Volunteer on a peaceful smallholding, next to a UNESCO forest near Le Mans, France

Details

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  Description

  Our home is a peaceful smallholding set on 3 hectares of private land, right beside a UNESCO national forest within a Geopark. It’s a beautiful, quiet, and nature-filled environment, perfect for volunteers who appreciate animals, solitude, and the outdoors.
  
  We are an easy going couple who live simply, surrounded by nature and our rescue animals. We like a nice garden and are learning as we grow (literally) with our flowers and veg garden!
  
  We are in an area rich with fantastic hiking, climbing, and history that stretches from prehistory to medieval times. We moved here to be away from it all (it very much is!)
  
  There’s no big team here, it’s just us, so we really value volunteers who are reliable, thoughtful, and willing to take initiative on chores around the place (and aren't scared by weather, or afraid to get their hands dirty!). Extra helping habds are really appreciated here as there is always something to do and in turn you can expect a friendly, respectful, and relaxed environment.
  
  Because the farm is very isolated and there’s no public transport nearby, this placement suits independent, mature, and self-motivated people who enjoy simple living and being surrounded by nature. This is not a party location or a place for those looking for somewhere busy or nightlife orientated. There is nowhere to go but into Nature here. We are the opposite of that backpackers hostel vibe, it's just our little home in the middle of nowhere!
  
  If you enjoy nature, animals, and a slower rhythm of life, and are proactive, considerate, and responsible, you’ll be welcomed and appreciated!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  House & pet sitting
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  Interests

  

  Culture

  

  Farming

  

  Self development

  

  Pets

  

  Writing

  

  Plant care

  

  Performing arts

  

  History

  

  Gardening

  

  Animals

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature

  

  Dancing
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Staying here will give Workawayers the chance to experience life in a quiet, rural part of France. My home is in the countryside, surrounded by forest, so it’s a good place for people who enjoy peace, space, and hiking in nature.
  Although I live alone and keep to myself most of the time, I’m happy to share meals and have a chat about English or French culture, day-to-day life, and working on the land. Workawayers will mostly have independence here, so it suits someone who is comfortable with their own company (hence why I'm happy to have couples or duos!) and enjoys time outdoors.
  In terms of cultural exchange, I think the experience is more about immersion in the French countryside rather than structured activities, you’ll see what everyday life is like in a rural area.
  
  I can’t provide lots of teaching or tours, but I can offer simple living, fresh air, and a genuine exchange: you help me with tasks around my home, and you’ll have accommodation in a peaceful setting.

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  Help

  Volunteers will help with a variety of seasonal smallholding tasks, including:
  
  🌱De-weeding and general garden/farm maintenance
  
  🛠Painting, repairing fences, and other minor construction projects
  
  🐾Walking the dog and caring for animals
  
  🐔🐴Cleaning the hen house/stables and other animal care tasks
  
  🌻Watering plants, clearing branches, and outdoor upkeep
  
  Shifts & Work Pace:
  
  I give volunteers the freedom to work at their own pace and manage their tasks independently.
  
  While there is no strict “clock-in” time, I expect volunteers to be active during reasonable daytime hours.
  
  Being self-motivated and proactive is essential.
  
  Volunteers who like to lie in until noon, or avoid work, are not a good fit for this placement.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  We can offer two private rooms, or we have a large room on the first floor with two double beds and TV, and there is a smaller groundfloor room with one double bed and direct access to outside. Both rooms are tucked away so you have your own personal space and privacy during your stay.

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  What else ...

  The main local activity is really the forest itself, which is great for hiking and exploring. The nearest towns and markets are reachable if you have your own car and there is a beautiful beach and lake nearby, but otherwise this is a quiet, off-the-beaten-track sort of place, ideal for someone wanting to disconnect a bit. When possible, especially on days off, I take my Workawayers to the station and pick them up so they can travel to a nearby city like Le Mans (15 minutes), to explore, or even so they can grab a connection to Paris to spend a day or 2 there. Paris is 50 minutes by train! Also on your days off I can take you to one of the local towns so you can explore the area more. Always happy to find something that fits your interests!

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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

  I'm not very tech savvy, but we do have fibre and there is a work desk available as well as booster in the room for full use of the WiFi.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have room for parking a standard campervan or caravan on our driveway if you wish to park up but are staying in the house and want a break from van life!

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Sally

  

  Coleen

  

  Beleza

  

  Phil & Biquette

  

  Betty & Roger

  

  Chester

  

  Muffin

  

  Marlow

  

  Edith aka Mimi

  

  Vince

  

  Nala

  Nala

  

  Marcel & Snoopy

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