The image depicts a charming two-story stone house with a slate roof, adorned with red shutters, a red door, and a lush green vine, set against a light gray background.
The image depicts a group of goats grazing in a grassy field, with trees in the background, showcasing their unique coat patterns and colors.
A man mows a grassy field with a yellow and red lawnmower, wearing a green shirt and yellow hard hat, set against a picturesque rural landscape.
The image depicts a group of people engaging in an outdoor yoga session, with mats scattered on the ground and trees serving as a serene backdrop.
The image depicts an old stone house with a grey roof, red door, and window shutters, adorned with purple wisteria vines and surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers.
The image depicts a rural landscape with rolling hills, trees, and a stone barn, set against a cloudy sky. The scene is serene and peaceful.
A person walks on a path, surrounded by trees and bushes, with a body of water in the background, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The scene is likely a park or nature reserve.
The image depicts a serene landscape featuring a herd of cattle grazing in a field, with rolling hills and a clear sky in the background, evoking a sense of peacefulness and tranquility.
The image depicts a horse-drawn carriage, likely for transportation or leisure, with two horses harnessed to the carriage, conveying a sense of elegance and sophistication. The scene is set against a natural backdrop.
The image shows a group of people working together to harvest crops, with a large machine and a pile of harvested crops in the background, conveying a sense of community and productivity.
The image depicts a lively scene of a street performance, with a group of musicians playing instruments and a crowd of people watching, set against a backdrop of a city street.
The image depicts a man standing in front of a rustic stone building, wearing blue overalls and a cap, with a vintage car parked inside the structure behind him.
The image shows a garage with a car and a truck, featuring a large window and a door. The interior is cluttered with boxes and other items. The walls are white, and the floor is made of wood.
The image depicts a group of people standing in front of an old stone castle ruin, with a clear blue sky and white clouds in the background.
The image shows a scenic landscape with a road, trees, and a body of water, evoking a sense of natural beauty and tranquility. The scene is likely intended for aesthetic or recreational purposes.
updated  

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

Profile information

  • rating

    Host rating

    100 %

  • Last replied

    Last replied

    27 Apr 2025

  • Reply rate

    Reply rate

    100.0 %

    Usually responds within 2 days

  • feedbacks

    Feedback

    19

  • Email verified

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Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: No minimum

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What's this?

Details

  • Description

    Description

    UPDATE: looking for HOUSE-SITTER(s) /workawayers for end of May 2025

    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.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    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
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    Icon

    ...

    ...

    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

    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" !

  • Help

    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 tasks 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.

  • Languages

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

    This host offers a language exchange
    Interested in learning Russian, Italian and Catalan (amongst others !)

  • Accommodation

    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.

  • What else ...

    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.

  • 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

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

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

Host ref number: 172683173737

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Photos

The image depicts a group of goats grazing in a grassy field, with trees in the background, showcasing their unique coat patterns and colors.
A man mows a grassy field with a yellow and red lawnmower, wearing a green shirt and yellow hard hat, set against a picturesque rural landscape.
The image depicts a group of people engaging in an outdoor yoga session, with mats scattered on the ground and trees serving as a serene backdrop.
The image depicts a charming two-story stone house with a slate roof, adorned with red shutters, a red door, and a lush green vine, set against a light gray background.
The image depicts an old stone house with a grey roof, red door, and window shutters, adorned with purple wisteria vines and surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers.
The image depicts a rural landscape with rolling hills, trees, and a stone barn, set against a cloudy sky. The scene is serene and peaceful.
A person walks on a path, surrounded by trees and bushes, with a body of water in the background, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The scene is likely a park or nature reserve.
The image depicts a serene landscape featuring a herd of cattle grazing in a field, with rolling hills and a clear sky in the background, evoking a sense of peacefulness and tranquility.
 Show all photos
The image depicts a horse-drawn carriage, likely for transportation or leisure, with two horses harnessed to the carriage, conveying a sense of elegance and sophistication. The scene is set against a natural backdrop.
The image shows a group of people working together to harvest crops, with a large machine and a pile of harvested crops in the background, conveying a sense of community and productivity.
The image depicts a lively scene of a street performance, with a group of musicians playing instruments and a crowd of people watching, set against a backdrop of a city street.
The image depicts a man standing in front of a rustic stone building, wearing blue overalls and a cap, with a vintage car parked inside the structure behind him.
The image shows a garage with a car and a truck, featuring a large window and a door. The interior is cluttered with boxes and other items. The walls are white, and the floor is made of wood.
The image depicts a group of people standing in front of an old stone castle ruin, with a clear blue sky and white clouds in the background.
The image shows a scenic landscape with a road, trees, and a body of water, evoking a sense of natural beauty and tranquility. The scene is likely intended for aesthetic or recreational purposes.

Feedback

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