Intern Allowances & Salary Trends in France 2026 -What Students Should Expect

Internships in France continue to be one of the most attractive opportunities for international students. Whether you’re planning a hospitality internship, a corporate internship, or a training placement in France, one question always comes up:

How much do interns earn in France in 2025?

France has clear laws, updated stipend rules, and consistent trends that help students understand what to expect financially. This guide breaks down intern allowances, salary expectations, cost of living considerations, and real insights for 2025, along with helpful internal links to Destiny Calling’s programs.

1. Understanding France’s Internship Stipend Rules (2025 Update)

France follows a regulated system for internship compensation, known as “gratification de stage.”
This is not a salary—it is a stipend/allowance that companies must pay when an internship meets certain conditions.

When is a stipend mandatory?

A stipend becomes mandatory when:

• The internship duration exceeds 308 hours
  (equivalent to 44 days of work, at 7 hours/day)
• The internship is part of an approved internship agreement (Convention de Stage)

Minimum Stipend Rate in 2025

As of 2025, the minimum legal stipend for interns in France remains:

➡ €4.35 per hour (approx.)

Which equals:

• €600–€700 per month (average) depending on working hours
• This amount is mandatory, and companies cannot pay less.

Good news: Many industries—especially hospitality, culinary, tourism, and luxury services—offer higher stipends, including accommodation or meals.

2. Realistic Intern Salary Trends in France (2025)

Stipends vary by industry, city, and company size.
Here’s what students can expect in 2025:

Hospitality & Culinary Internships

Very common for international students.
Average Stipend:
➡ €600–€900/month + meals + sometimes accommodation
Cities like Nice, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Toulouse often offer slightly better perks than Paris.

Corporate Internships (Business, Finance, Marketing)

Competitive and often higher-paying.
Average Stipend:
➡ €900–€1,200/month

Luxury, Fashion & Retail

Paris-based companies often pay near the upper range.
Average Stipend:
➡ €800–€1,000/month

Engineering & Tech Internships

These internships may offer the highest compensation.
Average Stipend:
➡ €1,000–€1,500/month

3. Extra Benefits Many Interns Receive

French companies are known for offering additional perks, especially in hospitality and tourism.

You might receive:

• Free meals during shifts
• Staff accommodation
• Transportation support (Navigo pass reimbursement in Paris)
• Bonuses for performance
• Tips (in hotels/restaurants)
• Discounts on company services

These benefits significantly reduce monthly living costs, especially for non-French-speaking interns doing their first internship abroad.

4. Cost of Living for Interns in France (2025)

Choosing the right city makes a big difference.

Paris

• Highest cost
• Internship stipends often include meal perks
• Accommodation is the biggest expense

Affordable Cities for Interns (Highly Recommended):

• Lyon
• Montpellier
• Lille
• Bordeaux
• Toulouse
• Strasbourg

👉 These locations offer lower rent, easier lifestyle adjustments, and more budget-friendly living.

Read:
🔗 Interning Outside Paris: Best Cities for Affordable Internships in France

5. Taxes & Deductions: What Interns Should Know

Most interns do not pay income tax unless the stipend exceeds ~€20,000 annually (rare for internships).
Also:

• Stipends are not treated as salaries
• No social security charges
• No complex procedures for interns

This makes internships in France highly financially accessible for international students.

6. Are Paid Internships in France Easy to Find?

Yes—especially if you’re applying through trusted agencies like Destiny Calling.

Industries actively hiring interns in 2025:

• Hospitality & hotel management
• Culinary arts
• Retail & luxury
• Digital marketing
• Business administration
• Engineering & IT

Read:
🔗 Finding English-Speaking Internships in France: Real Options for 2026

7. Tips to Negotiate Better Internship Benefits

While the minimum stipend is fixed, perks can be negotiated.
Here’s how:

✔ Highlight your willingness to learn

✔ Mention any multilingual skills

✔ Ask politely about meals, accommodation, or transport

✔ Apply early—companies offer better perks to early applicants

8. FAQs About Intern Salaries in France (2026)

1. Are internships in France paid?

Yes. Any internship over 2 months legally requires a stipend.

2. Can international students receive the stipend?

Absolutely. Payment rules apply to all interns—French or international.

3. Do companies offer accommodation?

Many hospitality companies do. Corporate firms rarely provide housing.

4. Is the stipend enough to live in France?

Yes—especially in smaller cities. Paris may require additional savings.

5. Will knowing French increase stipend opportunities?

Yes. Language skills always help you secure better placements.

Read:
🔗 How Knowing French Boosts Your Internship Chances in Paris

Conclusion

Intern stipends in France for 2025 continue to be structured, reliable, and student-friendly. With clear regulations, competitive allowances, and strong industry demand, internships in France remain one of the best options for international students.

Whether you choose hospitality, business, or tech, France offers real learning, cultural exposure, and professional growth — all while providing a fair and regulated stipend.

Looking for the best internship placements?

 Explore the France Internship Program by Destiny Calling: