Enjoying French life in rural Brittany, France

  • Favourited 1104 times
  • Last activity: 27 Mar 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Now looking for help in April '24.

    There will be some gardening and out door work if nature allows us!

    I am looking for people who wish to learn from and enjoy what I offer; an immersion into life here with no fixed hours and many different and varied tasks that daily life here provides. I am not looking for people who wish to impose their way of life on me.

    All to be done with respect, honesty and integrity.

    It is always nice to have someone here to lend a hand and it is always a pleasure to give someone the chance of immersing yourself in my village life. I like walking but it is so much more enjoyable to do this with someone. There are many tracks and paths to explore around the village, also plenty of places a short car ride away.

    There is of course the mushroom season which will mean forest walks. The season can start in May and runs though to November.

    There is also general housework to do as well as usually something to make, paint or repair.

    People say the exchange I offer is more like a home-stay than work and when there is little to do in the garden at certain times there will be very little work to do. It is always great to have people who want to experience life in a small village and are prepared to disconnect themselves from their smart phones for more than 5 minutes! The best exchanges are those with travelers who are curious and open-minded, want to come here to visit and enjoy the region, take part in all aspects of daily life and learn new skills while helping with daily living.

    Great photo opportunities in an area full of hidden treasures to be discovered with your own personal tour guide!

    I consider myself fairly well traveled; USA, Chile, Paraguay, Brazil, Morocco, Thailand, Czech Rep, most of West Europe. and much of this by myself. I have a good understanding of wine having worked for 10 years in the business.
    I am a 62 year old English man settled in France for 21 years.
    I love meeting people who travel! And I know what is wanted and appreciated by fellow travelers. People with musical instruments are especially welcome to join in the monthly `session musicale` in the local bar....

    # Stargazing on clear nights due to lack of light pollution. # Recycling everything to prevent waste.

    So if you enjoy good food, (I am not a vegetarian but I will adapt if you are) good company (I'm told!) you are flexible and would like a relaxed time in my corner of France whilst helping me in varied tasks please apply.......

    NOT SUITABLE for people:
    1. wanting fixed hours with their own agenda for their time off.
    2. If you are not interested in going to events, and generally enjoying what Brittany has to offer. Many of these events can be free and and when not I will help with tickets if needed.
    3. fussy food eaters!

    DISCLAIMER; The jams I make are for personal consumption.
    The mushrooms I collect are personal consumption.
    All voluntary help given to outside events is done for charity or 'not for profit' organizations; no one is paid and under no circumstances will I pay anyone. Voluntary help means helping for free and is very rewarding!!

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Charity Work
    Language practice
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    The Celtic Culture of Brittany which has its own music and dance and its largely unspoilt landscapes could be a very good reason for coming here for many. Travelers have the opportunity to discover the region as I offer to act as tour guide. There are many cultural events especially in the summer, including the 10 day Celtic Music festival in Lorient.
    The chance to learn some cooking and gardening. Jam making and preserving fruit and vegetables. Bread making.
    Learning about wild Mushroom picking has been very popular.
    I speak French and English which gives a chance to non French speakers to have a more relaxed visit.

  • Help

    Help

    I am looking for help renovating a small house. Carpentry skills will be very useful at this time. The renovation should be complete mid May, so after that my needs will change.

    Plenty of seasonal and 'one off' things to do! Conserving vegetables, wild mushroom picking, jam making, etc.

    I would appreciate someone who enjoys walking to encourage me to walk daily!

    If cooking is not your thing please do not worry as I can do it, it is more important that you are a practical person and you think you can help me...

    I prefer a minimum of 2 weeks, however even longer stays are better.

    It would be safe to say that the more you give me the more I give back to you! Sometimes inspiration is the best thing anyone can give me......

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    French: Fluent
    Spanish: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    It would be lovely to learn Spanish!

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    I offer a bedroom with a double bed and an additional area for your use if needed. Shared bathroom with me.

    *️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️ Our meals will be cooked and eaten together, vegetarian if required. Please note that this is an important factor for the harmony of living in one house and is the only thing I insist on with helpers. *️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️ VEGETARIANS are very welcome. I am NOT a vegetarian but adapt if you are!

    My house is situated 2k outside the village of Melrand.

    Melrand is a village with a shop, butcher, baker, chemist, garage, hairdresser, restaurant/hotel and 3 other bars. Situated 30 miles (45km) from the coast and large towns (Vannes, Lorient)
    I speak french and spend as much time with the locals as I can manage. So this could be an opportunity to improve your French, but please do not come here to learn French!

    The main meal is generally had in the evening as this gives more time to cook it.
    I propose local produce when possible as well as from my garden, I very rarely open a tin as it is from fresh produce I make my meals. Certainly no pre-prepared shop bought meals here!
    Vegetarians are very welcome!
    Bed sheets and towels will be provided. I have work overalls and gloves if required. There is a pair of size 39 and 42 boots available as well
    WiFi available.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Plenty to see and do in the area. Sites to visit, music festivals, `fest noz`, excellent area for cycling, village life! A great place to unwind.

    ****!!!! There is very poor public transport for getting around. NO PUBLIC TRANSPORT NEAR MY VILLAGE. Nearest at 18k away.
    I offer to show you the region when having time off.
    If and when the sun shines (summertime!) I like to go to one of the many beaches (work commitments permitting!) which are about 45 mins away and you will be most welcome to come along. Site seeing is also something I offer when there is the time.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    5 hours a day on average 5 days a week

Host ref number: 122717468875

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Accuracy of profile: (5.0)

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