More than 700 young hopefuls flocked to respond to an online ad to work as "creamers" in Les Sables d'Olonne, a prized French resort, with a shortlist of 10 battling it out in face-to-face interviews with tourism officials this week.
Estelle, a 22-year-old trainee osteopath from the western city of Nantes, was described by jury members from the tourist office as "dynamic," serious about health and with a "proven interest in seaside activities and nightlife."
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Maksim, a football whizz and maths student from Marzy in central France, was chosen for "his interest in the mission of 'creamer', his command of foreign languages and his qualities as a serious sportsman."
From July 10 to August 22 the pair will share a small booth on the vast Sables d'Olonne beach, dishing out sun protection advice and cream samples, for a pay check of 850 euros per week.
But the local tourist office has dampened the hopes of beach-lovers hoping for a free all-body massage.
Parents can bring children along for a head-to-toe rub, but adults will have to make do with a brush on the upper back and forearms to avoid potential embarrassment for the tourists, or their student pamperers, said the job ad.
