Woodworking, stonemasonry, gardening, forest-clearing and permaculture in the Cévennes, France

Infos

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  Description

  Come and join me in a Garden of Eden in the South of France! I am a Franco-American author and TV writer following a dream to create a permaculture and forest garden paradise in a 12th-century domain set on 40 hectares in the lower Cévennes region, at the border of the Gard and Lozère counties. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Mediterranean Agro-Pastoral Cultural Landscape. It's old, rustic and a bit wild (a restoration work-in-progress...) but it is a haven in a private forest, with dozens of ancient stone terraces lining the hillsides, pristine drinking water from a mountain source, streams with natural swimming holes, cascades, hiking, and a Mediterranean climate with temperatures similar to nearby Provence (but with lower summer humidity and fewer mosquitoes). The location is rural, so best for nature lovers and independent, autonomous people; although a village with all the essentials -- excellent bakery with breads, desserts and fresh, home-made takeaway dishes; convenience store; weekly market -- is five kilometers away. Other villages are within 15-20 minutes by car.

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Jardinage

  Bricolage et construction

  S’occuper des animaux

  Aide dans une ferme

  Aide à la maison

  Entretien général

  Aide informatique/internet
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  The setting is a rare site of stunning, unpolluted nature in one of the most authentic regions of France. The home is an historical monument, the seat of a noble Protestant family, with a colorful past. Mediterranean culture and cévenole cuisine abound, with local, organic produce. I enjoy having people of all cultures, ages and backgrounds, and learning from them as much as I do sharing my limited knowledge of gardening, culture and life experiences. Conversation can be in English or French, and I would be happy to help Workawayers improve their skills in those languages. For someone interested in a longer stay, I could possibly offer formal permaculture instruction with videos and hands-on experience.

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  Aide

  Part of the property is a natural reserve with campsites. Rather than open it to the public, I prefer to let Workawayers enjoy the grounds for themselves. Very welcome are those who enjoy gardening, permaculture, forestry (clearing paths, cutting and chopping some trees in order to preserve, restore dry stone terrasses and for firewood), woodworking, stonemasonry, general upkeep and and various DIY projects: painting, plastering, building wood fences, building stone steps, revamping terraces with pickets from chestnut trees, etc. There's a lot to work with: ancient stone walls, a variety of wood species from the forest; massive, carvable tree trunks; natural rock formations along waterfalls and streams, etc. I'm open to suggestions from artistic, creative types :). The ability to use a powerful Stihl strimmer/brush cutter is a major plus. Most important is that you enjoy what you are doing as much as you are good at it!

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  Langues

  Langues parlées
  Anglais: Courant
  Français: Courant

  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

  In the essences of camaraderie, diversity and cultural exchange, I prefer to host at least two Workawayers at a time (maximum of 4), who are lodged in guest houses. Each is a two-storey, comfortable stone dwelling of approximately 65 square meters (700 sf) with two bedrooms, kitchen, dining area, living room and large terrace, set in a park of several hectares. They are equipped with extremely fast fiber optic internet and the latest Wifi 6E.
  
  I enjoy most evenings to myself, but Workawayers will have their own kitchens, and food will be provided (store bought, as well as from the gardens here and local farms and markets). Of course, I hope you will also join me at the dining table for occasional meals and conversation!

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  Autres infos...

  I am a private, respectful and hygienic person who appreciates those same qualities in others. This situation is ideal for mature, independent Workawayers with good work and social ethics, but not for those looking for a tightly-knit, communal environment. I am friendly, collaborative and easygoing, but I also appreciate moments of reclusiveness ... and treasure my alone time as much as I do the company of others. For the first time in my life, I wake up grateful every morning to be living in such an exceptional place, where nature and its energy are at their finest. The level of peace and quiet is rare -- calming, inspiring and revitalizing. I seek to host Workawayers who value and respect those elements of life.
  
  The property itself has almost everything for nature lovers -- water sources, large pool, hiking paths, organic vegetable gardens -- and the Cévennes is one of the most beautiful parts of France, with local options for sightseeing, longer hiking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, etc. The closest commuter train station is Sainte-Cécile-d'Andorge (14 kilometers). A supermarket in the city of La Grand-Combe is 30 minutes away. The city of Alès, with a bigger train station and all major commerce and services, is a 45-minute drive. Nîmes, with direct, high-speed TGV train to Paris and CDG Airport, is an hour and a quarter away. Uzès, Anduze, Florac and Mende are all reachable within an hour. The coast, and the cities of Montpellier and Avignon (and their TGV stations and airports), are within a two-hour drive.

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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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  Espace pour garer des vans

  Part of the property is a former campground, so for those wishing to use it, there are designated spots for camping cars and tents. There are electricity hook-ups, showers, toilets and a swimming pool.

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  Possibilité d'accueillir les animaux

  Friendly dogs are welcome. We have a four-year-old Vizsla and one-year-old Weimaraner.

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Plus de 2

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  Nombre d'heures attendues

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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