Each year, L'Etoile offers a unique opportunity by welcoming an intern between June 1st and September 15th.
The internship, lasting a minimum of one month and a maximum of four months, aims to provide an immersive and enriching experience in the overall functioning of the company.
Doing an internship at L'Etoile is like embarking on a great journey. It is a formative adventure where you develop practical skills and solid psychological management. It is also an opportunity to acquire a global vision, take on responsibilities and flourish in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with the attentive support of Philippe.
To fully succeed in this internship, certain qualities are essential from the start: being courageous, motivated, available, open-minded, positive and welcoming.
A versatile and concrete apprenticeship. The intern will actively participate in all aspects of daily life: cooking, reception, maintenance, service, stock management, and even shopping. This variety allows you to acquire versatile skills, essential for understanding the inner workings of a company.
Direct contact with customers also offers an excellent opportunity to practice French and English. Thanks to L'Etoile's unique concept, everyone can communicate simply and naturally, in a relaxed atmosphere conducive to meetings.
A memorable and formative experience.
Everything is meticulously organized so that the internship is useful, complete, enriching and enjoyable. By joining L'Etoile, you will experience an unforgettable professional adventure, rich in learning and human exchanges.
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Khakimova Lara, Samara, Russia
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Xiaojun Zhang (Kunming, China)
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Yutong Wang, Beijing, China
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Florent Galy, Paris
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Ting Wang, Jixian, China & Nabi Rahmat, Pune, India
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Yongsin Bian, Zibo, China
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Hui Shen, Shangaï, China
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Ji Ying, Shangrao, China
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Jingchao, Shangaï, China
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Olga Chulichkova, Caucasus, Russia
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Anna Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Elodie, Versailles
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Angélique Devaud, Pontault-Combault
I had the chance to take part in the L'Etoile adventure… Yes, yes, I did say adventure, because for me, it wasn't just a job, but a real pleasure! For future interns: if you dream of discovering the world of hospitality, don't hesitate for a second to join Philippe. Of course, I'm not going to lie to you: there's work! Between reception, evening service, cooking, maintenance and interactions with customers, it's impossible to get bored. But it's precisely this diversity of tasks that attracted me as soon as I discovered the internship offer.
This internship offers an excellent overview of the life of an individual company and the many aspects that a self-employed person must manage on a daily basis. On a personal level, this experience made me grow enormously. It was the first time I had left the Paris region for such a long period, and it allowed me to gain maturity. On a professional level, I developed essential skills such as autonomy and rigor. And the cherry on the cake: you meet a lot of great people, which makes the experience even more enriching. I have wonderful memories of it and I recommend this adventure without hesitation! Angélique Devaud, University of Marne la Vallée
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I did a three-month internship at L'Etoile, an experience that enriched me both professionally and personally. On a professional level, this internship allowed me to discover in depth the organization and operation of a specific branch of the tourism industry: the guest house. I had the opportunity to put into practice essential customer service skills, such as receptiveness, the ability to quickly analyze a situation and solve problems effectively. This practical application proved decisive for my professional development in the hotel and hospitality sector. On a personal level, this experience was also very enriching. It allowed me to improve my French skills, discover and learn about French cuisine, explore the beautiful region of the South of France, and build valuable relationships.
Among these encounters, I have a special memory of Philippe: a remarkable, talented and caring businessman. By his example, he embodies creativity and positivity, two qualities that inspired me to adopt a constructive attitude to achieve my goals, both professional and personal. I will always have an unforgettable memory of these moments spent with the L'Etoile team. These happy days and this human experience will remain engraved in my memory. Ana Ribeiro Bachelor of Science with Honors in Leisure and Tourism Business at Montclair State University (NJ, USA)
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To reach La Bastide-Puylaurent, I took the train and was amazed by the beauty of the landscapes of this region. Originally, my internship was planned to last a month, but in the end, I stayed there all summer. With Philippe Papadimitriou, the owner of the cottage, an excellent understanding was quickly established. I participated in all the tasks: service, cleaning, welcoming customers, and even in the kitchen. The work was never monotonous. In this profession, team spirit is essential, as is keeping a positive attitude in all circumstances. In the evening, after dinner, we often found ourselves by the fireplace.
Cyclists, travelers and hikers flocked from all horizons: from the Netherlands, Australia, the United States and even Ireland. Talking with them, I felt like I was traveling through their stories. They would get up early in the morning, have breakfast and take some apples with them before leaving. "Thank you for your welcome, and who knows, maybe next time!" they would say as they left. Olga Chulichkova, Langues étrangères appliquées de Metz, Université Nancy 2
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Having arrived in France a year ago and having been learning French for two years, I was lucky enough to land an internship in a French company. When I received Philippe's email informing me that I had been accepted as an intern, I immediately replied "yes" and sent my internship agreement. From June 8, 2009, my life began to change. I had a unique experience. The beginning was not too difficult for me, because as soon as I arrived at L'Etoile, I felt a warm atmosphere, almost like home. Thanks to Philippe, I didn’t feel any stress, unlike what many new employees experience when entering a new environment. During the three months of internship, every day was intense: meeting different clients, learning constantly, and observing everything carefully. These moments allowed me to gain valuable experience. L’Etoile, a very successful individual company, represents an excellent example for me as a student in business administration.
Today, I understand the importance of putting theoretical knowledge into practice. The combination of theory and practice is essential, although it is not an easy task. On the contrary, it is a real challenge, but also an opportunity to surpass oneself. At L’Etoile, we participate fully in all functions: management, organization, and daily operations. Under Philippe’s influence, I have evolved a lot. Where I saw impossibilities, I now see opportunities. Philippe gave me the courage to follow through on my ideas and dare to live the life I want. I don’t know if I will achieve all my goals in the future, but today I have the will and the courage to plan my projects – and that is already a big step forward. During breaks, Philippe and I often have a drink and chat on the terrace. These moments are precious to improve my oral expression, because we talk about various subjects. From time to time, he evaluates my work, which helps me to better understand my progress and my points to improve. In short, this internship offered me an immersion in French life: living like the real French, meeting Europeans, discovering the local cuisine, exploring a beautiful region and enjoying a decent salary. It is an experience that I will never forget, just like L’Etoile and Philippe! Ji Ying, Business Administration, IAE of the University of Poitiers
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When we think about an internship, the first question that often comes to mind is: *How will it happen?* However, we can’t plan or control everything. Often, life decides for us. As a Master’s student in hospitality with about three years of practical experience in large chains like Sofitel and Partouche, I naturally thought I would move towards luxury hotels. It was the logical path. But I had to make a choice: pursue a classic career path or have an experience that would get off the beaten track and broaden my horizons. This decision was not easy. I asked myself: *Would my career absorb me for another three or even ten years? Is this really what I want now?*
I was looking for a different opportunity, capable of making me grow in a different way. So this year, I made an important decision: not to move towards large hotels. I had already accumulated experience in 4 and 5 star establishments. My future was not to end there. That’s when I came across the website of Philippe, who runs *L’Etoile*, a guesthouse nestled in the mountains of southern France. For many hospitality professionals, one day managing their own establishment is a dream. *L’Etoile* seemed to come straight out of a fairy tale: in the photos, a warm atmosphere emanated from each image. You could feel the spirit of a big family, where even the guests seemed to be part of the whole. This touched me deeply. Without hesitating, I sent an internship application. We signed the contract quickly, without me asking too many details about my future missions. After all, to manage a guesthouse, you don’t need to have exceptional expertise: it’s above all a question of experience in the field.
My main challenge, however, lay elsewhere: in human contact. Being part of a generation that communicates more via the internet than in real life, I must admit that direct interactions were a bit destabilizing for me. Add to that the fact that, although I had already lived in France for a year, I still knew little about the country. I spent most of my time in university residences with foreign friends, speaking almost exclusively English. But at *L’Etoile*, life (I prefer to call it *life* rather than a simple internship) was different. As I mentioned, tasks such as service, shopping or maintenance are not particularly complex. Every afternoon, I worked on the promotion and development of the *L’Etoile* website. These missions, although enriching, were not completely new to me: I had already studied these themes. However, this time, I had the opportunity to put my knowledge into practice. These skills will certainly be useful to me for my future projects. Philippe, who manages over 20 websites and has been working in this field for over 15 years, taught me a lot. But what I found even more important was the opportunity to feel comfortable with myself, to gain confidence in my interactions, and to learn how to make people happy while having fun myself. Philippe is a role model. He attracts attention wherever he is and becomes the center of attention at *L’Etoile*. He truly embodies the spirit of this guesthouse. So, ask yourself this question: *What are you really looking for?* If you are not satisfied with your current situation, dare to try something new. You might be surprised. For my part, I discovered new passions, met great people, and even reconnected with the piano! Don’t hesitate. Go to *L’Etoile*. Discover for yourself all that such a place can offer you. Hui Shen, Tourism Management in Nîmes, Vatel Higher School of Commerce and Hospitality
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My Summer School. Finding the words to describe my first internship at L’Etoile was not easy, but after a brief reflection, three came to mind: joy, surprise, and challenge. It is the people that make life so rich, and this is especially true at L’Etoile. The diversity of people I have met here is incredible: each brings their own stories, energies, and perspectives. I was often surprised by the warm and lively atmosphere in the dining room, which could be heard even from the kitchen. At times, it seemed as if the customers had known each other forever. Beyond these moments of surprise and pleasure, there was the challenge, that of the work itself. It was not only a question of accomplishing my missions, but also of executing them well, again and again, while developing myself personally and adapting to those around me. Thank you to all these varied personalities that I have had the chance to meet here. They allowed me to grow, improve my skills and learn valuable attitudes.
Philippe, for his part, is the perfect captain or coach: determined, generous, passionate, with a sense of humor that makes everything lighter. For me, he perfectly embodies the spirit of L’Etoile. These words are not embellished, but sincerely reflect my feelings. My summer internship brought me a lot: not only did it allow me to better understand the French spirit, but it also offered me an immersion in the real world, far from theories and offices. The four months spent at L’Etoile were like a practical summer school: I acquired knowledge at university, but here, I gained life experience. Expressing everything I experienced in a few lines is difficult. I invite you to discover the beautiful photos to better understand where my joy comes from, and one day, to come and live this experience for yourself. Yongsin Bian, Institute of Business Administration (IAE) of the University Montesquieu Bordeaux IV
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An ambitious and formative internship. I had the opportunity to complete a five-month internship at L’Etoile Maison d’Hôtes, an experience that proved to be both demanding and enriching. The main languages used in my work were French and English. My main objective was to put into practice the knowledge acquired during my studies, particularly in the field of business, in order to create a tangible link between theory and practice. This internship allowed me to develop my organizational and managerial skills while familiarizing myself with the customs, values and standards of the business world in France. I also had the opportunity to actively participate in almost all managerial functions of a small company like L’Etoile, an environment where versatility and creativity are essential. On a professional level, this experience was a real adventure. I enhanced my skills in inventory management, e-marketing and, most importantly, customer service. I learned to be available, responsive, enthusiastic and to resolve problems quickly. Every day, I had the pleasure of interacting with an international clientele of cyclists, travelers and walkers from various countries, including Belgium, Germany, Australia, Japan and the United States.
L’Etoile is a concrete example of a successful guesthouse, where theory meets practice. In addition to the experience gained, this internship offered me a unique opportunity to put my creativity to the test, as I touched on many aspects of management. This adventure would not have been as significant without the support and teachings of Philippe Papadimitriou, the passionate and visionary owner of L’Etoile. His expertise, his natural talent for business and his generosity as a mentor inspired me enormously. To conclude, this five-month internship was an unforgettable opportunity. I come out of it enriched on a professional and personal level, grateful to L’Etoile and Mr. Papadimitriou for having offered me this exceptional experience. Rahmat Nabi Ghulam Nabi, International Management, University Montesquieu Bordeaux IV
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These four months of internship allowed me to discover a new potential in myself. At first, I was afraid to express myself in a language that was not mine, which prevented me from communicating confidently. But everything changed over time. Today, I enjoy interacting with customers, and this apprehension is a thing of the past. This transformation was made possible thanks to the patience and support of my superior and my colleagues, who accompanied me, explained, and sometimes even re-explained things with kindness. These efforts paid off: I made great progress.
At school, I had learned the theoretical bases of management, but I had never had the opportunity to really put them into practice. I thus discovered that running a company is not easy. The role of the boss is not limited to knowing the establishment well, here L'Etoile, or choosing the clientele to receive: it also consists of intervening where it is necessary, when it is necessary. This internship taught me an essential lesson: aim for excellence in all things, then ensure through careful checks that this objective is achieved. Ting Wang, International Management, University Montesquieu Bordeaux IV
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I wouldn't know where to start, there is so much to say! From cleaning the rooms to hacky sacking (a surprising activity that I'll let you discover by coming to do a minimum three-month internship!), I learned a lot in this house. With Philippe, Françoise and myself, we formed a great team during these three months. Everything revolves around a central question: how to make people appreciate L'Etoile? The welcome, the cleanliness, the simplicity, the friendliness, the maintenance of the plants, the garden and the house, the good mood... all this creates an incredible balance that, consciously or not, makes this house so special.
Doing an internship at L'Etoile requires, of course, being a hard worker, knowing how to get up early and touching on various areas: cleaning, cooking, working on the internet, or even more physical tasks. But if you have motivation and personal qualities, you will not be disappointed! In addition to work, I had the chance to take countless bike and car rides to discover the region, its hidden corners, its small roads and other owners of lodges and hotels. Above all, I learned the profession: its advantages, its challenges, and I benefited from Philippe's immense experience. In 22 years, he has lived many adventures at L'Etoile, but also incredible moments as a gold prospector or during his Tour de France by bike (so many fascinating stories that you will only discover by coming here!). Here, we live a real adventure, and I cannot praise enough the benefits of such an internship. A huge thank you to Eric, Patrice, and of course to Françoise and Philippe, with whom I learned so much. Finally, it is important to emphasize the perfect complementarity between this practical internship and the theory that we learn in our courses: an enriching experience from all points of view! Florent Galy, BBA ESSEC
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At the end of my first year in France, I came to L'Etoile and spent an unforgettable summer there. I would even say that I learned more in those four months than in a whole year at school. In this text, I want to share my internship experience to give future interns a glimpse of what one can experience here. Every morning, I get up early to prepare and serve breakfast to the guests. Once they have left, I start cleaning the rooms with Philippe: changing the sheets, vacuuming and mopping. Before the nap, we have lunch on the terrace of Françoise, who lives for the season in the small cabin in the garden, on the banks of the Allier river, accompanied by her little dog "Bynti". It is a pleasant moment of relaxation, where the three of us eat quietly, lulled by the singing of the birds and the soothing sound of the river. After the nap, the afternoon is dedicated to working on the internet. Philippe manages a website that lists all the long-distance hiking trails in France (www.gr-infos.com). At the same time, I welcome guests, showing them the rooms they have booked. In the evening, I prepare the cheeses, wine, and other dishes for the meal. At 7:25 p.m., I ring the bell to announce dinner time at the table d'hôtes. When there are fewer guests, we take the opportunity to go for a walk in the surrounding area or do some shopping. For example, we ate in a Chinese restaurant in Puy-en-Velay, tasted the delicious ice cream at the Auberge du Bez, enjoyed a sandwich at Bleymard, and went on a few short hikes in the mountains. Philippe, Françoise, and I form a very close-knit team, almost like a family.
Doing an internship at L'Etoile is a unique experience. It's much more than just a job in the traditional hotel industry. The atmosphere is friendly and harmonious. For example, we light a fire in the fireplace every morning and evening, and for meals, we organize a table d'hôtes where all guests can share a meal together. This allows hikers to discuss their adventures on foot or by bike, and to exchange ideas. Here, I learned to be responsible. I have to help Philippe manage the large L'Etoile family. Little by little, I developed an overall vision, learned to organize work and to be more efficient. I would like to warmly thank L'Etoile and Philippe for this extraordinary experience. Yutong Wang, NEOMA Business School
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From April 15 to October 15, I completed a six-month internship at L'Etoile Guesthouse. For me, it was an opportunity to discover France from a different perspective, far from tourism or student life. Working at L'Etoile requires both courage and confidence, as I had the opportunity to assist Philippe in a multitude of tasks, which required a real team spirit. At first, the adaptation was a bit difficult; I started with simple tasks, but I quickly took on more responsibilities, which allowed me to become more efficient, organized and fulfilled in my work. Each intern arrives at L'Etoile with different objectives, but for my part, one of the main ones was to improve my level of French. To do this, I favored exchanges with customers from various backgrounds, which allowed me to enrich not only my language skills, but also my vision of the world.
This experience also allowed me to discover the hospitality sector, and more specifically that of guest houses. Throughout my internship, Philippe introduced me to people from various fields, such as suppliers, merchants and owners of other accommodations. These exchanges were very enriching and allowed me to learn a lot. Finally, this internship was a real opportunity to broaden my horizons and grow by overcoming daily challenges. In my opinion, if you are really motivated to do an internship at L'Etoile, you will get much more out of it than you expect. Xiaojun Zhang, International Finance, Amiens Business School MBA 2
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I had the chance to do a two-month internship at L'Etoile Guesthouse, and I can say that it was one of the most enriching and memorable experiences of my life. Thanks to Philippe, I learned how to organize myself efficiently, find my work rhythm, and be both serious and responsible. He showed me the importance of working thoughtfully and virtuously, rather than just acting mechanically. If you are thinking of opening your own hotel in the future, the experience gained here will be a considerable asset. I had the opportunity to meet fascinating people and discover the hotel management system, as well as many details that were previously a mystery to me. As a student of international relations, it was a valuable opportunity to meet people from different countries: Germany, England, Belgium, Holland, Australia, the United States, and of course France. I was able to better understand their lifestyles and broaden my horizons.
Every day was an opportunity to learn something new. I participated in various tasks, from reception to cleaning management, service and shopping. Each mission seemed challenging and interesting to me. Philippe always took the time to explain and help me in areas where I had gaps, giving me constant support and the confidence to develop my potential. What also struck me was the importance of mutual trust and stability in professional relationships. For future interns, it is essential to understand that here you must act as if you were the owner of the establishment, adopting a responsible approach to each task, as if it were your own hostel.
This internship allowed me to take an important step in my adult life and I am convinced that this experience will help me to define my professional future more clearly. I would like to thank the entire team for this unforgettable experience, as well as for the wonderful outings in the surrounding area, always full of joyful moments. I had the chance to meet Jeanine, a wonderful woman with whom I shared good times and many discussions. I will never forget La Garde-Guérin, as well as Philippe and Pierre, exceptional bosses. I will also remember Eric, always ready to help, and Serge, from the Genêts bar, for his great generosity. This experience will remain engraved in my memory, and I hope to have the opportunity to return one day. Khakimova Lara, Samara University
L'Etoile Guesthouse is looking for 1 intern for a contracted internship from June 1st to September 15th. Internship in France
Former resort hotel with a garden on the banks of the Allier, L'Étoile Guesthouse is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent, nestled between Lozère, Ardèche, and the Cévennes in the mountains of Southern France. Positioned at the crossroads of GR®7, GR®70 Chemin Stevenson, GR®72, GR®700 Voie Régordane (Saint Gilles), GR®470 Sources and Gorges of the Allier, GRP® Cévenol, Montagne Ardéchoise, and Margeride. It offers numerous loop routes for hiking and day-long cycling excursions. Ideal for a relaxing stay.
