France
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Hi, we are Mike and Nancy, a Canadian couple, residing in France. About 4 years ago we moved with our two cats to Aulon, a small village in the Haute Garonne between Saint Gaudens and Aurignac. We found an unloved house, to make home and bare land to build gardens. The goal is to live as naturally as possible in a modern world with permaculture principles as our guide.
We live simply and healthy, always trying to balance work and play. We are looking for friendly people to help Nancy in the gardens. I would love some extra hands to help with the renovations,
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Improve your language skills, we mostly speak English as daily language. Nancy’s mother tongue is Quebecois (French Canadian). We are both fluent in Dutch and Nancy is practicing Spanish.
Learn to use renovation tools and outdoor machinery. Learn variety of DIY skills such as plaster work, carpentry or masonry.
Discover the charm a hospitality of rural France. Opportunities to learn concepts of basic permaculture living, recycling, up-cycling, knowledge of plants, propagation and other general gardening skills.
We are looking for capable help to assist us with some finishing light construction, fencing, gardening and jointing natural stone walls. etc. This years projects include, setting up a greenhouse, placing a green roof on our shed, finishing a gabion wall and preparing for a stone foundation for our geodesic dome. A good attitude and a willingness to learn are most welcome. Let us know what you think.
There’s never 'nothing to do', so we can usually accommodate most people to be able to fill a 4-5 hour working day. There are plenty of small projects. Possible help with housework and cooking if a couple.
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the construction jobs requires proper footwear. we don't work in sandals. it is dangerous.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
This 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.
In return for your efforts, we offer a bed with shower facilities. Good, healthy food, mostly vegetarian and can cater to specific diet requirements.
If you prefer to camp we have room for a camper or come with your own motor home.
On free days the villages of Aurignac and Saint Gaudens are only 15 minutes away, for cafes or shopping, there is also weekly markets. Public transit is available. Also, I am willing to shuttle friends occasionally to town. We have good cell coverage and WIFI.
The Pyrenees are less than an hour away by car with a host of activities, including mountain trails for walking and cycling. There are also many places for canoeing and rafting around the villages between us and the Pyrenees.
Spain is also less than an hours' drive away if you fancy practicing another language!
If you wish to arrive by flight, Toulouse airport is the closest. There are train links from both Toulouse and Tarbes to Saint Gaudens or Boussens and a bus link from Saint Gaudens to Aulon. Or we can collect you from the Saint Gaudens or Boussens train station for your convenience
Come and visit the Haute Garonne, with its breathtaking scenery, and some lovely sunshine all summer long. Ask Nancy to share her blog for a peek inside our lives.
We look forward to meeting you, and sharing our lifestyle & home.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Desk with Fast WIFI avaiable from 8:00 to 24:00
We have space with water and power available.
Chicken and cat friendly outdoor dogs considered.
Two
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
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Cultural exchange:
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