Peaceful rural French life. Organic gardening and sustainable renovation in Najac, SW France

Details

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  Description

  I am Julien, a 45-year-old humanitarian worker who now works from home.
  My background is in Agriculture/Animal Sciences, which reflects my passion for nature and animals.
  After travelling quite a bit around the world and working abroad (in Africa, Asia and I spent the last 7 years in beloved Spain), I settled in this unspoilt part of South West France since a couple of years now.
  I miss travelling to distant places but found out that I can travel through hosting workawayers, which can be the next best thing ;-)
  
  The house is located in the Aveyron province, just a few miles from Najac- officially one of the most beautiful villages of France, and the surroundings have mostly retained its rural French charm within the old stone houses, castles, vineyards, forests, rivers, etc...
  
  The project is to renovate the house using sustainable techniques and material as much as possible, whereas the vegetable garden is being cultivated under an organic & permaculture approach.
  
  This old country house sits isolated on top of a hill and offers a breath-taking view of the surrounding area . It is very peaceful and relaxing (... maybe too quiet for many people !?!?), and although a bit secluded, it's an easy and direct train ride (1.5 hours) to/from Toulouse, the 4th biggest city in France.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  The area is quite authentic and can offer a good glimpse on rural french life- especially if you are accustomed to city-life.
  
  Southwest France is well-known for its welcoming and gentle people, as well as amazing gastronomy and enjoying life as it should be! So you should be able to have a good time and discover a part of France where nature is generous, sustainable lifestyles are spreading, and where outdoor activities are plentiful.
  
  If you want to practice French, escape the buzzle of the city, enjoy the countryside, delicious French food, and help revive a century-old house, send me a "Bonjour" !

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  Help

  The house is slowly being renovated both inside and out. The range of tasks to perform on the house goes from painting, scraping walls, designing and building a sundeck, building stone stairs, and general house maintenance.
  I also like to recycle things and give it new life... I'm a bit of a hoarder but try to keep it under control ;-)
  
  Tasks on the garden would be some planting, mowing, clearing weeds, and maybe feeding some of my animals along the way- a few chickens and 5 mischievous goats!!
  
  People with an interest in cars and mechanics could help fix my old collectible bangers (renault 4L, citroen 2CV...).
  
  Most of the work will probably be done outdoors as the weather in Spring and Summer is usually good (fingers crossed!).
  
  All in all, nothing too difficult; you need an ability for outdoor & manual tasks, and especially a willingness to do & learn things! I will do my best to be around and work as a team.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Russian: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  Accomodation consists of a room with a queen-sized bed. It is simple, rustic, and on the third floor to get a nice green view outside of the window.
  
  There is one bathroom and shower in the house, and it is on the ground floor.
  
  Food is usually home-made, mostly from organic/local ingredients and can be adjusted for any diet (pescatarian, vegetarian...) or taste preferences; of course the kitchen is open to everyone! Meals are shared and the eating schedule is flexible, with usually a light breakfast, large meal at mid-day, and a light supper to end the day.
  
  Lots of good quality products here and it is always great to spend time cooking and then sitting in the grass or around the table with a glass of local wine :-)
  
  The house is a non-smoking environment.

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  What else ...

  Najac is a touristic place and offers a variety of arts, crafts, sports, music and others opportunities during the Summer. Check it out online!
  
  Guests can also enjoy short walks right from the doorstep (one of the Camino de Santiago paths is very closeby), as well as biking or running. Swimming, kayaking, yoga classes and horseback riding can be found nearby.
  
  Every week there is a large producers' market in Villefranche-de-Rouergue (20 minutes away) to buy bread, wine, cheese, vegetables and other yummy food.
  
  You can find second-hand, vintage items or collectables here in the weekend markets, too.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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