Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
15 Jul 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
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Details
Description
Hello travelers!
We are Marc (65, father), Deborah (65, mother), and Reuben (27, son), and together we’re working on building a small, sustainable permaculture farm in the beautiful Anjou region of northwestern France.
Our vision is to live in harmony with nature—growing our own food through organic gardening, foraging, and exchanging with our vibrant local community. Daily life on the farm revolves around these practices, and we're excited to share them with others who are eager to learn, help out, and be part of something meaningful.
Marc and Deborah, a British couple who moved to France over 30 years ago, bought the farm 24 years ago with a dream: to renovate it and one day open it as a welcoming place for others. That dream is now coming to life.
After spending several years exploring Norway and volunteering through Workaway himself, Reuben returned to the family farm in 2022 with the passion and energy to carry the project forward. He’s deeply involved in the local scene, connected with a wide circle of friends who share similar values around sustainability, simplicity, and community. He also loves hiking, traveling, and embracing new adventures.
Now entering retirement, Marc and Deborah remain active in the community and continue to support the farm’s development. They both find strength and balance in their daily spiritual practices of prayer and contemplation.
We’d love to welcome volunteers who are interested in permaculture and the joys and challenges of rural community life. Whether you come with experience or just an open heart and a willingness to learn, there’s a place for you here.
For this project, we are hoping to bring together volunteers from all nations—people who have experience or skills in farming or simply in the daily rhythms of community life. Whether you come with a background in these areas or simply a strong willingness to learn and contribute, your help will be greatly appreciated :)
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Culture
Events & social
Farming
Self development
Sustainability
Animals
Plant care
Carpentry
Gardening
Hitchhiking
Cooking & food
Art & design
Photography
History
DIY & crafts
Music
Yoga / Wellness
Winter sports
Hiking
Mountain
Cycling
Team sports
Camping
Water sports
Adventure sports
Nature
Outdoor activities
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travelers will have the chance to immerse themselves in authentic rural French life in the Anjou region, where community, sustainability, and simplicity are at the heart of daily living. You'll be welcomed into a family-run permaculture project and experience a slower, more intentional lifestyle rooted in nature and tradition.
You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in a variety of hands-on activities that support our sustainable way of life such as organic gardening, foraging, seasonal land tasks and other projects around the property. These experiences are always shared and guided, and we love to teach what we know while also learning from our guests.
We're particularly interested in exchanging ideas and skills, whether through hands in the dirt activities, cooking together, or exploring traditional and modern approaches to simple living. While some days may include light physical tasks, the focus is always on collaboration and learning.
By joining us, you’ll gain insight into sustainable living, traditional skills, and the rhythms of rural life. Whether you're looking to learn, contribute, or simply enjoy a slower pace, we aim to offer a meaningful and enriching exchange.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you.
Help
Update- 09/25
During the fall, we welcome travellers to join us in a variety of seasonal activities that support our daily life on the farm.
These may include:
Gardening: Helping with planting, sowing, harvesting, and caring for the vegetable garden.
Outdoor projects: Participating in light, hands-on tasks such as creating natural structures (e.g., a simple animal shelter), setting up animal areas, or helping with small repairs and creative improvements around the land.
Painting and upkeep: Assisting with light painting or seasonal maintenance to keep things looking and functioning well.
Daily life: Supporting general upkeep both indoors and outdoors—sharing in the rhythms of rural living.
We approach all of these tasks as opportunities for shared learning, and we’re happy to guide you through new skills or work alongside you if you already have experience. Whether you're curious about sustainable living, eager to get involved, or simply enjoy helping with your hands, there's something here for everyone.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
Norwegian: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Accommodation and Meals
The farm includes our old family home, which serves as the main living space, as well as several outbuildings—some of which have been renovated into tourist accommodations.
As a volunteer, you’ll have your own private room in the main house. The room can accommodate two people, so couples or friends traveling together are welcome. However, we do not place strangers together in the same room to ensure everyone's comfort. Facilities such as the bathroom and kitchen are shared.
We’re happy to share meals with you—breakfast and lunch are prepared and enjoyed together, while dinner is usually a lighter snack for us. Our diet is flexitarian, focused on healthy, balanced meals made with whole, high-quality ingredients. Whenever possible, we use locally sourced and organically grown or raised vegetables and meat.
What else ...
During your time off, there are many ways to enjoy the peaceful countryside and explore the surrounding region. The farm is located in the Anjou area of north-western France, known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage.
You can take relaxing walks or bike rides along quiet country roads, visit local markets, explore nearby historic towns, or simply unwind in the garden. The area is full of picturesque spots to discover, including medieval churches, castles, and traditional French villages—perfect for day trips or cultural exploration.
Reuben, who lives on the farm, is also passionate about endurance sports like trail running and often goes on outdoor adventures such as mountain climbing, hiking, kayaking, and camping. If you're interested in joining for an activity or just want tips on where to go, he’s happy to share his knowledge of the area and help you make the most of your free time in nature.
Although we’re in a rural setting, there are nearby towns with train and bus connections. We're happy to assist with planning routes or offer lifts to local stations when possible. If you'd like to explore further on weekends or days off, we can help you organize transport or recommend places worth visiting.
Whether you enjoy quiet time, cultural discovery, or outdoor adventure, there’s something here for everyone during your stay.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
There is space to park a van on the farm and it is possible to hook up to mains electricity.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Arwen
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