Help our family with outdoor projects in a chateau in Courniou, France

Details

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  Description

  We are a young American family in with two children (11 and 13) that decided to leave corporate America and move to France. We purchased a 17th Century Chateau, it's small Hamlet, and more than 100 acres near Saint-Pons-de-Thomières in the Occitanie region in southern France. It is a historic preservation project with an agricultural component that we hope turn into an immersive Farm to Table experience specifically for families. Right now, we are working on restoration and setting up the farm for an opening in June of 2026
  
  The property is centered in the middle of a regional park in france but with several villages nearby. It was originally settled in the 12th century and has a group of houses from that period and a chateau that was built in the 17th century. 20 years ago it was abandoned and now we are working on bringing it back to life. We have cleared the overgrown property, installed water, electricity, showers and toilets and fixed the roofs on the outbuildings and the Chateau. Now we have contractors completing 9 units to open in June.
  
  The Chateau property is breathtaking. It is nestled in the mountains with it's pastures in the surrounding valley. The woods are full of chestnut trees, deer, pheasant, fox and wild mushrooms. In the summer we have 75 bee hives that produce fresh honey. We also have a heard of Rove Goats that should start producing milk in the spring, a few horses, and lots of chickens.
  
  It is a raw yet romantic France story. We are looking for two passionate farmers to build their dream along side us. A dynamic farm to table experience. It would be a paid position with a french contract.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Sustainability

  

  Fashion or beauty

  

  Farming

  

  Culture

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Carpentry

  

  Art & design

  

  Architecture

  

  Animals

  

  Water sports

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature

  

  Hiking

  

  Mountain
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We are Americans working through the transition of becoming French. Our language skills are lacking but the kids are fluent. If you join us, you will get to experience an authentic french village life and the best rural France has to offer but with the company of english speaking hosts. We split time between the chateau and Marseille where the kids go to school, so you will also have some privacy a few days a week and the opportunity to stay in our home in Marseille for beach weekends. Our neighbors are wonderful and welcoming. It will be a true immersion.

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  Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage

  This host offers accommodation and payment.

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  Help

  We are looking for a couple who would like to spend a season or more with us working on the Chateau and it's grounds. We anticipate this becoming a full time position with a french contract.
  
  FARM/Garden skills are what we need most right now. I'm hoping to find someone who wants to work with our chef to design a biodynamic/regenerative farm that produces for the restaurant. We welcome couples or individuals but we are a stable drama free family and only want to add stable and drama free travelers into our lives.
  
  There is a paid position with a french work contract at a rate commensurate with your experience and level of commitment.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  We would be glad to help anyone learn English while we are working on learning French.
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  Accommodation

  You will have a well furnished private 1 bedroom apartment. It is small but authentic with a wood burning fireplace clean shower, toilet, sink and kitchenette. We do most of the cooking and you will be welcome to eat with us when you like. We will also furnish groceries.

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  What else ...

  A car will be provided for short trips around the area and the bus goes from the property directly to the TGV station in Beziers where you can catch a high speed train to just about anywhere in France or Spain.

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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

  We have decent internet and plenty of working space.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have plenty of space and for the right family can make available a larger apartment unit.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  We can accommodate pets that are kid friendly, get along with our dogs, and don't hurt the farm animals

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  Niki

  Raja

  Rose

  Vita

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