Internships in France (Français ->)
France is one of Europe's most active internship markets, with strong demand across luxury and retail, finance, aerospace, and a fast-growing Paris tech scene. Cities like Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse host a mix of global corporations, established French groups, and startups that regularly bring on interns (stagiaires) and alternants (apprenticeship-track students).
Whether you're building out your CV as a student or looking for your first role at a French company after graduation, this page tracks current internship listings across France, updated as new roles come in. Many international companies operate in English, though a working knowledge of French will significantly widen your options, especially outside Paris.
Below you'll find internships filtered specifically for France — browse by role, company, or city, and check each listing for language requirements, visa/work authorization, and duration before applying.
Why intern in France?
French internships are often tightly linked to the education system — a stage is a common, sometimes mandatory, part of business and engineering degrees, and alternance (a work-study track combining paid work with study) is widespread and well-regarded by employers.
Compensation for internships over two months is legally required (a set minimum "gratification" per month), which makes France more structured than many EU countries on this front. Key hiring sectors include luxury and fashion (LVMH, Kering, Chanel), finance (Paris as a major banking hub with BNP Paribas, Société Générale), and a growing tech/startup scene (often called "La French Tech").
FAQ
Are internships in France paid?
Yes — by law, internships longer than two months must be paid a minimum monthly gratification, set by the government and adjusted periodically. Shorter internships aren't legally required to be paid, though many are.
Do I need a visa?
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens don't need one. Non-EU students typically need a residence permit or student visa with internship authorization — check with the French consulate in your country and confirm your school has a convention de stage in place, which is required for any internship in France regardless of nationality.
What's the difference between a stage and an alternance?
A stage is a standard internship, usually a fixed short-term placement tied to your studies. Alternance is a longer-term arrangement where you split time between the company and your school under an employment contract, and it's paid at a higher, regulated rate than a standard stage.