How to hire temp workers in Paris – sectors, roles and best practices (2026)

Paris in the context of France’s dynamic interim market

The Île‑de‑France region, centred on Paris, hosts the country’s largest concentration of businesses and remains a magnet for temporary workers. Yet growth is no longer confined to the capital. A 2025 ranking by Interaction Interim shows that Lyon, Nantes and Toulouse lead the list of the most dynamic interim cities, with Paris/IDF ranking tenth[11]. The interim landscape is shaped by regional strengths—logistics hubs, industrial clusters, agriculture and health—and by the sector‑specific demand in each city.

Top 10 dynamic cities – growth rates and key sectors

Below is a summary of the cities that offered the strongest growth in temporary employment between 2023 and 2024, along with their driving sectors:

• Lyon: Logistics hubs (Corbas, Vénissieux) and industrial sectors like chemical and plastics drive Lyon’s leadership; interim employment grew by 4.8 %[11].
• Nantes: Agro‑food, construction (BTP) and shipbuilding fuel demand; missions increased by 4.2 %[12].
• Toulouse: Aerospace (notably Airbus) and high‑tech industries create ongoing needs for technicians; interim jobs grew by 3.9 %[13].
• Rennes: A service‑heavy city also growing in BTP and logistics; demand for interim work rose 3.7 %[14].
• Lille: Strong logistics and retail distribution make it a mass hiring centre; interim employment increased 3.5 %[15].
• Bordeaux: Construction, events and hospitality sectors keep demand high; missions rose 3.1 %[16].
• Marseille: Health, transport and industry create persistent hiring needs; interim hires grew 2.9 %[17].
• Strasbourg: Industrial and medico‑social roles dominate; the city saw 2.6 % growth[18].
• Montpellier: A youthful market driven by services, health and tech; missions increased 2.3 %[19].
• Paris/IDF: Although it has the highest volume of missions, competition for candidates is intense; the region posted 1.9 % growth[20].

These figures show that employers recruiting in Paris must compete with dynamic markets elsewhere. Understanding the local sector mix helps tailor recruitment strategies.

Key sectors and roles in Paris and beyond

• Logistics & distribution. The backbone of the region’s economy. Roles include order pickers, forklift operators, warehouse workers and drivers. Logistics is also the fastest‑growing sector in cities like Lyon, Lille and Rennes[11][21].
• Construction (BTP). Paris and Nantes rely heavily on interim staff for construction projects. Masons, electricians, crane operators and site managers are in high demand[21].
• Manufacturing & industry. Aerospace in Toulouse, chemical and plastics in Lyon, and shipbuilding in Nantes generate steady demand for welders, maintenance technicians and machine operators[21].
• Healthcare & medico‑social. Marseille and Strasbourg need nurses, care assistants and administrative staff; health sectors rely on interim staff for seasonal peaks.
• Hospitality & events. Hotels, restaurants and event venues in Paris and Bordeaux recruit housekeeping staff, receptionists and servers for high season.
• Retail & services. Sales assistants, cashiers and customer service representatives are needed across the region, especially during holidays. Seasonal peaks require flexible staff[21].

Best practices for employers in Paris and dynamic cities

1. Segment your recruitment by city and sector. Use local data to prioritise where to advertise and what skill sets to target. For example, emphasise logistics roles in Lyon, or healthcare roles in Marseille.
2. Specify requirements clearly. Include location, start date, shift pattern and mandatory certifications (e.g., CACES for forklift operators, safety permits for construction) to filter candidates effectively.
3. Leverage digital platforms and local agencies. Digital marketplaces can provide large pools of pre‑screened candidates and fill positions quickly[6]. Combining these tools with local agencies helps maintain personal contact and ensures candidates without internet access are not excluded[3].
4. Anticipate seasonal peaks. Retail, hospitality and logistics face sharp demand spikes (summer tourism, holiday shopping). Begin recruiting one to two months in advance and consider CDI intérimaire contracts, which offer stability for workers while retaining flexibility for employers[21].
5. Promote employer value propositions. High competition in Paris means employers should highlight career development, training opportunities and fair pay. A positive candidate experience improves retention.
6. Ensure regulatory compliance. Use certified digital signatures and secure vaults for contracts and payslips[8]. Respect labour laws concerning working hours, overtime and end‑of‑mission indemnities.

Looking ahead: why strategy matters in 2026

The interim market remains critical: more than 700 000 people hold temporary jobs[1]. Regional growth outside Paris underscores the need for city‑specific strategies. Employers who harness digital platforms, local intelligence and a strong employer brand will secure the best talent.

FAQ

Which French cities offer the most opportunities for interim workers? Lyon (+4.8 %), Nantes (+4.2 %) and Toulouse (+3.9 %) lead the ranking of dynamic cities due to strong logistics, agro‑food and aerospace sectors[22]. Paris/IDF remains the largest market by volume but sees slower growth and higher competition[20].

How can I recruit quickly for peak periods? Start hiring one to two months before expected peaks. Use digital staffing platforms that can fill most positions within hours[6] and maintain contacts with local agencies.

Are there legal constraints on interim hiring? Yes. Employers must ensure contracts are compliant, use advanced e‑signatures[8], respect working time regulations and provide end‑of‑mission indemnities.

Conclusion and call to action

France’s interim market is expanding beyond Paris, with cities like Lyon, Nantes and Toulouse experiencing strong growth. To attract qualified candidates and fill positions quickly, employers must adapt to local sector demands and leverage digital staffing platforms. Ready to build your next team? Contact Morgan to access a nationwide talent pool and tailor your hiring strategy to each city’s strengths.