French Heritage Society

French Heritage Society

Preserving our historic treasures to inspire future generations

France

Basilique de Vézelay – Internship

Dec 11, 2025
Internship Description This internship offers graduate students in architecture, art history, or the humanities the opportunity to train as cultural mediators, bridging 21st-century visitors with a 12th-century architectural masterpiece. The training period includes an in-depth introduction to the Basilica of Vézelay—an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site—along with instruction from a dedicated tutor on how to […]

Basilique de Vézelay – Internship

Internship Description

This internship offers graduate students in architecture, art history, or the humanities the opportunity to train as cultural mediators, bridging 21st-century visitors with a 12th-century architectural masterpiece.

The training period includes an in-depth introduction to the Basilica of Vézelay—an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site—along with instruction from a dedicated tutor on how to lead a two-part guided tour. Training also includes workshops in public speaking and the study of relevant reference materials.
After this preparatory work, the intern will lead guided tours for individuals and groups at the Maison du Visiteur (the Visitor Center) and inside the Basilica. The intern will join a multidisciplinary team specializing in heritage mediation, sharing a daily team lunch. Several hours each week are reserved for personal research in the “scriptorium,” a late-12th-century room within the research center.

Throughout the internship, the candidate will deepen their understanding of Romanesque art, architectural symbolism, construction techniques, and the historical context of Vézelay—while exploring the contemporary relevance of this medieval heritage.

Responsibilities

  • Guide members of the public at the Maison du Visiteur, the Visitor Center, and inside the Basilica.
  • Welcome, inform, and advise visitors regarding tours.
  • Manage ticket sales through the ticketing software and process payments.
  • Advise on and sell items in the gift shop.
  • Support the daily upkeep and maintenance of the premises.

About Vézelay

For over 900 years, the ancient abbey church of Vézelay has crowned a hilltop in Burgundy. Throughout the year—particularly at the solstices and equinoxes—the sun interacts with the stone architecture to create remarkable light effects.
Dedicated to Mary Magdalene, Vézelay has been a major meeting point for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago since the Middle Ages. Elevated to the rank of Basilica in 1920 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, it welcomes over one million visitors annually.

Art lovers, historians, pilgrims, tourists, and visitors from around the world climb the hill seeking beauty, meaning, inspiration, or renewal in this masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.

Application Procedure

Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Résumé
  • Cover Letter
  • Case Study (500 words):
    “Discuss effective communication strategies to engage the younger generation with a historical exhibition. “


Petit Palais

Nov 3, 2025
A curatorial internship offering hands-on experience in decorative arts research, cataloguing, and exhibition preparation within one of Paris’s most prestigious fine arts museums.

Petit Palais

Internship Description
The purpose of this internship is to offer graduate students specializing in decorative arts an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in curatorial research and collection management within one of Paris’s most prestigious fine arts museums.

Working closely with the curatorial team, the selected intern will assist with research, documentation, and exhibition preparation related to the museum’s decorative arts collections. Tasks may include cataloguing objects, consulting archives, and contributing to the development of interpretive materials for upcoming displays. Interns will also have the opportunity to attend curatorial meetings and observe the day-to-day organization of a major museum dedicated to both heritage and innovation.

This internship provides a unique opportunity to deepen one’s understanding of decorative arts history, materials, and techniques, while exploring the curatorial challenges of presenting these works to a broad public.

About the Petit Palais
The Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, was built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition and houses an exceptional collection spanning Antiquity to the early 20th century. Its holdings include remarkable examples of French decorative arts, from 18th-century furniture and ceramics to Art Nouveau masterpieces by artists such as Gallé, Guimard, Lalique, and Carriès. The museum’s luminous architecture and landscaped courtyard garden make it one of Paris’s most elegant settings for the study and display of the decorative arts.

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Case study:
    Write and submit a case study (500 words): Analyze how the choice of materials in decorative arts—such as glass, ceramics, or metalwork—contributes to the aesthetic and symbolic impact of an object.
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Musée d’Orsay

Nov 3, 2025
A graduate-level curatorial internship offering hands-on experience in exhibition research, cataloguing, and curatorial practice within one of the world’s foremost museums of 19th-century art.

Musée d’Orsay

Internship Description
The purpose of this internship is to provide graduate art history students aspiring to a curatorial career with an in-depth understanding of curatorial practice within one of the world’s leading museums dedicated to 19th-century art.

The successful candidate will work closely with the curatorial team, gaining first-hand experience with the research, cataloguing, and preparation of temporary exhibitions devoted to French and American painting of the period. The internship will also offer exposure to curatorial meetings and to the broader communication strategies that support the museum’s mission.

Through these activities, interns will gain valuable insight into the daily responsibilities, decision-making processes, and creative challenges involved in exhibition planning and collection research at a major international museum.

About the Musée d’Orsay
Housed in the former Gare d’Orsay railway station on the banks of the Seine, the Musée d’Orsay holds the world’s richest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, alongside major works of sculpture, photography, decorative arts, and architecture from 1848 to 1914. Its collection includes celebrated paintings by Berthe Morisot, Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh. The museum stands as an essential reference for the study of modern art and its transatlantic dialogues.

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Case study:
    Write and submit a case study (500 words): Discuss how the exchange between French and American artists in the late 19th century shaped the development of Impressionism and modern art.
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Château de la Mazure

Nov 3, 2025
A hands-on horticulture internship in the historic kitchen garden of the Château des Langues, offering practical training in organic cultivation and sustainable garden management.

Château de la Mazure

Internship Description
This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in horticulture within the kitchen garden of a historic château located in Forcé, in the Mayenne department. Interns will work alongside the gardening team to maintain and develop the vegetable garden that supplies the château’s kitchen, learning about seasonal cultivation, soil management, and sustainable growing practices.

Throughout the internship, the successful candidate will acquire hands-on knowledge of horticultural techniques such as planting, weeding, harvesting, pruning, composting, and general garden maintenance. This immersive experience provides insight into the day-to-day management of a productive garden that supports a historic site dedicated to education and cultural exchange.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist with daily horticultural tasks including planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, and pruning.
  • Contribute to the care and development of the kitchen garden, ensuring plant health and productivity.
  • Learn about organic and sustainable gardening practices adapted to local conditions.
  • Help prepare garden produce for use by the château’s kitchen team.
  • Work collaboratively with the gardening staff to maintain high standards of presentation and sustainability.

This internship provides valuable experience in the maintenance and management of a working kitchen garden within a heritage setting, combining practical horticultural training with sustainable land stewardship.

About the Château des Langues
Located in Forcé, Mayenne, the Château des Langues is a historic estate that hosts intensive language immersion programs in a residential setting. Surrounded by extensive grounds and gardens, the château promotes cultural exchange and sustainable living. Its kitchen garden plays a central role in daily life at the château, providing fresh, seasonal produce and offering an ideal environment to explore the principles of horticulture and responsible cultivation.

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Two letters of reference

Jardin des Plantes

Feb 14, 2025
Gain hands-on experience in gardening and landscaping practices at one of Paris’ most iconic public gardens.

Jardin des Plantes

Internship Description
This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in gardening and landscaping practices within one of Paris’ most iconic public gardens. Interns will work closely with the horticulture team, participating in essential gardening tasks and contributing to the overall maintenance and beautification of the garden.

Throughout this internship, the successful candidate will develop a comprehensive understanding of horticultural techniques, such as weeding, pruning, soil preparation, plant grooming, and general garden care. This immersive experience will also provide insights into the operations and management of a historic public garden that blends scientific research with public enjoyment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist with key horticultural tasks, including weeding, pruning, soil preparation, and plant grooming.
  • Contribute to the overall maintenance and care of various garden sections, ensuring a high standard of presentation and health for the plants.
  • Gain experience in the management of diverse plant species and garden areas, including thematic plantings and specialized spaces.
  • Work alongside the horticulture team to understand sustainable gardening practices and conservation efforts.
  • Support the daily operations of the garden and assist in special projects designed to enhance the visitor experience.

This internship provides valuable experience in the preservation and maintenance of a historic public garden, offering a chance to apply horticultural knowledge in a real-world, scientifically-driven environment.

About the Jardin des Plantes
The Jardin des Plantes, established in 1626, is a cornerstone of Parisian heritage and remains one of the most prestigious botanical gardens in France. Located in the heart of Paris, this vibrant space is part of the National Museum of Natural History and serves as both a public garden and a hub for scientific discovery. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including a historic menagerie, diverse greenhouses, and specialized exhibition halls such as the Mineralogy and Paleontology Galleries. The garden is a living laboratory, offering a unique opportunity to study and experience plant life in a historically rich setting.

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Case study :
    Write and submit a case study (500 words): Discuss the impact of botanical gardens on urban communities

Opéra de Paris

Feb 7, 2025
Work closely with historical costume artifacts and gain hands-on experience in museum and archival practices.

Opéra de Paris

About the Costume Heritage Department:

The mission of the Costume Heritage Department of the Opéra de Paris is to store, inventory, and preserve the Paris Opera’s extensive collection of stage costumes and accessories. A significant part of their work involves safeguarding retired costumes from the repertoire. Within their archives, they maintain a collection of approximately 300 opera jewelry pieces dating back to the 19th century, some predating the construction of the Palais Garnier.

Internship Overview

The Costume Heritage Department at the Opéra de Paris is seeking a dedicated and meticulous intern to assist with the preservation, documentation, and research of its opera jewelry collection. This internship provides a rare opportunity to work closely with historical costume artifacts and gain hands-on experience in museum and archival practices.

Responsibilities:

  • Reference each jewelry piece in the Dièse software after assigning an inventory number in the form of a barcode.
  • Create appropriate packaging for the jewelry following preventive conservation standards.
  • Conduct research to identify the productions from which these pieces originated and compile a dedicated documentation file.
  • Assist in the general organization and storage of the costume collection.
  • Collaborate with costume conservation specialists to implement best preservation practices.

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Case study :
    Write and submit a case study (500 words): Discuss the role of costumes and accessories in the performing arts.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Feb 7, 2025
Collaborate on two key archival projects as part of a campaign to enhance Vaux-le-Vicomte's collection visibility.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Internship description

As part of a campaign to enhance the visibility of the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte’s archival collections, two key projects—an inventory and a digitization initiative—are to be undertaken.

The “Sommier” archive collection, which documents the history of the family and their establishment at the château, provides a remarkable account of family life on the estate and the evolution of its architecture and collections between 1875 and 1967. Comprising around twenty boxes of archives, this untapped resource requires a full inventory. This work will be closely linked to the planned publication of a book dedicated to the château’s collections and the family’s history.

The archival collection of the Association des Amis de Vaux-le-Vicomte is the focus of a digitization campaign aimed at increasing accessibility to these materials and showcasing their historical significance. The goal is to make these documents available online via the Association’s website. This collection, which includes fascinating archives from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, is deeply tied to the history of the château but remains largely underutilized today.

The intern will work closely with the conservation officer on both projects. Their responsibilities will include:

  • Conducting a detailed inventory of all documents within the “Sommier” archive boxes, following the classification framework established by the conservation officer.
  • Identifying documents relevant to the publication on the château’s collections and history.
  • Communicating with the authors contributing to the book to provide them with documents that could enrich ongoing research.
  • Using specialized equipment to digitize selected archival materials from the Association des Amis de Vaux-le-Vicomte’s collection.
  • Exploring different methods for making these archives accessible and engaging on the Association’s website and presenting proposals for validation by the President of the Association and the conservation officer.
  • Managing the online publication of these materials and ensuring their accessibility for digital consultation.
  • Hosting a presentation for the Association des Amis de Vaux-le-Vicomte to share insights from the project and contribute to the broader effort of promoting both the archives and the digitization work.

About Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Designed between 1658 and 1661 for Louis XIV’s Superintendent of Finances, Nicolas Fouquet, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is an architectural masterpiece born from the collaboration of three iconic 17th-century artists: architect Louis Le Vau, landscape designer André Le Nôtre, and painter Charles Le Brun. Open to the public since 1968, the château and its gardens house a remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, engravings, and decorative arts.

For several years, the Vogüé family has been dedicated to the professional management and preservation of this collection and its reserves. Significant initiatives have already been undertaken, including a comprehensive inventory, the development of a preventive conservation strategy, and the monitoring of temperature and humidity variations in the exhibition rooms. However, much work remains to be done. The addition of an intern would provide valuable support in advancing the project to showcase and enhance the collections, including those belonging to the Association des Amis de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Case study :
    Write and submit a case study (500 words): Explore the influence of the castle on French art and architecture of the 17th century.

Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris

Jan 29, 2025
Develop an in-depth understanding of the complexities and decision-making of curating a major city museum.

Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris

Internship Description
The purpose of this internship is to provide mature art history students who intends on pursuing a career in curation with an in-depth understanding of the complexities and decision-making process of the Carnavalet Museum.

The successful candidate will have an opportunity to participate in curatorial business meetings and work closely with the curator and her staff in a variety of tasks including parsing through archives and files, cataloguing and researching in the unique museum called “the Paris City Museum”. 

About the Musée Carnavalet
Conceived as a true journey into the past and present of Paris, the museum’s presentation exhibits the greatest historical treasures of the museum, from prehistory to the present. Paintings, sculptures, furniture, woodwork, objets d’art, historical objects, signs, photographs, drawings, engravings, posters, models, medals, coins and archaeological collections retrace the history of Paris in a unique way: it is at once historical, documentary, emotional and close to the heart of all Parisians. 

Application Procedure
Complete the online application and submit the following:

  • Case study
    Write and submit a case study (500 words): Discuss effective communication strategies to engage the younger generation with a historical exhibition.
  • Resume
  • Cover letter