updated  

Eco friendly and sustainable way of life and looking after animals in Pays de la Loire, France

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are a retired couple trying to live a simple, reasonably self sufficient way of life.
    This is a great place to start a retreat, rethink and readjust to a different way of life. You can be alone and not lonely and learn how to leave a lot of what we take for granted in the modern world behind.
    We have created an eco friendly small holding and renovated a French farmhouse with two and a half hectares of land. We keep sheep,& chickens ,and a doggy
    Although the property and surrounding land has been worked on for the 20 years we have been living here it needs ongoing maintenance and further renovation ,
    At this time there ‘is clearing, cleaning and mulching in the gardens. There is weeding and division of plants and taking cuttings
    We need wood stacked and brought into the barn for winter.
    In the vegetable beds and fruit garden there is always work to be done preparing for next year and preserving and jam making to do.
    We have a well stocked art room which helpers are welcome to share.
    Helpers who want to improve their English language skills are welcome.
    We have bikes for time off but bring your own helmet if you wish, the area is great for walking and you could join local walking groups.
    We are situated in a very small village of less than 200 citizens in the Mayenne département.
    The surrounding area is very peaceful , mainly farms and countryside with several small villages. It is well situated for visits to Le Mans, Paris, Rennes , Nantes and ferry ports to GB.
    We want people who want to experience a peaceful and simple way of life , working the land , the gardens ,orchards and looking after a few animals.
    We try and prepare and preserve as much of our own food as we can and are happy to pass on these skills.
    We have worked organically for 30 years here and over the last decade we have increasingly tried to use organic and permaculture methods. We recycle and reuse as much as we can and we’d love you to join us and hope we can share and learn from each other.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    We have found that helpers have enriched our lifestyle and we hope we have added to their ongoing experiences.
    We speak mainly English, but are fully immersed in our French lifestyle and language.
    You can join our painting class or cycle, walk or canoe on our two small lakes.
    There are many historical towns, sites ,museums in the area.
    The peaceful countryside is great for birdwatching, cycling or walks to enjoy the flora and fauna.
    Don’t expect shopping or clubbing in this venue.

  • Help

    Help

    We want people who are willing to help at building and growing produce organically and
    are willing to participate and embrace a simple lifestyle. We are looking for people who don't mind getting their hands and boots dirty.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    French: Fluent
    Italian: 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.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    We offer you your own bedroom with a toilet and ensuite tiny bath and your own space attached to make tea or coffee.
    We provide sheets, towels and a selection of work clothes, boots and gloves if needed.
    We love to cook and can provide good meals for meat eaters, vegan, vegetarian and other religious specific diets. We eat as a family.
    Much of our food is home grown.
    Meals are served and shared together except breakfast which is provided but you serve and cook ,if needed, by yourself.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    We can pick up from EVRON and MAYENNE .
    Public transport close by is practically non existant , so we can pick you up at the nearest station which is Evron. There is a local community bus and bikes are available here on site. Workers are welcome to get a lift with us anytime we go out. Many helpers use BLABLA car or partial Ouibus or Flixbus to get to Le Mans and then the TER train to Evron. If you have your own transport it’s possible to have a couple of days off on long stays to visit places of interest further away, Paris or M’ont St Michel, Nantes or Rennes for example.
    Lots of local historical sites/ museums. Best Roman museum ,Jublains.

  • 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

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We have had people who have continued with their online jobs part time providing the time difference is compatible and the employer adaptable.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Fields and a gravelled hard standing. Washroom and toilet in the house although it would be easier if you have your own toilet.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    This is conditional on the pet being well trained and able to get on with our female Catalan Sheepdog and trained to accept sheep and chickens. Dogs should have their own crate for sleeping in.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

Host ref number: 814781235721

Website Safety

Feedback (32)



Photos

The image depicts a serene scene of a tranquil body of water, likely a lake or river, surrounded by lush greenery and trees, with a few boats visible on the water\'s surface.
The image depicts a serene forest path, flanked by trees and bushes, with a carpet of fallen leaves, leading to a distant point, evoking a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.
The image depicts three individuals engaged in yard work, with two using rakes and one tending to a fire in the background, surrounded by trees and a grassy field.
A person is paddling a canoe on a river, surrounded by trees and rocks, with a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The water is clear and the sky is blue. The scene is serene and idyllic.
A serene scene: a woman sits on the shore of a body of water, surrounded by trees, with a small boat in the background, evoking a sense of tranquility and relaxation.
The image depicts a woman standing in a kitchen, engaged in cooking, with a stove, oven, and sink visible, surrounded by various kitchen utensils and appliances.
A person in a blue jumpsuit stands in a field, holding a large bundle of roots, surrounded by trees and grass, with a clear blue sky above.
The image depicts a serene scene of two individuals walking on a paved path, surrounded by lush green grass and trees, with sheep grazing nearby.
The image depicts a serene river with a lush green hue, flanked by trees and a rocky cliff, set against an overcast sky.

Feedback

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(5.0)









































Help on my land and gardens in the medieval village of Lanet, France
Share our home and learn about our way of life in Savoie, France