Join us in creating a cozy home and get to know French culture in Le Mené, France

Details

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  Description

  Join us for an ecological renovation in a welcoming Breton hamlet!
  
  We are a Dutch/French speaking family living in a charming, rural hamlet in Brittany, where a simple way of life is still very much alive. The hamlet is warm, helpful and friendly, and we love spending our days working in the house and garden, sharing good food an enjoying life!
  
  Right now, we are renovating a beautiful traditional Breton stone house. We are rebuilding it step by step using sustainable, natural materials, with a strong focus on creating a healthy, comfortable family home.
  This is a non-profit, family-focused project. We welcome volunteers who enjoy cultural exchange, hands on work, and who feel comfortable in a multilingual household.
  
  At our home you’ll experience a mix of Dutch, Breton and French influences. We are a multilingual family and mostly speak English, French and Dutch.
  
  Valentin is Breton by heritage and has a lot of renovation experience. He ran his own business in the Netherlands and was involved in a large castle renovation project, where he worked on everything from managing forest resources to using wood for restoration. He is highly skilled in ecological building and enjoys sharing his knowledge with volunteers.
  
  Marleen is originally from the Netherlands and loves gardening, making a home cozy, and creating a warm atmosphere around food and daily life.
  
  Our son Obi is 4 years old a friendly, curious child who enjoys meeting people.
  
  Living in a small hamlet also means you’ll get a glimpse of real rural Brittany. Neighbours are often open for a chat and love sharing stories about local life.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Farming

  

  Self development

  

  Sustainability

  

  Adventure sports

  

  Beach

  

  Nature

  

  Plant care

  

  Languages

  

  Music

  

  Gardening

  

  Carpentry

  

  Cooking & food
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We love hosting because it brings learning and exchange in both directions. Here you can:
  Learn and practice ecological building techniques
  Get your hands in the soil in our garden and vegetable garden
  Share meals and daily life in a multilingual home
  Discover the quiet beauty of rural Brittany
  
  We’re not focused on nightlife or constant outings.. it’s more about nature, craft, and simple living.

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  Au Pair Help

  Further details can be found here

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  Our renovation is well underway and focused entirely on creating a sustainable family home. We invite volunteers who are enthusiastic about learning and sharing skills in ecological building and outdoor work.
  
  Current renovation & building tasks
  Installing a drainage system around the house / land
  Repointing / re-jointing exterior stone walls (often with lime-based techniques)
  General renovation support (depending on the phase): practical tasks on the first floor, preparing spaces, moving materials, helping with planning and preparation
  
  Garden & vegetable garden
  A lot of help is needed in the garden and our vegetable garden
  Clearing, planting, composting, preparing beds, maintaining paths, and general outdoor work
  
  Extra help in summer (big school holiday)
  During the big summer holiday, we may also ask for some support with:
  Cooking / helping with dinner prep
  Occasional babysitting / playing with Obi so we can keep the project moving
  
  This is always discussed clearly in advance and planned in a way that feels comfortable and fair for everyone.
  
  Valentin will guide the work and explain techniques. This isn’t a replacement for paid local tradespeople — we hire local professionals for specialized tasks (for example electrical work). Volunteers are here to support the project and learn, not to replace professionals.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent

  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.
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  Accommodation

  We offer a comfortable private room in the traditional Breton house where we currently live, just a 2 minute walk from the renovation project. The house is located in a peaceful area next to a forest and a beautiful river.
  
  Extra options for more privacy:
  A large, comfortable “glamping-style” tent is available in the garden of the house we are renovating a quiet private space to retreat, relax, read, or recharge.
  
  You’re also very welcome to come with your own camper / caravan / tent (or similar setup). We have plenty of space in the garden of the renovation house, electricity available, and a dry toilet there as well.
  
  (You’ll still have access to the kitchen, bathroom and shared facilities in our living house.)

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  What else ...

  Who we’re looking for
  
  After hosting for a while, we’ve learned what works best for our family life and for the project. For this reason, we are currently a best match with volunteers who are:
  27+ (this fits best with our family rhythm and the responsibility level needed)
  Autonomous and proactive: you take initiative, can work independently after instructions, and manage your own free time
  Easy-going, respectful and socially aware in a shared household
  Interested in eco-building and/or gardening, and happy with hands-on work
  Comfortable being around a young child (and in summer open to occasional family help)
  
  We enjoy hosting, and we’re a great match with someone who likes family life and is also naturally autonomous.
  
  Food & meals
  To keep things simple and workable with family life:
  Dinner is included and will be prepared (and shared if it fits the day)
  Lunch is self prepared
  Breakfast is self catered
  You’ll have full access to the kitchen.
  
  Free time & exploring Brittany
  During your free time, you’ll have the chance to explore the beautiful landscapes of Brittany. Our home is surrounded by forests, fields and a beautiful river, perfect for quiet walks and connecting with nature. If you enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of trails for walking, hiking, and cycling.
  
  We’re about a 30 minute drive from the coast, where you can explore Brittany’s beaches, cliffs, and seaside villages on your days off. We’re happy to suggest routes or local gems.
  
  What else…
  If you write us, tell us a bit about:
  your age and travel style
  your experience (building/garden/DIY)
  what you’re excited to learn
  what “autonomous” looks like for you in daily life
  if you’re available during summer and comfortable with occasional family support (cooking / time with Obi)
  
  We’re happy to welcome the right person and create a good rhythm together!

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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

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  For those traveling by camper, we have a large garden with available space where campers can park comfortably. Water and electricity are available.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

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