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Last replied
11 Apr 2026
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Description
Hi, I’m Patrick!
I recently moved to the Belgian-French border, right next to the beautiful Bon-Secours forest. I’m a nature lover at heart, and you’ll likely find me walking in the woods every day to recharge and stay active.
My Vision & Journey:
Since 2017, I’ve been deeply committed to a self-sufficiency project. My goal is to imagine and build stable, 100% local communities that can thrive with zero oil and zero pollution.
I don’t just dream about it; I’ve experimented with it! I launched a small experimental Permavillage in Namur, where I personally tested 26 essential skills for self-sufficient living. Whether it's land management, resourcefulness, or sustainable systems, I love sharing what I've learned.
Current Life:
In 2023, I started a digital business (Print-on-Demand), which gives me the flexibility to travel, meet new people, and focus on what truly matters: human connection and language exchange.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Interests
Technology
Music
Vegetarian or vegan
Van life
Sustainability
Self development
Farming
Languages
Books
Art & design
Architecture
Hiking
Yoga / Wellness
Sailing / Boating
Nature
Cycling
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Beyond a simple place to stay, I offer a deep dive into both resilient living and digital creativity. Depending on your interests, I can share my experience in:
Self-Sufficiency & Permaculture: Learn the 26 essential skills I tested in my "Permavillage" project. We can discuss land management, resourcefulness, and how to build a life less dependent on oil.
Nature & Foraging: Let’s explore the Bon-Secours forest together! I can teach you to identify wild edible plants and explain the basics of using essential oils for daily well-being.
Web Development & Business: If you're curious about the digital world, I can teach you how to build a website from scratch using HTML, CSS, PHP, and MySQL, or share insights on running a Print-on-Demand business.
Language: As a native speaker, I’ll help you master French through natural, daily conversation.
Help
Language & Culinary Exchange
I am mostly interested in language exchange, practising the ones I know and discovering new ones through daily life and shared activities.
Plant-based Cooking:
I’m very curious about vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. If you follow a plant-based diet, I’d love to learn from you, discover simple recipes, and help you prep healthy meals in the kitchen.
Sharing my Skills:
In exchange, I’m happy to share my knowledge of permaculture and self-sufficiency. If you have a garden or a small project, I can help out while we chat! I'm also quite tech-savvy due to my digital business, so I can help with basic computer tasks if needed.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Dutch: Intermediate
Portuguese: Intermediate
German: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
Native French speaker, I’m always happy to help you improve your fluency through natural conversation. I'm also eager to practice my German, Portuguese or Japanese, or dive into a completely new language! For me, language exchange is the best way to share skills and connect deeply with a new culture.
Accommodation
Your Space:
I live in a comfortable apartment on the 2nd floor. You will have your own private bedroom with a bed and an armchair for your relaxation. The living room and bathroom are shared spaces where we can hang out and chat.
Food & Meals:
I keep my meals simple, healthy, and minimally processed. My typical diet includes:
- Nuts, seeds, and eggs.
- Fish and plenty of vegetables (both raw and cooked).
- Grains like pasta and similar staples.
I’m very open to discovering new vegetarian or vegan recipes with you, so if you have some favorites, I’d be happy to try them!
What else ...
Nature & Exploration:
Since I live literally on the Belgian-French border, you get the best of both worlds!
The Forest: Only a 5-minute walk away, the Bon-Secours Forest offers miles of hiking and cycling trails. It’s a magnificent place for photography, meditation, or just "forest bathing."
Heritage: Don't miss the Basilique Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours, a stunning cathedral just a stone's throw away. The local architecture and history are fascinating.
Nearby Cities & Culture:
We are perfectly located for day trips:
Tournai (BE): One of the oldest cities in Belgium, famous for its cathedral and belfry (UNESCO sites).
Lille (FR): A vibrant, historic French city perfect for shopping, museums (like the Palais des Beaux-Arts), and great food.
Mons (BE): A former European Capital of Culture, known for its beautiful Grand Place and museums.
Transport:
I can help you with local transport info. There are train stations in nearby towns (Péruwelz on the Belgian side or Condé-sur-l'Escaut on the French side) that connect you easily to the main railway network.
It's a great area for cycling, so if you enjoy biking, you'll love the flat, scenic landscapes!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Yes, absolutely! As a digital entrepreneur myself, I know what’s needed to be productive. Workspace: You will have your own private room equipped with a bed and a comfortable armchair. There is plenty of space to set up a laptop. Reliable Wi-Fi: High-speed internet is available throughout the entire apartment. Environment: The atmosphere is calm and quiet, perfect for deep focus. Bonus: When you need a "screen break", the forest is just 2 minutes away for a refreshing walk!
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Photos
