Work and Travel in Maine-et-Loire

WORK IN MAINE-ET-LOIRE ALL YEAR ROUND

Industry
Nearly half of the population of Maine-et-Loire work in industry much of which is associated with clothing and shoes. There is also growth in food technology and plastics. As most of the employment in industrial business is constant and permenant, the opportunities for temporary work are likely to be limited.

Agriculture, Horticulture & Viticulture
Maine-et-Loire is the foremost producer of potted plants, blackcurrants and mushrooms in France and is the the premier horticultural region. This activity provides employment for research, education, producers, distributors, wholesalers, promoters and retailers. There is often seasonal work associated with peaks of activity which will vary according to the crop. Melon and apple picking are big activities and local students will sign up in good time for these short term jobs - however the weather has a lot to do with when harvesting takes place and it can fall outside student holidays.

Viticulture
Wine production is probably the first thing that springs to mind when considering the commercial output of the Maine-et-Loire - rightly so with 22 million gallons produced annually! Whilst many of the tasks associated with wine production would require experience, temporary work is available.

Tourism
The Loire is apparently the most popular tourist destination in the world and it passes right through the middle of Maine-et-Loire. The area is a particular favourite with biking tourists and the region has developed a very positive attitude and infrastructure to meet the needs of this tourism group. Tourism employment is certainly seasonal and can be in accommodation, food & drink, entertainment, arts & culture, outdoor activities etc. Providers will be gearing up in the spring and will need additional help with preparations and then in the long summer the attention would be more focussed on the provision of services.

SEASONAL WORK IN MAINE-ET-LOIRE

SPRING

What kinds of work are available in the spring time in Maine-et-Loire. Remember to keep work that is all year round in the section above and not mention it again here.

SUMMER

The work that is needed by hosts in the summer in Maine-et-Loire

AUTUMN

What kinds of work are there in Maine-et-Loire in autumn? Maybe it's harvest time, but do people need the help of foreigners for either cheap labour or expertise? This is the kind of thing we need to know here.

WINTER

Probably the trickiest months in which to find temporary work as the area's commercial activity is dominated by seasonal agriculture and tourism. There is still work to be had as the winter months provide the time to repair, renovate, decorate, improve and prepare!

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING IN MAINE-ET-LOIRE

It is impossible to generalise as attitudes are more likely to be personal than geographic in Maine-et-Loire.

As part of the EU France has embraced european mobility and many recognise the values of exposure to alternative ways of thinking and doing! That having been said, it is likely that most employers would want you to do what you have been asked to do in the way you have been shown! There will however be situations where your experience and skill would be greater than those of the employer and generally people of Anjou are receptive! A little humility can be a be help in developing relationships as the locals are probably less travelled, less tekky and clearly less adventurous than those passing through.