Experience cultural Exchange with a local family in Thiviers, France

Infos

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  Description

  About Us
  We are a family undertaking a personal restoration project in the French countryside, set on 170 acres of woodland and meadow. The property includes a number of old cottages and outbuildings, and we're gradually bringing the place back to life, with a strong focus on sustainability and cultural exchange.
  
  We moved here in September 2024 from Jersey in the Channel Islands, though we have French roots. This is a private, non-commercial project – we are not a business and we are not seeking help with any commercial activity.
  
  Our aim is to create a welcoming environment where people from different walks of life can come together, share experiences, and enjoy the beauty of nature and simple living.
  
  I’m a wellness practitioner and naturopath with a deep interest in holistic health, yoga, and reconnecting with the land. In time, I hope to host small, non-commercial gatherings around these themes.
  
  My two sons (20 and 18) are also involved. My eldest is on-site more regularly and enjoys helping out with the day-to-day rhythm of the place.
  
  Cultural Exchange and Learning
  We welcome Workawayers as part of our extended community, and see this as a genuine opportunity for cultural exchange. Whether it's chatting around the table, sharing music, learning a new recipe, or taking a walk through the woods – we love discovering different cultures and sharing our way of life too.
  
  We’re also curious and open to learning from you – your skills, traditions, and stories.
  
  Types of Help
  We are currently only looking for light assistance such as:
  
  Helping around the house
  
  Watering and tending plants
  
  Feeding chickens
  
  Simple outdoor tasks
  
  Cooking or sharing meal prep
  
  Please note: we do not need help with restoration, building, landscaping, painting, or any skilled trade work. These are handled by professionals or done by us as a family.
  
  Accommodation and Meals
  You’ll have a private room in either the main house or a cottage, depending on what's available. Bathroom facilities may be shared.
  
  In return for up to 25 hours of light help per week (with 2 full days off), we provide three meals a day. Meals are usually shared and home-cooked with a focus on fresh, seasonal food. We’re happy to accommodate dietary needs when possible. If we can’t always eat together, ingredients will be provided for you to cook independently.
  
  This is a peaceful, creative environment – ideal for someone who enjoys a slower pace, nature, and meaningful exchange. If that resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you.

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Projets artistiques

  Pratique d’une langue

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Jardinage

  Bricolage et construction

  S’occuper des animaux

  Aide dans une ferme

  Cuisine/repas pour la famille

  Aide à la maison

  Entretien général
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  Centres d’intérêt

  

  Vidéographie

  

  LGBT+

  

  Dev. durable

  

  Animaux de compagnie

  

  Culture

  

  Vie en van

  

  Dev. personnel

  

  Ferme

  

  Bricolage / artisanat

  

  Soin des plantes

  

  Cuisine et alimentation

  

  Jardinage

  

  Art et design

  

  Animaux

  

  Architecture

  

  Sports d’hiver

  

  Yoga / bien-être

  

  Fitness

  

  Nature

  

  Camping

  

  Montagne

  

  Plage

  

  Sports nautiques

  

  Activités en plein air

  

  Randonnée

  

  Cyclisme

  

  Sports d'aventure
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  Cultural Exchange
  
  We believe that cultural exchange is at the heart of the Workaway experience. By joining us, you’ll become part of a vibrant community where social connections and learning flourish. Here’s what you can expect:
  
  Social Activities: Share meals with our family, join evening gatherings by the fire. We also encourage connections with the local community, offering opportunities to explore nearby markets, festivals, and cultural events.
  
  Skills and Knowledge Sharing: From learning hands-on restoration techniques to picking up tips about sustainable living and gardening, you’ll gain practical skills that you can take with you. John also offers insights into naturopathy, yoga, and wellness practices to enrich your stay.
  
  A Two-Way Exchange: While you’ll learn from us, we’re equally excited to learn from you. Share your language, culture, and unique skills—whether it’s a recipe from home, a creative craft, or a fresh perspective on sustainable living. Every guest brings something special to our shared journey.

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  Aide

  What We’re Looking For
  We’re looking for kind, enthusiastic individuals who enjoy being part of a collaborative environment and are happy to lend a hand with everyday tasks. At the moment, our focus is on light, non-skilled help around the home and garden, such as:
  
  Watering plants and light weeding
  
  Feeding animals (e.g., chickens) and general outdoor tidying
  
  Helping with meal prep, simple cooking, and keeping communal spaces clean
  
  Occasional household organisation
  
  Sharing creative, musical, or artistic skills that contribute to a relaxed, cultural atmosphere
  
  What matters most is a positive attitude and willingness to contribute as part of a team, in tune with our long-term vision of restoring and enjoying this peaceful rural space.

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  Langues

  Langues parlées
  Anglais: Courant
  Français: Intermédiaire

  Cet hôte propose un échange linguistique
  Cet hôte a indiqué qu’il souhaitait faire partager sa propre langue ou en apprendre une nouvelle.
  Contactez-le pour en savoir plus.
  
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  Hébergement

  We are currently renovating the Manoir within the Chateau estate. This will eventually be our home, which we are happy to share with you until such a time another cottage is restored. You will have your own bedroom, a shared bathroom and also wifi throughout the estate.
  
  We can offer a space to also pitch a tent if you'd prefer, or the odd motorhome would work too.

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  Autres infos...

  What to Do with Your Time Off
  
  In your free time, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. Explore the lush woodlands and trails on the property, or take a short trip to visit nearby villages, markets, and historical landmarks.
  
  In Thiviers and the surrounding Dordogne region, you’ll find charming towns, bustling farmers’ markets, and beautiful riverside spots perfect for picnics. For nature lovers, the area offers stunning hiking and cycling routes, and we’re happy to help with advice on local attractions.
  
  Public transport, including buses and trains, connects Thiviers to nearby towns, and we can also assist with arranging lifts to key destinations when possible.

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads

  Cet hôte a indiqué qu’il aimait accueillir les digital nomads.

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  Espace pour garer des vans

  We can offer an area on the estate thats flat and has the most incredible sunsets!

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Plus de 2

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