Europe

France

France's VVT lets Australians 18-35 stay 12 months with work rights. Ski seasons in the Alps and summer hospitality on the south coast are typical job markets.

Currency

EUR

1 AUD = 0.6 EUR (mid-market, 2026-05-21)

Cost of living

90% of Sydney

Working Holiday Visa for Australians

Visa Vacances-Travail (Working Holiday Visa)

Age 18-35 | up to 12 months

Smartraveller

Check live advisory

Emergency: 112 (also 17 / 18 / 15)

Working Holiday Visa

Scheme: Visa Vacances-Travail (Working Holiday Visa)
Visa class: VLS-T
Eligible age: 18-35
Max stay: 12 months

Source: france-visas.gouv.fr

Tourist or short-stay entry

Schengen visa-free entry

Up to 3 months. Work rights: none.

Australians can enter the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day window.

Source: france-visas.gouv.fr

Highlights

Three-month minimum, twelve-month maximum; visa is granted before departure.
French Alps (Chamonix, Tignes, Val d'Isere) are major employers for ski-season staff.
Strong cafe and bistro culture in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux for hospitality work.
From France you can easily explore the rest of Schengen for short trips.

Watch outs

French language is often required for non-tourist jobs; Alps resorts speak more English.
Bureaucracy is famous; documents must be translated and often apostilled.
Sécurité sociale (CPAM) registration is mandatory; bring your visa, contract and birth certificate.
Rental market favours long leases and guarantors; Airbnb plus a sub-let pattern is common at first.

Money tips

Boursorama and N26 are the easiest banks to open as a new arrival; BNP and Société Générale want more docs.
Pharmacies are everywhere; over-the-counter meds are cheaper than Australian equivalents.
Tipping is included in the bill ("service compris"); rounding up is optional.
SNCF train fares fall sharply if booked weeks ahead; Carte Avantage Jeune (under 28) gives strong discounts.

Typical costs (AUD)

Hostel bed per night: $55
Budget meal: $22
Mid-range meal: $45
Beer (bar): $9
Public transport day pass: $12

Indicative only. Tourist-zone prices are usually 50-100% higher than local prices.

Practical basics

Power plug: Type E (two pins with hole)
Drives on: Right
Emergency number: 112 (also 17 / 18 / 15)

Sources

Last updated 2026-05-21.