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27 Mar 2024
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Details
Description
Support us in spring and fall with gardening, rainwater harvesting and ecological restructuring in the Baronnies, Pre-Alps of Southern France.
We, a couple of sexagenarians, welcome support with our project to step former farmland for rainwater harvesting, to refresh parts of the house affected by water damage and to cultivate the kitchen garden. We live in the Prealps of southern France, east of the Rhone Valley, close to Mont Ventoux. It is a remote rural area sought for alternative agriculture, subject to recurring drought, host of political and cultural experiments.
We, Justin (geographer and soundscaper) and Johanna (anthropologist), are retirees and living in a former farmstead with 18 ha land at an elevation of 700m in Montbrun-les-Bains. We are about to create a centre for independent thought (Université au bord de la route) that encompasses what the rugged landscapes teaches us. The Anary valley (44.1874, 5.4749) is situated in the headwater of the Toulourenc river, which flows in a deep trough north of Mont Ventoux towards the Rhone. The mountains are rugged and covered with downy oak and mountain beech forests, the flat areas cultivated by lavender fields.
The valley is populated by wolves, eagles and vultures, deer, wild boars, foxes; and many others. We want to transform a formerly laboured and therefore hydrophobic loamy soil into rainwater collecting, climate adapted stepped land. The physical work outdoor can only be done in the fall and spring months, when temperatures are not excruciating and the soil humid. An old stone barn nearby with sunset view is our mediator and shall be respectfully refreshed. The main farmhouse and its surroundings, including the vegetable garden, need maintenance, where you can also participate according to your skills.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
This is the Provence described by writer Jean Giono and others. We would like to have you realise the poetic presence of man in landscape.
Help
The help we would need is mostly outdoors but occasionally includes building maintenance:
- Stepping works in the Champ des Cailles (with a view of Mont Ventoux…).
- Identifying plants and soils.
- Chaffing broom
- Installing elementary infrastructures in the house or stone barn
- Preparing common meals
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
Our academic professional life has been international and accordingly put us in contact with many languages (and cultures). We like to get on with this diversity.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in our house, everybody sharing the living quarters with us.
Meals are included, unless you depend on a very special diet which you want to take care of yourself. Justin is anyway on a low fat diet. We live in the region with the famous “Sisteron lamb”, but vegetarian diet is not a problem. We are used to have a creative French, Middle East and African kitchen with local products, into which we would like to integrate our helping guests.
What else ...
During free time, you can hike in the immediate surroundings, to the Donne chapel, on the peaks of Buc or Bergiès. Or take a visit to the neighbouring villages Montbrun-les-Bains (3km), Barret-de-Lioure (4 km), any other place downstream (Buis-les-Baronnies, Vaison-la-Romaine 40 km) or over the plateau of Sault (Vaucluse), as far as Apt (46 km), Carpentras (50 km), or Avignon (80 km). (The Mediterranean Sea is too far for a day's travel.) However, there is virtually no public transport at all within an approximately 20 km radius. Very dark nights outside full moon: a paradise for stargazers.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
You can work on your own projects digitally. However, you should know that internet connections here are not entirely dependable.
Can possibly accept pets
Notice that the house is surrounded by uncultivated and wild land and corresponding fauna! Check if your pet is adapted to this and the occasional presence of hunters.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 3-4 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (2)
I am very grateful for what I was able to learn from your very impressive knowledge about nature, the landscape and the region around your house. It was a great experience and a pleasure to help outdoors and with your house.
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I am very grateful for what I was able to learn from your very impressive knowledge about nature, the landscape and the region around your house. It was a great experience and a pleasure to help outdoors and with your house.
