Work and learn in a medieval castle.
The Château de Belcastel provides a rich opportunity for French-speaking interns to reside in a historical monument in the beautiful Midi-Pyrénées region of France. This medieval castle rises above one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, where festivals, music and fireworks light up the sky in the summer months. Since 2005 the the chateau has been open to the public, and welcomes nearly 30,000 visitors each season to discover its history and the contemporary exhibitions within it.
Built 1000 years ago on a gigantic rock, this magnificent fortress began with a 7th century chapel, and grew over the centuries as generations of knights, nobles and rogues built their legacies within the stronghold. Then the Château‘s story came to an abrupt halt in the late 16th century, when the fortress was abandoned and left to ruin. In 1973, renowned architect Fernand Pouillon discovered what was left of the Château and decided to restore it to its former glory. He devoted eight full years of his life to rebuilding the castle, which later became his home. May 12th, 2012 marks the 100 year anniversary of his birth, and is an officially recognized day in France.
ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Every summer three to four interns, 18 years or older, will be welcomed to reside in the castle. International interns are scheduled for a minimum of 10 weeks and are required to be available from June to September. The chateau provides transportation to and from the airport or train station in Rodez, and weekly shopping excursions to a nearby village.
Interns welcome visitors from around the globe. They become tour guides for groups and learn to assist with many aspects of operating and maintaining a tourist site, including social media, public relations, research projects, promotion and working together with an experienced team of professionals. Each trainee develops a personalized professional project, according to his/her studies and skills, on which he/she works throughout the internship. The chateau is a venue for public and private events such as receptions, concerts, masterclasses and artists in residence.
Interns are scheduled to work 35 hours a week, and receive accommodations in the privatized castle keep. A stipend is provided to each intern bi-monthly to interns working for more than 8 weeks, paid before shopping excursions to a nearby market and village. Interns share their own kitchen as well as a bathroom with laundry facilities and Wi-Fi. They have access to common spaces, including a lounge area, dining room, exterior picnic areas and the private pool, (when unoccupied by suite guests).
LOCAL INFORMATION
Friday evenings from 7 PM to 10 PM in July and August: a market in the village with regional and local specialties. Music and picnic tables are available for all.
Every Sunday morning at 9 AM: Mass in the historical church in the village; carillon bells at 8 AM. Occasional free concerts at the church.
Each year, on the third Sunday of July: a village fete takes place with a country buffet feast and fireworks. Chateau personnel receive complimentary tickets.
In the village of Belcastel, there is a little shop that sells fresh bread and croissants, picnic foods, fruit, and vegetables.
Possibilities for dining out include a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, a lovely little terrace cafe with an outstanding view of the castle and a nearby farm with family style supper.
Transportation is provided weekly to a nearby town for a local market, with time to visit the post office, bank, boulangerie, patisserie, and supermarket.
The city of Rodez, about 20km from Belcastel, has a large market on Wednesdays and Saturdays and a Friday night market as well. Free concerts at the church, and local bus service.
Our team is complete for the 2024 season!
To apply, send your CV, motivation letter and the application form via email: accueil@chateaubelcastel.com
TESTIMONIES
Freya, intern during summer 2023
To put it simply, my summer spent as an intern at Château Belcastel was the best time of my life. Professionally, I found myself taking on tasks that I never dreamed I would be able to do. Seeing events come to life, and being able to play an active role in them, was a particularly fulfilling aspect of the internship for me. Coupled with the variety that comes with working in a medieval château, I felt as though I got to experience a hundred jobs in one! The richness of this summer internship, through professional challenge, immersion in the French language, history and culture, meant that I left Belcastel a different person than when I arrived.
Holly, intern during summer 2023
What an adventure! My summer in Belcastel was an unforgettable experience, not only thanks to the castle's beautiful location in a picturesque Aveyron valley, but above all thanks to the people that I met, all while carrying out a job that was always varied and rewarding. Every day was different, which allowed me to gain skills in tourism, hospitality, catering, and even gardening and event organisation, on top of my main goal of improving my French.
I would recommend the internship to anyone with even the slightest interest in any of the above areas. It's not every day you get to live and work in a medieval castle in the French countryside!
Eléa, intern during 2023 season
My internship at Château de Belcastel was a wonderful experience, through which I was able to evolve as much professionally than personally. I couldn't have wished for a better graduation internship ! I really enjoyed working with an experienced team and strengthening my language skills, as well as exploring and learning all the aspects of a tourism site management. This internship has enabled me to get to know myself better and to define my professional project, in particular thanks to the many projects that are entrusted to the interns, in line with our skills, abilities and preferences. My head and heart are full of wonderful memories of my time at Château de Belcastel with the whole team, and I will be forever grateful to the whole team and for all the contributions this internship has made into my life and how much it will help me for my future !
Erin, intern during summer 2022
My internship at the Chateau de Belcastel was an enriching, educational and fantastic experience. We partook in such a range of activities that I really feel like I learned so many new skills. From social media management to writing, translating and editing, running guided tours and daily operations, I spent the summer throwing myself into the opportunities on offer at the Chateau. A great way to learn about working in a historical site and art gallery, working in Belcastel led me to creative and fulfilling projects, and I am so grateful for the experience.