Come and learn more about French lifestyle, culture and old buildings in Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France

Details

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  Description

  French-Swedish family moved to south of France to build up an art school in 2011. We are both artists and art teachers. Alain is a video artist and writer, Helena is a sculptor. We have 3 children, 2 of them still at home. We also got a cat and 4 hens (and fishes).
  The art school welcomes about 18 swedish students each year from september to may.
  The school is composed by two buildings : an old hotel and a 18th century mansion, both in the center of a little town (18.000 inhabitants) called Bagnols-sur-Cèze. It′s closed to Avignon and Nîmes.
  In July, there's a huge theater festival in Avignon and cultural events in all the region..
  We try to respect the architecture and the spirit of these places and, in the same time, to make it suitable for artistic creation. That means we′ve got analogic photolab, small engraving press, and space for painting, sculpture, etc.
  
  During summer, the two buildings are empty and the weather is great. The main works to do are about restauration of the buildings (clearing and cleaning, painting, etc.) But there's a large place for good relationships and nice time !
  This year (2023), we cannot offer more than 2 weeks stay at home (14-31 of July)
  
  We prefer firm responses rather than later cancellations. We try to follow a coherent schedule. This is why any defection is embarrassing. What we are looking for is to create a small group of enthusiastic people, happy to be here.
  
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  Nous sommes une famille franco-suédoise installée dans le sud de la France depuis 2011. Nous sommes tous les deux artists et professeurs d'art. Alain est vidéaste et écrivain, Helena est sculpteur. Nous avons trois enfants, deux sont encore à la maison. Nous avons une chatte et 4 poules (et des poissons).
  
  L'école dépend de la Åredalens folkhögskola et reçoit environ 18 étudiants par an, de septembre à mai.
  Elle est composée de deux bâtiments : iun ancien hôtel et un hôtel particulier du 18e siècle, tous les deux au centre d'une petite ville (18000 habitants) appelée Bagnols-sur-Cèze. Nous sommes proches d'Avignon et de Nîmes.
  Au mois de Juillet, il y a un immense festival de théâtre à Avignon et quantité de manifestations cultuelles dans la région.
  
  Nous essayons de respecter l'architecture et l'esprit de ces lieux et, en même temps, de les rendre proprices à la création artistique. Nous avons un labo photo, une petit presse à gravure et dassez de place pour la peinture, le sculpture, etc...
  
  Durant l'été, les deux bâtiments sont vides et le climat est agréable. L'essentiel du travail concerne la restauration des bâtiments (néttoyage, rangement, peinture, etc...) . Mais il reste beaucoup de place pour les relations agréables et le plaisir d'être là.
  Cette année nous ne pouvons pas proposer de séjour de plus de 2 semaines à la maison (14 au 31 juillet)
  
  Nous préférons les réponses fermes plutôt que les désistements ultérieurs. Nous essayons de suivre une emploi du temps cohérent. C'est pourquoi toute défection nous pose des problèmes. Nous cherchons à créer un petit groupe de personnes enthousiastes et heureuses d'etre là.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  DIY and building projects

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You will learn about France way of life, culture and old buildings. We are both openminded and welcome new initiatives. We are used and pleased to exchange with people from other cultures.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We follow workaway rules and expect 5 hours, 5 days a week. You can have your week-end off.
  General maintenance
  Building/renovation
  Cleaning
  Gardening
  
  
  The ideal volunteer will be at least 20 years old, efficient, opened minded, motivated, independent and respectful with the neighbours.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Swedish: Fluent

  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

  You will have you own room with bathroom, kitchen and hopefully you can be here two or three at the same time. You will be independent. We provide vegetarian food (not vegan) and meat sometimes. We expect from you to cook and to manage your own menus mainly.

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  What else ...

  From or to Avignon or Nîmes there are trains (20 minutes for Avignon) and buses (1 hour for Avignon). The bus brings you directly these towns' central stations. The bus to Avignon brings you also to TGV station, a little bit outside Avignon. If you come to Avignon TGV station and you want to continue by train (TER) to Bagnols you have to take the shuttle that brings you to central station.
  In july, Avignon welcome the biggest theater festival in the world.
  You can also simply go swimming in the river Cèze, nearby. Or visit the nice villages all around. The nature is beautiful and very close.

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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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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

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