Getting in with Herme is going to be a very difficult task. There is literally a line of people wanting to stage at his places. Last year, a couple of my friends did two month stints at Herme. I don't want to discourage, because I would love to stage there too. But they told me they didn't get to do much. And a shock to them, many of the processes were automated. Paris has many great pasty and chocolate shops. Go to a place and see and taste the work they do. Talk with the person behind the counter. Ask to talk with the patissier. You never know what could happen. I personally think you can learn much more at a smaller shop. There are less employees which means more duties spread to less people.