Hospitality in France

France

Location

3-12 months

Duration

18-35

Age

Working Holiday Visa

Visa

Year-round

Dates

The Ultimate French Gap Year & Career Break

Hospitality in France

Ever dreamed of trading your morning commute for a view of the French Alps? Or spending your summer perfecting your French in a sun-drenched village? Our Hospitality in France program is designed for adventurous Canadians aged 18–35 who want more than just a vacation.

This is more than just a trip; it’s a full-immersion experience. We take the guesswork out of moving abroad by securing your guaranteed job placement and housing before you even clear customs. Whether you’re a hospitality pro looking to level up your resume or a first-timer ready to dive into a new culture, we’ve got your back.

Most placements are offered year-round.

Min. duration is 6 months; 3 months is possible if July & August are included.

Placements in mountain regions are typically from November to March. Summer placements may be possible but are highly profile-dependent.

ADVANTAGES OF THE HOSPITALITY PROGRAM IN FRANCE

Visa Support: Step-by-step guidance throughout your visa process.

Global Career Boost: Strengthen your CV with world-class French hospitality experience.

Financial Security: Guaranteed pay plus subsidized housing and meals.

Language & Culture: Improve your French while living the authentic Art de Vivre.

Built-in Community: Live and connect with an international staff community.

Adventure-Ready Locations: Work near ski resorts or in the French countryside.

WHY CHOOSE FRANCE?

France is the ultimate classroom for hospitality and adventure. For a young Canadian, this program offers a rare chance to earn Euros while mastering the “Art de Vivre” in a country famous for its world-class gastronomy and stunning landscapes. Beyond the professional edge of having international experience on your resume, you’ll benefit from a high standard of workers’ rights, subsidized living costs, and a gateway to the rest of Europe. Whether you’re carving through fresh powder in the Alps on your day off or sipping espresso in a sun-drenched village square, France provides a lifestyle that perfectly balances hard work with unforgettable exploration.

Location & Accommodation

Our placements take you beyond the typical tourist trails and into the heart of France’s most stunning regions. Depending on the season, you could find yourself working in a world-class ski resort in the French Alps or Pyrenees, or settled in the picturesque French countryside. While we take your personal preferences into account, we encourage flexibility; most roles are located in rural or resort settings rather than major cities, offering you a truly authentic immersion into the French way of life and its breathtaking natural landscapes.

To make your transition as seamless as possible, all placements include employer-organized housing, typically located on-site or very close to your workplace. This is shared staff accommodation, which fosters a great social atmosphere and a sense of community with fellow international travelers. Housing is functional rather than luxury (typically costing between €90–€130 per week), and you will share spaces like the kitchen and bathroom with others. However, it provides an affordable and convenient home base, allowing you to bypass the complexities of the French rental market and save more of your earnings for travel.

Your Potential Role

In this program, you will step into a fast-paced environment where you are an essential part of the team. Whether you are perfecting the art of service as a Server or Bartender, managing the heart of the house as a Commis Chef, or ensuring guest comfort as a Housekeeper, your role is key to delivering excellence.

Language requirements by role/region:

General roles: English is sufficient
Mountain regions: French is a strong advantage
Receptionist role: fluent French required

You’ll work full-time hours between 35-48 hours per week, which will include evening and weekend shifts. It’s important to be prepared!

French language skills are not mandatory but strongly recommended for this program.

Ready to launch your hospitality career while immersing yourself in French culture? Apply for the hospitality program in France today!

A paid full-time job placement in hospitality

Shared staff housing organized by the employer (typically €90–€130 per week)

Meals provided during working hours

Step-by-step guide on how to apply for your Working Holiday visa

Personal support from our travel advisors prior to your departure

What’s not included:

Flights and other travel costs

Visa fees

Personal expenses

Travel health insurance (mandatory)

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Eligible for the Youth Mobility Visa for France (more details below)
Hospitality experience is strongly preferred for Mountain regions
Language requirements
- General roles: English is sufficient
- Mountain regions: French is a strong advantage
- Receptionist roles: French fluency required
Available for minimum 6 months during the year, or 3 months if July and August are included.
Candidates must be open-minded, genuinely motivated, and willing to live in shared staff housing for the duration of their work.
Flexibility in terms of role and location significantly improves placement speed.

Please note that mountain regions are more competitive. Candidates generally need relevant hospitality experience and ideally French language skills. Candidates who do not meet these criteria may still be considered, but openness to placements in other regions of France will be required.

YOUTH MOBILITY VISA ELIGIBILITY

Be between the ages of 18 and 35 (inclusive)
Hold a Canadian passport, issued less than 10 years ago, and that is valid for at least three months after the end date of your visit
Have never benefited from this visa or the other two types of visa under the Youth Mobility Agreement
Provide proof of sufficient financial resources to provide for any initial expenses at the start of your stay and to leave the country at any time during your stay
Have a clean police record
Not be accompanied by any dependants
Have a return flight ticket, or enough funds to prove this can be purchased
Have travel health insurance

Depending on the season, you could find yourself working in a world-class ski resort in the French Alps or Pyrenees, or settled in the picturesque French countryside. While we take your personal preferences into account, we encourage flexibility; most roles are located in rural or resort settings rather than major cities, offering you a truly authentic immersion into the French way of life and its breathtaking natural landscapes.

Are the jobs paid?

Yes, all jobs are paid. Compensation begins from €12.02/hour.

How is accommodation arranged?

Your employer will arrange accommodation. Cost is typically €90–€130 per week. Exact details will be confirmed prior to arrival.

How long can I stay in France?

The France working holiday visa granted to Canadians are for up to 12 months. As a Canadian, you can extend your working holiday by another 12 months, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

Can I participate without professional experience?

Depends – most locations can accept applicants with limited hospitality experience. If the job location is in the mountain regions (like the French Alps or Pyrenees), hospitality experience with French fluency is strongly preferred since it is also very competitive.