Experience forest trails, village living and being a part of our daily family in Le Monestier, France

Details

• 

  Description

  Hello! We are Andrew and Gail.
  
  We are a British couple who made the move to France many years ago in search of a different way of life. What began as an adventure restoring traditional stone buildings by ourselves has grown into a life we love in the beautiful Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park, one of France's best-kept secrets.
  
  Before settling here, we spent years traveling, volunteering, and exploring different cultures, including extensive time on the road by motorcycle. Those experiences taught us how rewarding cultural exchange can be, and they continue to shape the way we welcome helpers to our private home today.
  
  Life Here
  Life at our rural home is very different from the busy cities that many of our helpers come from. Deer wander through the forests, buzzards circle overhead, and ancient paths wind through the hills connecting tiny hamlets that seem untouched by time. Local markets, village festivals, brocantes, vide-greniers, and traditional celebrations continue throughout the year.
  
  Please note: This is not a tourist hotspot. It is a region of working farms, small villages, local cafés, winding mountain roads, and everyday French life. If you're looking for crowded resorts and souvenir shops, this probably isn't the place for you. If you're looking for the France that most visitors never see—where life moves at a slower, richer pace—you may feel right at home here.
  
  The area is a paradise for walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers, photographers, and anyone who loves the outdoors. Several walking routes pass directly through our village, and hundreds of kilometers of trails can be explored right from the doorstep. We love sharing what we know about the area—whether it's finding hidden viewpoints, learning about local history, or discovering forgotten forest trails.
  
  A Few Practical Things
  
  Transport: We live in a beautiful but rural mountain area where public transport is very limited. Having your own vehicle is strongly recommended if you want to explore the wider region during your free time.
  
  Smoking: We are non-smokers and strictly prefer helpers who are also non-smokers.
  
  Animals: We share our private home with several rescue cats. At least a few of them are usually nearby, perfectly willing to supervise your garden work or curl up for a cuddle.
  
  Is This For You?
  This opportunity is ideal for people who love nature, appreciate a quieter pace of life, enjoy gentle outdoor and home tasks, and possess a healthy dose of curiosity.
  
  If you can imagine yourself walking through pine forests, hearing the distant church bells, sharing a great meal and stories, and helping us care for our home and garden, we would love to hear from you.
  
  Send us a message and tell us a little about yourself, your interests, and what draws you to our corner of the Livradois-Forez!

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Light maintenance
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We try to be flexible with working arrangements because we believe that exploring the area is a vital part of the experience. You will have ample time to visit local markets, discover historic towns, walk in the forests, or cycle quiet country roads at your own pace.
  
  Highlights of staying with us:
  Explore hundreds of kilometers of pristine walking and cycling trails.
  
  Discover local food, incredible regional cheeses, and traditional markets.
  
  Experience authentic French village life and regional history.
  
  Enjoy absolute peace, nature, vibrant spring wildflowers, crisp autumn colors, incredible dark skies for stargazing, and fresh mountain air.

• 

  Help

  What We Are Looking For & Tasks
  
  We welcome enthusiastic, positive-minded helpers who enjoy rural life, love being outdoors, and are happy to contribute to light, everyday home and garden projects.
  
  Depending on the season and what needs doing around our personal home, tasks may include:
  
  Gardening & Biodiversity: Helping us care for our private garden beds, clearing brush, establishing new planting areas, planting flowers or shrubs, and helping us create small eco-friendly habitats (like dry hedges) to encourage local wildlife and biodiversity.
  
  Light Home Decorating & Refreshing: Gentle interior touch-ups, light painting of wood trims or interior walls, and giving everyday woodwork a bit of care.
  
  Light Outdoor Care: Tidying up outdoor seating areas, clearing garden paths, and general light yard maintenance.
  
  Pet Care & Cat Companionship: Spending time with and caring for our rescue cats, who love having extra humans around to give them attention!
  
  Language & Cultural Exchange: Sharing stories, meals, and conversation. We love learning about our helpers' travels, sharing our experience of life in France, and practicing language skills together.
  
  Attitude, enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to lend a hand with everyday tasks are what matter most to us.
  
  Please note: All tasks are confined to our private home, personal garden, and surrounding land; we do not request or involve helpers in any work related to our holiday accommodation.

• 

  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent

• 

  Accommodation

  What We Offer: Accommodation & Lifestyle
  
  We particularly enjoy hosting mature, independent travelers who appreciate a comfortable stay and making the most of rural life. Unlike many volunteer opportunities where you share a room in a family home, we prioritize giving our helpers plenty of space, comfort, and privacy.
  
  The Village House Suite: You will have exclusive use of the entire top floor of our spacious village home. This includes your own private bedroom, private bathroom, and a comfortable living area with beautiful views across the village rooftops and surrounding hills.
  
  We are very flexible with daily arrangements because we believe that exploring the area is a vital part of the experience. You will have ample time to visit local markets, discover historic towns, walk in the pine forests, or cycle quiet country roads at your own pace.

• 

  What else ...

  There is no public transport and so if you wanted to get out and about more your own transport would be best. There is also a lovely mediaeval town just 8km away for restaurants banks and all amenities

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  Can host digital nomads

  Fast wifi and 2 desks in different locations in the house

• 

  Space for parking camper vans

  Plenty of parking available

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

• 

  My animals / pets

  Jim-Jam and Grey

Website Safety

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback (1)