Learn about regenerative agricultural in the pristine Alpine valley, France

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    The lodge & farm is located directly beneath the famous mount Criou in a heart-achingly pristine Alpine valley. Named after the now extinct Folly Glacier, the once abandoned farm has been restored by ourselves and volunteers with a focus on sustainable, biodiverse, regenerative forest practices.

    We hold regular open days for visitors where we showcase tried and tested as well as new and innovative ways of increasing fertility for plants with biochar and microbial-rich compost, producing electricity and heat via pyrolysis of wood biomass and being entirely energy self-sufficient and sustainable.

    We currently only host volunteers at our farm , but in future expect to have a space for events in winter and summer.

    Our farm structures such as animal housing, sheds, fences as well as plant growing spaces are built with materials collected from the forests around us with as little manufactured materials as possible. We follow the ancient country tradition of using hazel rods woven together to make wattle fences and lay down living hedges to both protect animals from predators and to keep the deer out of our vegetable gardens. It is an entirely off-grid farm where the focus is on improving biodiversity and sustainability while prioritising food sovereignty. All the food we produce is consumed on the farm by ourselves, volunteers and friends. The energy we generate from wood biomass keeps the light on, the house warm and produces zero pollutants.

    Recreation
    Criss-crossed by nature trails, the farm is a gateway to a vast Alpine wilderness notably the Reserve Naturel de Sixt-Passy, the largest natural reserve in Haute Savoie encompassing over 1700 hectares.
    Located two kilometers from the town of Samoëns - a famous winter sports, hiking , biking, climbing, paragliding destination winter and summer.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Videography
    Vegetarian or vegan
    Self development
    Sustainability
    Pets
    Farming
    Charity work
    Writing
    Photography
    Gardening
    Cooking & food
    Books
    Architecture
    Animals
    Winter sports
    Yoga / Wellness
    Sailing / Boating
    Outdoor activities
    Nature
    Mountain
    Hiking
    Dancing
    Cycling
    Camping
    Adventure sports
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    The farm is located along a beautiful hiking trail that crosses the Alps to Switzerland and is dotted with refuges for overnight stays. There are endless recreational activities on hand - including rock climbing at the end of the field, hang gliding, spelunking, mountain biking and rafting all within 10-20 minutes. The space also lends itself to relaxation in the pools of a wild mountain torrent cut across the farm, or simply lighting a campfire to enjoy the astonishing night skies and star gaze in an area of near zero light pollution.

  • Help

    Help

    For Spring 2025, we are looking for help in chalet renovations, maintenance and organization. If you have experience in DIY and construction etc and are interested in living off-grid, drop us a line!

    We also have lots of farm activities underway including:
    1. Animal husbandry. specifically organizing our forest pastured ducks and chickens
    2. Supporting the farm’s regenerative agricultural initiatives, including log-based forest farming mushroom production
    3. Vegetable production in organic garden
    4. Biochar production, compost heat extraction, green building for animal shelters
    5. Forest thinning and brush removal along communal paths that crisscross the farm and its surrounds

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Fluent
    French: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Studio apartment particularly suitable to accommodate a couple

    As hosts we provide food for all guest meals. We prepare a hearty meal at lunch and guests organize breakfast and usually their meals themselves. We occasionally invite guests for our evening meals depending on family activities..

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Samoens and the wider Giffre valley is teeming with activities for the outdoor enthusiasts. It is a major destination for winter sports, whether via the ski lifts that lead to the huge Grand Massif skiing area or on countless cross country trails through the mountains.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

Host ref number: 768947139581

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Photos

A woman is crouched down, digging in the dirt with her hands, wearing a blue cap, gray t-shirt, shorts, and boots, with a rocky landscape behind her.
A woman is pulling on a rope attached to a large water tank, wearing a pink tank top and grey shorts, in a grassy area with scattered debris.
The image depicts a group of people gathered around a table on a wooden deck, enjoying food and drinks in a serene outdoor setting.
The image depicts a cozy room with light wood paneling, featuring a white couch, a small table, and a vibrant rug, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The image depicts a compact kitchen with white cabinets, wooden countertops, and a red table, featuring a sink, stove, and refrigerator, with a window above the sink.
The image depicts a cozy bedroom with a bed, wooden floor, and a screen, featuring a white duvet and pillows, and a lamp on the bedside table.
The image depicts a serene mountainous landscape with a grassy field, trees, and a cloudy blue sky, evoking a sense of natural beauty and tranquility.

Feedback

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