Internship at L'Etoile Guesthouse
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 business.
Doing an internship at L'Etoile is like embarking on a great adventure. It is a formative experience where you develop practical skills and strong emotional resilience. It is also an opportunity to acquire a global vision of a business, take on responsibilities, and flourish in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with Philippe's attentive support.
To fully succeed in this internship, certain qualities are essential from the start: being dedicated, motivated, adaptable, open-minded, positive, and welcoming.
A versatile and hands-on apprenticeship. The intern actively participates in all aspects of daily life: cooking, reception, maintenance, service, stock management, and even shopping. This variety allows you to acquire versatile skills, which are essential for understanding the inner workings of a small business.
Direct contact with customers also offers an excellent opportunity to practice both French and English. Thanks to L'Etoile's unique concept, everyone can communicate simply and naturally in a relaxed atmosphere highly conducive to meeting new people.
A memorable and formative experience. Everything is meticulously organized so that the internship is useful, comprehensive, enriching, and enjoyable. By joining L'Etoile, you will experience an unforgettable professional adventure, rich in learning and human connection.
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I had the chance to take part in the L'Etoile adventure... Yes, I said adventure, because for me, it wasn't just a job, but a real pleasure! To 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 is plenty of work! Between reception, evening service, cooking, maintenance, and interacting with guests, it's impossible to get bored. But it was precisely this diversity of tasks that attracted me as soon as I discovered the internship offer.
This internship provides an excellent overview of life in an independent business and the many aspects that a self-employed person must manage on a daily basis. On a personal level, this experience helped 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. Professionally, I developed essential skills like autonomy and rigor. And the cherry on top: you meet a lot of wonderful people, which makes the experience even more enriching. I have fantastic memories of my time here, 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. Professionally, this internship allowed me to deeply understand the organization and operation of a specific branch of the tourism industry: the guesthouse. I had the opportunity to put essential customer service skills into practice, such as attentiveness, the ability to quickly analyze situations, and solving problems effectively. This hands-on experience proved crucial for my professional development in the hospitality sector. On a personal level, this experience was also incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to improve my French, discover and learn about French cuisine, explore the beautiful region of the South of France, and build valuable relationships.
Among these encounters, I hold a special memory of Philippe: a remarkable, talented, and caring businessman. Through his example, he embodies creativity and positivity—two qualities that inspired me to adopt a constructive attitude in achieving my goals, both professional and personal. I will always cherish the unforgettable memories of my time spent with the L'Etoile team. These happy days and this profound human experience will remain forever etched 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 region's landscapes. Originally, my internship was planned for a month, but I ended up staying the entire summer. I quickly built an excellent rapport with Philippe Papadimitriou, the owner of the guesthouse. I participated in all the tasks: serving, cleaning, welcoming guests, and even helping in the kitchen. The work was never monotonous. In this profession, team spirit is essential, as is maintaining a positive attitude in all circumstances. In the evening, after dinner, we often gathered by the fireplace.
Cyclists, travelers, and hikers flocked from all over: the Netherlands, Australia, the United States, and even Ireland. Talking with them made me feel as if I were traveling through their stories. They would get up early in the morning, have breakfast, and pack a few apples before setting off. "Thank you for your hospitality, and who knows, maybe next time!" they would say as they left.
Olga Chulichkova, Applied Foreign Languages, University of Nancy 2
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Having arrived in France a year ago and after studying French for two years, I was lucky enough to land an internship in a French business. When I received Philippe's email informing me that I had been accepted, I immediately replied "yes" and sent my internship agreement. From June 8, 2009, my life began to change. I experienced something truly unique. The beginning wasn't too difficult for me, because as soon as I arrived at L'Etoile, I felt a warm, home-like atmosphere. Thanks to Philippe, I didn’t feel any of the stress that many new employees experience when entering a new environment. During the three months of my internship, every day was intense: meeting different guests, constantly learning, and observing everything carefully. These moments allowed me to gain invaluable experience. L’Etoile, a highly successful independent business, represents an excellent model for me as a business administration student.
Today, I truly understand the importance of putting theoretical knowledge into practice. Combining theory and practice is essential, though it is no 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 significantly. Where I once 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 massive step forward. During our breaks, Philippe and I would often have a drink and chat on the terrace. These moments were precious for improving my spoken French, as we discussed a wide variety of subjects. From time to time, he would evaluate my work, helping me better understand my progress and areas for improvement. In short, this internship offered me a true immersion in French life: living like the locals, meeting Europeans, discovering the cuisine, exploring a beautiful region, and enjoying a decent salary. It is an experience I will never forget, just like L’Etoile and Philippe!
Ji Ying, Business Administration, IAE, 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 go?* 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 assumed I would move toward luxury hotels. It seemed like the logical path. But I had to make a choice: pursue a classic career track or seek an experience that would take me off the beaten path and broaden my horizons. This decision wasn't easy. I asked myself: *Will my career absorb me for another three or even ten years? Is this really what I want right now?*
I was looking for a different kind of opportunity, one capable of helping me grow in a new way. So this year, I made a significant decision: I wouldn't aim for the large hotels. I had already accumulated experience in 4- and 5-star establishments; my future didn't have to end there. That’s when I came across Philippe's website for *L’Etoile*, a guesthouse nestled in the mountains of southern France. For many hospitality professionals, managing their own establishment one day is a dream. *L’Etoile* seemed to come straight out of a fairy tale: in the photos, a warm atmosphere radiated from every 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 in an internship application. We signed the contract quickly, without me asking for too many details about my future duties. After all, to manage a guesthouse, you don’t need exceptional expertise—it’s above all a matter of practical experience.
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 very 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 like serving, 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, as I had studied these subjects before. However, this time, I had the opportunity to put my knowledge into practice. These skills will certainly be useful 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 true role model. He draws attention wherever he is and naturally becomes the focal point 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 brief reflection, three came to mind: joy, surprise, and challenge. It is the people who make life so rich, and this is especially true at L’Etoile. The diversity of individuals I 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 all the way from the kitchen. At times, it seemed as if the guests 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 matter of accomplishing my tasks but also executing them well, time and time again, while developing myself personally and adapting to those around me. Thank you to all the varied personalities I 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, and passionate, with a sense of humor that makes everything lighter. For me, he perfectly embodies the spirit of L’Etoile. I am not exaggerating; these words sincerely reflect my feelings. My summer internship gave me a lot: not only did it allow me to better understand the French spirit, but it also offered me an immersion into the real world, far from theories and offices. The four months spent at L’Etoile were like a practical summer school: I acquired theoretical knowledge at university, but here, I gained true life experience. Expressing everything I lived through in just 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), Montesquieu University Bordeaux IV
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An ambitious and formative internship. I had the opportunity to complete a five-month internship at L’Etoile Guesthouse, an experience that proved to be both demanding and highly enriching. The main languages used in my work were French and English. My primary objective was to put into practice the knowledge acquired during my studies, particularly in the business field, 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 professional world in France. I also had the opportunity to actively participate in almost all the managerial functions of a small business like L’Etoile, an environment where versatility and creativity are essential. On a professional level, this experience was a true adventure. I honed 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 hikers 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 upon 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 emerged enriched on both a professional and personal level, grateful to L’Etoile and Mr. Papadimitriou for offering me this exceptional experience.
Rahmat Nabi Ghulam Nabi, International Management, Montesquieu University Bordeaux IV
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These four months of internship allowed me to discover a new potential within myself. At first, I was afraid to express myself in a language that wasn't my own, which prevented me from communicating confidently. But everything changed over time. Today, I genuinely enjoy interacting with customers, and that apprehension is a thing of the past. This transformation was made possible thanks to the patience and support of my manager and colleagues, who guided me, explained things, and sometimes even re-explained them with great kindness. These efforts paid off: I made significant progress.
At school, I had learned the theoretical foundations of management, but I had never had the opportunity to truly put them into practice. I thus discovered that running a business is not easy. The role of the boss is not limited to knowing the establishment well, or selecting the clientele: it also consists of stepping in where necessary, whenever necessary. This internship taught me an essential lesson: aim for excellence in all things, and then ensure through careful checks that this objective is met.
Ting Wang, International Management, Montesquieu University Bordeaux IV
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I wouldn't know where to start; there is so much to say! From cleaning rooms to playing hacky sack (a surprising activity that I'll let you discover by doing a minimum three-month internship here!), I learned a great deal in this house. Philippe, Françoise, and I formed a fantastic team during these three months. Everything revolves around one central question: how do we make people appreciate L'Etoile? The welcoming atmosphere, the cleanliness, the simplicity, the friendliness, the upkeep of the plants, the garden, the house, the good mood... all of 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 dabbling in various areas: cleaning, cooking, working on the internet, or tackling more physical tasks. But if you have motivation and good 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 lodge and hotel owners. Above all, I learned the profession: its advantages, its challenges, and I benefited from Philippe's immense experience. In 22 years, he has lived through many adventures at L'Etoile, but also incredible moments as a gold prospector or during his bicycle Tour de France (so many fascinating stories that you will only discover by coming here!). Here, you live a real adventure, and I cannot praise the benefits of such an internship enough. 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 we learn in our courses: an enriching experience from every point 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 here. I would even say that I learned more in those four months than in a whole year at school. I want to share my internship experience to give future interns a glimpse of what they can expect. 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 our afternoon break, we have lunch on the terrace with Françoise, who lives for the season in the small garden cabin 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 a 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 and show them to their booked rooms. 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 communal table. When there are fewer guests, we take the opportunity to go for a walk in the surrounding area or run errands. For example, we ate at a Chinese restaurant in Le Puy-en-Velay, tasted delicious ice cream at the Auberge du Bez, enjoyed a sandwich at Le 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 communal table where all the guests share their food together. This allows hikers to discuss their adventures on foot or by bike, and to exchange ideas. Here, I learned to be responsible. I had to help Philippe manage the large L'Etoile family. Little by little, I developed a global vision, learned how to organize my work, and became 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 mid-April to mid-October, I completed a six-month internship at L'Etoile Guesthouse. For me, it was an opportunity to discover France from a completely different perspective, far from mainstream tourism or student life. Working at L'Etoile requires both courage and confidence, as I had the chance to assist Philippe with a multitude of tasks, which required genuine team spirit. At first, adapting was a bit difficult; I started with simple tasks, but I quickly took on more responsibilities. This allowed me to become more efficient, organized, and fulfilled in my work. Each intern arrives at L'Etoile with different goals, but for my part, one of my main objectives was to improve my French. To do this, I prioritized engaging in conversations with guests from various backgrounds, which allowed me to enrich not only my language skills but also my worldview.
This experience also allowed me to discover the hospitality sector, specifically guesthouses. Throughout my internship, Philippe introduced me to people from various fields, such as suppliers, merchants, and owners of other accommodations. These exchanges were highly enriching and taught me a great deal. Finally, this internship was a true opportunity to broaden my horizons and grow by overcoming daily challenges. In my opinion, if you are genuinely 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 truly 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 a good working rhythm, and be both serious and responsible. He showed me the importance of working thoughtfully and virtuosly, 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 inner workings of hotel management, as well as many details that were previously a mystery to me. As a student of international relations, it was a valuable opportunity to interact with 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 a variety of tasks, from reception and cleaning management to serving and shopping. Each mission felt challenging and interesting to me. Philippe always took the time to explain and assist me in areas where I struggled, 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, just as if it were your own guesthouse.
This internship allowed me to take a major step into my adult life, and I am convinced that this experience will help me 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, which were always filled with joyful moments. I had the chance to meet Jeanine, a wonderful woman with whom I shared good times and many engaging discussions. I will never forget La Garde-Guérin, nor Philippe and Pierre, who were exceptional mentors. I will also remember Eric, always ready to help, and Serge, from the Genêts bar, for his immense generosity. This experience will remain forever engraved in my memory, and I hope to have the opportunity to return one day.
Lara Khakimova, Samara University
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