Arles Travel Forum

hello guys!
I would like to spend some time in Provence after my studies...just travelling around and enjoying the region. However, as with all students:), I am on a tight budget and need to find work as I travel.
I've heard that it's possible to work even if you're a tourist...just as long as u stay less than 3 months.
Any ideas for work? Like any one of you knows a village cafe that's looking for waitresses or someone looking for a language teacher? I can do English and Mandarin.
And lastly, any ideas for cheap rooms where it's ok to stay for a while?
Lotsa thanks,
Jasmine

Hello. I don't know what kind of jobs you are longing for, if you like perfumes however, you could work as a guide or assistant for Fragonard in Grasse, in Provence. They offer jobs for students I think.
nice greetings.

Bonjour Jasmine,

Avec un visa de touriste, tu n'as pas le droit de travailler en France.
Il se peut toutefois qu'un café voeuille bien t'employer en saison estivale, si tu parles assez bien le français et que tu es jolie mais il prends de grands risques.
Dans la region, il est aussi possible de faire les vendanges (recolte du vin en septembre) sans avoir de papiers car c'est trés penible et peu payé.

Si tu n as pas de solides contacts en France avant de venir cela risque fort d'être difficile.

Jasmine,
I'm sure with your language skills you'll do well, but here is an option you might consider. There is an organization that lists organic farms throughout the world that are looking for volunteer (in exchange for free room and board) workers. This is a good way to spend some time in a given area without spending much money. The website is www.wwoof.com. They charge a small fee to get access to their base of host farms. My daughter woofed in France last year and had a great time. There is a wide variety of situations ranging from bad to fantastic, but my daughter said that you start running into other woofers going from place to place, so you find out which places are great , and which ones you want to avoid. I'm sure there would be several options in Provence, as they grow a lot of lavender. Good luck, and I hope to hear how it goes.
gudwilla