many French cities young applicants outnumber older hosts, so waiting several weeks is common around the start of the academic year in September.
Are membership fees refundable?
It depends on each organisation’s statutes and terms. Some refund part of the matching fee if no pair is found, while the annual membership usually remains due. Getting the refund policy in writing before paying is the safest course.
Can a town hall act as intermediary?
Some municipalities support an association through an agreement or grant, as Sceaux does with Le Pari Solidaire. The municipal social action centre then refers interested hosts, while screening and follow-up stay with the specialist organisation.
Can one switch organisation mid-year?
Yes, nothing requires loyalty to one intermediary. The homesharing contract, however, binds host and guest to each other; changing organisation does not alter its terms, including the notice period either party must give.
Useful organisations and resources
- Cohabilis – 2025 activity report — Annual review from the national network of French solidarity homesharing associations and their member organisations.
- Cohabilis Brittany – activity report — Report from the network’s Brittany branch, useful to see which organisations operate in that region.
- Le Pari Solidaire – University of Lyon listing — University of Lyon page presenting the association that houses students with older hosts in the Lyon area.
- AGE Platform Europe – intergenerational housing initiatives — European network of older people’s organisations describing homesharing schemes for students and isolated older people.
Official and legal references
- French National Consumer Institute – solidarity homesharing — Public consumer information body’s fact sheet on the homesharing contract, charter and each party’s obligations.
- Town of Sceaux – partnership charter with Le Pari Solidaire (2021) — Annex to a municipal decision formalising cooperation between a French town and a homesharing association.