Checking references from a French au-pair?

[chicaguapa]

Have found a lovely AP who has provided me with a number of references and I was wondering how I would check them. The families are all in France and have provided me with email and postal addresses. Is there some kind of electoral roll I could check them against to make sure they're genuine?

I have also got a copy of her ID card with photo so have verified who she is. Anything else I can do?

If they are from villages, you could phone the mairie as the maire and his/her secretary usually know everyone. They also keep the electoral roll up to date.