Living with Horses and Other Animals on a Small Farm in Rural South-West France

Details

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  Description

  WELCOME TO MY LITTLE ANIMAL FARM!
  
  I’m Fanny, a Swiss woman in my sixties, living in a beautiful part of south-west France, surrounded by nature and animals.
  
  My farmhouse is set in 17 hectares of pasture and woodland, with gorgeous views over the valley. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with animals and discover a different way of life.
  
  I practise animal communication and would be happy to share this part of my life with people who are curious and open to it. I believe that animals have a lot to teach us if we take the time to listen, observe and be present with them.
  
  For me, living in the here and now is important: being present, appreciating the little things and staying open to what each day brings. I believe that we are all part of a greater whole – humans, animals and nature are connected in ways we may not always understand. And I believe that peace, kindness and mutual respect are essential, both in our relationships with one another and in the way we treat all living beings.
  
  I’d love to share these values and exchange ideas with people who feel a connection with them, while also enjoying the simple pleasures of everyday life, working together, having fun and sharing a good laugh.
  
  MY ANIMALS AND MY PLACE
  
  I currently share my home with two horses (one of them retired), two elderly and friendly dogs, seven lovely cats, eleven chickens and two roosters. My dogs and cats live in the house and are part of everyday life here, so you should feel comfortable sharing your living space with animals.
  
  I try to keep my horses as naturally as possible. They have access to stables for protection when needed, particularly in summer when insects can be a real nuisance, but they are free to choose when to use them.
  
  I have a small vegetable garden – I especially love growing a wide variety of tomatoes – as well as flowers and many fruit trees.
  
  I’m looking for help with the animals, the garden, the fields, the woodland and various tasks in and around the house. Every season brings different things to do, so there is always something to learn and discover.
  
  If you have practical skills, particularly in woodworking or house renovation, that’s a real bonus! I have some renovation projects in mind, including making the terrace bigger.
  
  A LITTLE ABOUT ME
  
  I’m open-minded, curious about other cultures and generally a positive person. I enjoy having fun, sharing a laugh and exchanging ideas with people from different backgrounds.
  
  I love outdoor activities, including horse riding, hiking, cycling, kayaking, swimming, skiing, snowboarding and many more. I play the flute, sometimes accompanied by an organist, and sing in a mixed choir.
  
  Before settling down in the French countryside to care for my animals, I worked for an international humanitarian organisation and lived in different countries around the world. I still travel to different countries and love discovering new places, cultures and ways of life. Meeting people from all walks of life and exchanging experiences continue to enrich my life.
  I’m mostly vegetarian and would love to discover more vegan recipes and learn from people who enjoy cooking plant-based food.
  
  I’m also interested in reducing waste and using resources more thoughtfully. I’d love us to exchange ideas about how to avoid wasting food, save water and energy, and reduce our use of plastic. We can all learn from one another!
  
  NATURE RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP
  
  There are beautiful hiking and riding trails through the woodland on my property and in the surrounding countryside.
  
  You can also enjoy walks in and along the nearby Grande Barguelonne, a small river with little pools where you can take a refreshing dip on hot summer days.
  
  I’m also very close to one of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, so there are plenty of opportunities to explore the area on foot.
  
  Whether you enjoy long walks, being around animals, discovering the local countryside or simply relaxing in nature, there is plenty to enjoy here.
  
  LANGUAGES AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE
  
  I speak English, French and Swiss German, so you can choose whichever language you feel most comfortable with. I’m currently learning Spanish and Italian and would love to practise with you!
  
  I enjoy meeting people from all over the world, learning about their cultures and sharing experiences. You don’t need to know everything already – enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to learn are just as important as practical skills.
  
  HOUSE AND ANIMAL SITTING
  
  I’m also interested in meeting Workawayers who might be willing to look after my house and animals when I’m away.
  
  This would require a good level of confidence and experience in caring for animals, as well as reliability and independence. Before considering such an arrangement, I would want us to get to know each other first and have a shorter stay together, so that we can build mutual trust and make sure it feels right for everyone.
  
  COME AND SHARE A LITTLE OF MY WORLD!
  
  Whether you enjoy working with animals, gardening, practical projects, cooking, exploring nature or exchanging ideas and experiences, I’d love to hear from you.
  
  Workawayers from all over the world are welcome. I look forward to meeting you and sharing this special place with you!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance

  House & pet sitting
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  Interests

  

  Farming

  

  Culture

  

  Plant care

  

  Music

  

  Photography

  

  Languages

  

  Gardening

  

  Books

  

  Animals

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Team sports

  

  Nature

  

  Fitness

  

  Camping

  

  Winter sports

  

  Mountain

  

  Dancing

  

  Beach

  

  Water sports

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking

  

  Cycling

  

  Adventure sports

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Sustainability

  

  Pets

  

  Charity work

  

  Cooking & food

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Sailing / Boating
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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

  SHARING KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCES
  
  I’m happy to share what I know about animal welfare, caring for animals and working on a small farm. I can also share ideas about cooking, saving water and energy, reducing waste and everyday life in France. And, of course, I’d be happy to tell you more about French culture and life in the countryside.
  
  Having lived and travelled in different countries has taught me that there are many different ways of living and looking at the world. Cultural exchange opens our minds to different values, perspectives and ways of thinking. Even learning another language can change the way we see things.
  
  I believe that behind every person there is a story worth listening to. As long as we remain curious and willing to listen, we can learn a great deal from one another. For me, cultural exchange is about sharing, understanding and discovering new perspectives – and sometimes questioning our own assumptions, too.
  
  I’m also learning and practising animal communication and healing, and I’d love to exchange ideas and experiences with people who are interested in these subjects.
  
  It’s a bonus if you’re interested in French culture, the local landscape and countryside, the French language as part of everyday life, and animal welfare. But above all, I value curiosity, openness and a willingness to learn from one another.

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  Help

  A VARIETY OF TASKS
  
  The tasks vary depending on the season and the weather. There is always something to do, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills along the way!
  
  - Animal care: Feeding the animals, mucking out the horses’ stables, cleaning the chicken coop and removing manure from the fields.
  - Gardening and outdoor work: Planting, weeding, watering, harvesting vegetables, picking and preserving fruit, trimming bushes and grass, raking leaves, cutting and stacking firewood, and helping with haymaking.
  - Practical projects: Repairing fences, oiling, sanding, painting, building and woodworking.
  - General maintenance: Cleaning and helping with various tasks in and around the house.
  
  We share everyday household tasks such as cooking, washing up and cleaning.
  
  WHO WOULD ENJOY STAYING HERE?
  
  I’m looking for someone who is positive, energetic, self-motivated and practical, with a willingness to learn and get things done. You don’t need to know everything already, but you should enjoy working and be ready to get involved!
  
  A good level of physical fitness is essential, as the house and fields are situated on a hillside and some tasks can be physically demanding.
  
  Please be aware that farm life can involve hard, dirty and sometimes tiring work. You should be happy to get your hands dirty and prepared to work outdoors in all kinds of weather, including summer heat or rain. Haymaking is part of the work during hot summer weather and can be physically demanding.
  
  Flexibility and the ability to adapt to new surroundings are important, as tasks and priorities can change with the seasons and the weather.
  
  You should be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, and be willing to take initiative when needed.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Italian: Intermediate
  Spanish: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  I love languages because they open doors to other cultures and help us see the world through different eyes. Learning a language is not just about words and grammar – it’s about discovering new ways of thinking, expressing ourselves and understanding one another. I enjoy exchanging languages and learning from each other. And when we don’t know the right word, that’s when imagination comes in! Finding creative ways to explain what we mean, using gestures or inventing funny descriptions can lead to some of the best moments – and lots of laughter over misunderstandings. For me, learning a language is as much about connecting with people as it is about learning to speak. You don’t have to be perfect; curiosity, a little courage and a sense of humour are all you need!
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  Accommodation

  YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME
  
  I live in a traditional stone farmhouse that has been modernised while retaining its character.
  
  The usual accommodation for Workawayers will be a tipi in a beautiful natural setting. Depending on how many Workawayers are staying at the time, you may need to share the tipi with another Workawayer. Helping me set it up for the first time will be part of the tasks.
  
  There is a bathroom nearby, which still needs some work to make it ready for use, so I’ll need a hand with that, too. In case of bad weather, you can sleep in the guest bedroom in the house instead. It has two single beds and also a beautiful view over the valley. In the house we all share the bathroom and toilet. You’ll need to love dogs and cats, as they share the house with us and are part of everyday life here.
  
  The kitchen is part of the living room, so it’s a natural place to spend time together, chat and exchange experiences.
  
  We share meals and, hopefully, cooking, too! I enjoy preparing simple, healthy food, mostly vegetarian. I’d love to exchange recipes and discover new dishes together.

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  What else ...

  THE SURROUNDINGS – PEACE, NATURE AND COUNTRY LIFE
  
  My place is peaceful, quiet and quite remote. Public transport is very limited, with only three services a week in each direction. You’ll therefore need your own means of transport or be happy to enjoy a quiet stay without going out very often.
  
  The nearest shops, restaurants and public swimming pool are about 8 km away. The historic towns of Cahors and Montauban can be reached in around 40 minutes by car (approximately 30 km), while Toulouse is about 1.5 hours away (90 km).
  
  There are bicycles available for exploring the area and visiting the local weekly market, which features live music and food stalls during the summer. The bicycles need some maintenance, so helping to get them back into good working order will be one of the tasks.
  
  Just a five-minute walk from the house, you’ll find a small river where you can enjoy river walking and take a refreshing dip on hot days. One of my dogs will love to join you!
  
  My farm is surrounded by nature and wildlife. If you love animals, enjoy peace and tranquillity, and like walking (including with my dogs or horses), cycling or horse riding, you may feel very much at home here.
  
  GETTING TO KNOW THE HORSES
  
  One of my two horses is retired. We no longer ride him, but enjoy his company and give him the care he deserves. My younger horse, Star, is an 18-year-old Haflinger cross.
  
  If you’d like to learn about horses, my farm could be a wonderful place for you. You can learn how to care for them, build a relationship with them, understand their behaviour and simply enjoy spending time together.
  
  I’m working on liberty training, which allows horses and humans to develop a partnership based on trust, communication and mutual understanding.
  
  Please note that riding Star is only an option for very experienced and confident riders. However, there is so much more to horses than riding! Spending time with them, learning to understand them and developing a connection can be just as rewarding.
  
  LENGTH OF STAY AND INSURANCE
  
  I usually host Workawayers for one to two weeks.
  
  Please note that you are responsible for arranging your own health, accident and personal liability insurance for the duration of your stay.

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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

  The internet connection is very reliable, so it’s a good place to combine remote work with country life and time in nature. Several Workawayers were happily working online while staying here.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  I have a special parking spot for camper vans, not far from the house but surrounded by nature. The only sounds you’ll hear are those of nature – birds singing, the wind in the trees and the peaceful sounds of the countryside. There is also an electricity hook-up, so you can enjoy a little home comfort while staying close to nature.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  Pets are welcome, provided they get along very well with other animals, including dogs, cats and horses, and don’t chase chickens. They must be comfortable around all the animals living here.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  Noisette and Pönci

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