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Destiny Calling

2025-04-04

How to Find a Paid Internship in France Even If You're Just Starting Out

Dreaming of getting hands-on experience in the heart of Europe while earning a stipend? You're not alone. France is one of the top destinations for international students and fresh graduates looking to kick-start their global careers. Whether you're eyeing internships in Paris, France's fashion and business capital, or in quieter cities like Lyon or Bordeaux, the opportunity to gain real-world experience—and get paid for it—is very real.

But how do you land a paid internship in France when you’re just starting out and may not have a strong resume yet?

Let’s break it down—step by step.

Why Choose a Paid Internship in France?

First things first—why France?

  1. Legal Compensation: Any internship lasting more than two months in France is legally required to be paid, with a minimum stipend of around €600/month.
  2. Top Global Industries: From luxury fashion to aerospace, hospitality, and finance—France is home to industry giants like L'Oréal, Airbus, LVMH, and Accor Hotels.
  3. Career Launchpad: France offers a perfect blend of practical training, cultural exposure, and strong international connections.

Paid internships in France not only cover your living expenses but also enrich your resume with global experience. It's one of the few countries that actively encourages foreign interns with well-structured programs.

Step 1: Understand What French Employers Are Looking For

If you’re just starting out, employers aren’t expecting a long list of accomplishments. Instead, they want to see:

  1. Willingness to learn

  2. Basic understanding of the field

  3. Motivation and professionalism

  4. Language skills (French is a huge bonus but not always mandatory)

Especially in Paris, many startups and international companies operate in English. However, having even a basic command of French significantly boosts your chances of getting selected.

Step 2: Explore the Best Internship Platforms

To find a stipend-paying internship in France, use both global and local job boards. Here are the top platforms:

  1. Welcome to the Jungle (France-specific)

  2. Indeed France

  3. Internships.com

  4. LinkedIn Jobs

  5. Letudiant.fr (great for student-focused roles)

  6. Campus France (official government portal for international students)

Pro Tip: Always filter by “stage rémunéré” (paid internship) when searching on French sites.

Step 3: Craft a French-Ready Resume and Cover Letter

Your application materials must meet French standards. That includes:

  1. Europass CV or a simple one-page resume in English or French

  2. Concise cover letter (Lettre de motivation) tailored to the company and role

  3. Highlight transferable skills like communication, teamwork, or problem-solving

  4. If possible, include a professional-looking photo, which is commonly accepted in French resumes

Even if you don’t have previous internship experience, coursework, volunteering, freelance projects, or university group work all count!

Step 4: Apply to These High-Value Sectors

When searching for internships in France with a stipend, target industries that regularly hire interns and have the resources to pay:

1. Hospitality & Hotel Management

France's tourism industry is massive. Internships in hotels like Accor, Club Med, and Marriott Paris often offer stipends, free meals, and accommodation.

2. Fashion & Luxury Goods

Companies like Chanel, LVMH, and Hermès look for interns in marketing, retail, and design. These brands love passion and creativity—even more than experience.

3. Digital Marketing & Startups

Paris is buzzing with new-age digital firms. Many tech startups are open to English-speaking interns and offer flexible, remote or hybrid roles.

4. Finance & Business

Multinationals like BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and Capgemini regularly post internships in management, consulting, and business development.

Step 5: Use University & Program Connections

Many internships in Paris, France are secured through:

  1. University partnerships

  2. Exchange programs

  3. Internship placement agencies

If your school is partnered with a French institution or program, you may be eligible for pre-arranged internships with stipends and accommodation support.

Don’t forget to explore platforms like Destiny Calling’s France Internship Program—specially designed to connect international students with paid internships in France across multiple sectors.

Step 6: Prepare for the Interview – Even If It’s in French

Interviews in France can be formal and structured. If the role requires French, prepare answers to questions like:

  1. "Pourquoi voulez-vous faire ce stage ?" (Why do you want this internship?)

  2. "Parlez-moi de vos études." (Tell me about your studies.)

  3. "Quels sont vos points forts et vos faiblesses ?" (What are your strengths and weaknesses?)

If you’re applying to English-speaking roles, still show your enthusiasm for learning French and adapting to French work culture.

Step 7: Handle the Paperwork Like a Pro

To do an internship with stipend in France, you’ll need:

  1. A “Convention de Stage” – a tripartite agreement signed by you, your host company, and your university or placement agency

  2. A Long-Stay Internship Visa if the internship lasts more than 90 days

  3. Health insurance coverage (European Health Card or private insurance)

Start paperwork early—most companies begin hiring 6–9 months in advance.

Step 8: Make the Most of Your Internship

Once you're in, treat it like your first job:

  1. Show up early, ask questions, and take notes

  2. Take initiative and offer help beyond your tasks

  3. Build relationships with colleagues—networking is big in France

  4. Maintain a journal of your tasks and achievements

  5. Ask for a reference letter at the end

This experience can directly lead to future jobs—especially if your company offers post-internship employment or helps with your next visa.

Conclusion: Your Paid Internship Journey Starts Now

You don’t need to have a fancy resume or years of experience to land a paid internship in France. All it takes is the right strategy, proper documentation, and a dash of confidence.

Whether you’re looking for internships in Paris, France, or in other cities like Lyon or Marseille, the opportunities are waiting—and many of them pay well enough to support your stay.

So, take the first step today. With the right support from platforms like Destiny Calling, your internship with stipend in France isn’t a dream. It’s your next big move.