Join our community projects in Montaigu-de-Quercy, France

Details

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  Description

  We are setting up a Bioregional Learning Center:
  
  The applied research center is a property located in Montaigu-de-Quercy, Tarn-et-Garonne, in the southwest of France, approximately 1.25 hour drive north of Toulouse. It is the centerpiece of the ecosystem which aims to regenerate the bioregion. This means it will be working to orchestrate, facilitate and amplify local existing projects and newly created ones, in the following domains : biodiversity and agriculture, habitat and energy, culture and governance, economic models and monetary systems, health and wellbeing, education. The center offers a place for local regenerative project leaders to gather, share knowledge and best practices, as well as receive services and resources for accelerating and amplifying their impact in the region. In addition, the center provides visibility to these projects by showcasing physical prototypes on the center grounds, as well as offering educational opportunities to the general public, and showcasing sustainable ways of living.
  
  The property is composed of a main building/house (approx. 200 square meters) which sits on 5.2 hectares of land including a wooded valley, flatlands, and a buildable plot of 6000 square meters. The house overlooks the valley which also includes a communal walking path leading to the village in approximately 15 minutes. There is a small ruin approximately 50m from the house along the path which we will renovate. We are in the process of gathering permaculture design proposals for the land, and envisage putting in a market garden, food forest, medicinal garden, and a natural swimming pool. We aim to be as autonomous as possible (food, energy, water). We also hope the land to be seen as a sanctuary, a place of peace and wellness. It will be a workplace for researchers and we also plan to facilitate workshops, events, and conferences. We also hope to welcome various artists and stage small performances. In addition, we would like to build some eco-houses on our buildable plot (6000sqm) and treehouse type cabins on the rest of the land to also rent out.
  
  The house includes a large open plan living/dining space which is foreseen to be the area for welcoming the public, holding the exhibitions as well as the work space for 6-8 people (these people will often be working offsite so the space will not always be fully occupied). This space also has a large fireplace along one wall, which may be conducive to a small lounge area. Nearby is a large kitchen which is foreseen to be used to prepare meals for 15-20 people at a time, or light snacks and drinks for up to 60 people. The house includes 6 bedrooms which will be used initially as volunteer accommodation, accommodation for retreats, and could eventually be turned into offices as the center grows. The house also includes a basement which is foreseen to be used mostly as a large meeting room or a workshop/maker lab, with a small section reserved as a utility room (with washer and dryer).

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening
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  Interests

  

  Technology

  

  Politics / Social justice

  

  Events & social

  

  Sustainability

  

  Culture

  

  Self development

  

  Farming

  

  History

  

  Music

  

  Languages

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Architecture

  

  Performing arts

  

  Carpentry

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Animals

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Camping

  

  Dancing

  

  Art & design

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Plant care
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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

  Maria-Elena is a dual national French and American. Her husband. Jeremy, is British and her partner in this project, Carsten, is German. The project is international with 6 local members and 3 members that are new to the area.
  
  Montaigu-de-Quercy offers all amenities although it is a quaint village of 1300 people. Its local market is well established and offers fresh produce and local foods weekly.

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  Help

  We are establishing vegetable gardens, a greenhouse, a chicken coop, and an outdoor podium/deck to facilitate outdoor activities. We have worked together on a design for the land and completion of these tasks. Volunteers will be most welcome to join. Experience is not necessary but we can definitely also use any people trained in, or wanting to learn about, permaculture farming.
  
  
  Upcoming dates:
  - April 17th - April 21st 2025
  - May 22nd - May 28th 2025
  - June 26th - June 30th 2025

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  Languages spoken

  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Spanish: Intermediate
  Italian: Intermediate

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  Accommodation

  We can offer shared or private accommodation in beds. We provide bedding and bath towels. Depending on available space, we may offer air mattresses for indoor ou outdoor camping.
  
  We will provide groceries for collective cooking for all meals at a minimum, but we typically provide 3 cooked meals per day made with fully organic products mostly grown locally.

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  What else ...

  We are approximately 2 hours from Bordeaux and 1 hour from Toulouse.
  
  We prefer non-smokers but tolerate smoking outdoors.

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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 property was recently purchased (June 2024) so everything still needs to be set up. We see this as a longterm project.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have ample space for the campers onsite. Water facilities available offsite but locally.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  The property is not fenced or gated so pets need to be ok with this.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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