Volunteer Opportunities in France

About Destination and Volunteer Opportunities

ABOUT FRANCE

France is a country in northwestern Europe with access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Alps and the Pyrenees. It is, in terms of history and culture, among the most influential countries in the Western world.

Beyond the capital city of Paris lies an array of natural wonders. The French Alps offer breathtaking views and are perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. The picturesque Provence region entices with its lavender fields and charming villages. The stunning French Riviera beckons with its glamorous resorts such as Cannes and Nice. France is a country with diverse ecosystems, including mountainous regions, plains, wetlands and coastal areas. It is also home to many diverse species of both plants and animals, several of which are endemic to the area.

France has a very rich history and culture. It is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and many iconic figures throughout history have called this country home, including Claude Monet, Victor Hugo and Coco Chanel. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks on Earth and can be found in Paris having been constructed in 1889 for the World’s Fair.

France is also famous for its wine production, particularly in the regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne, among others. French cuisine is renowned for its commitment to using fresh ingredients as well as its incredible flavours. In fact, there is actually a law, “Décret Pain,” that expresses the precise recipes for various traditional French breads in order to ensure proper quality.

Advice before volunteering in France

Although English is widely spoken by most of the population, particularly in tourist areas, having some basic proficiency in French will definitely improve your overall experience, particularly if you are volunteering in a more rural area or will be interacting with local communities a lot. Learning the local language and following local customs, traditions, social norms, etc. will also help to show respect for the local communities. While in France, be sure to take advantage of the time and explore the local attractions, museums and events. For any medical recommendations, check with your doctor and the Pasteur Institute.

How to get a visa to volunteer in France?

EU citizens do not need a visa to volunteer in France. If you are a non-EU citizen wishing to be a volunteer in France, here are the requirements:

  • To come to France to complete a volunteering mission, you must obtain a temporary authorisation to stay (“authorisation provisoire de séjour”, APS).
  • You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid passport that will not expire within three months after your intended departure date.
  • Furthermore, applicants are required to obtain an acceptance letter from an authorised French organisation or association that outlines the details of the volunteering program.

For more information visit:

  • https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/volunteering
  • https://immigration-portal.ec.europa.eu/france-volunteer_en

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN FRANCE

France is a country with a developed healthcare system and infrastructure, but it also has problems with poverty and social exclusion. Volunteer programs in France are therefore focused on providing basic services to vulnerable populations, particularly in urban areas.

France offers a myriad of opportunities for individuals seeking to make a positive impact through volunteering. From cultural preservation and environmental conservation to social welfare and education, there are various avenues where volunteers can contribute their time and skills.

There are so many reasons why you might choose to volunteer in France. In a global context, volunteering promotes cross-cultural understanding, breaking down barriers and fostering connections between people from different backgrounds.

One popular option is volunteering in the field of cultural heritage preservation. With its rich history and diverse cultural landscapes, France provides numerous opportunities to assist in the preservation of historical sites, museums, and art galleries.

Concerning its cultural heritage, you can join a construction project – the restoration of historical heritage. Two of the great things about France are the stunning natural landscapes and the incredible heritage sites to explore. Volunteers can engage in restoration work, organise cultural events.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON FORMS OF VOLUNTEERING IN FRANCE?

The most common form of volunteering in France is community service. One prevalent type of community service in France is volunteering at retirement homes or centres for the elderly. Another popular form of community service in France is volunteering at food banks or soup kitchens.

Discover France with Freepackers volunteer programs!

infos pratiques

Visa

If you are part of the EU, you do not require a visa. If you are from outside the EU, you can stay without a visa for up to 90 days.

Vaccinations

Please check with your doctor or travel clinic in regards to the vaccinations you need for your project destination. You can also check the pasteur institute for the up-to-date health recommendation per destination at

Insurance

For any international project, Freepackers Care requires the subscription of a travel insurance including the coverage of accidents, diseases, repatriation and includes civil liability in case of damage to third parties.

You can subscribe online with our partner CHAPKA, which offers 5% discount with this link. If you subscribe to another insurance, we will ask you to send us a copy of your certificate in English.

For complete protection during studies or an internship abroad, you can subscribe to Cap Student insurance online by following this link. This insurance also includes civil liability in the context of an activity abroad.