Join our registered non profit association and learn about permaculture, nature and well-being in the Cévennes, France

Detalhes

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  Descrição

  Come and join me in a Garden of Eden in the South of France! I'm Greg, a Franco-American author and TV writer, and now the steward of a permaculture and forest regeneration project in a 12th-century domain set on 40 hectares in the lower Cévennes region, at the boundaries of the Gard and Lozère counties. The property borders a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Mediterranean Agro-Pastoral Cultural Landscape. It's old, rustic and a bit wild (a restorative 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.
  
  In honor of my late son, I'm transforming part of the property into two non-profit organisations, both centered around nature, community, and emotional and spiritual well-being, one with future training and apprenticeships (permaculture, agroforestry, hospitality, writing atelier, ...). You can learn more about the charitable foundation and the French Loi 1901 Association on their websites. I'll be happy to share the links.
  
  As I transform and expand, I'd be grateful for the help and camaraderie of likeminded people, and honored to share what I've learned over the past few years of bringing it back to life after decades of abandon. There is still much to do!

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  Tipos de ajuda e oportunidades de aprendizado

  Trabalho beneficente

  Ajuda em projetos ambientais

  Jardinagem geral

  Projetos DIY criativos

  Cuidar de animais

  Ajuda em fazenda

  Ajuda a cuidar da casa

  Manutenção geral

  Cuidar de casas e pets
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  Interesses

  

  Livros

  

  Sustentabilidade

  

  Mascotes

  

  Cultura

  

  Autodesenvolvimento

  

  Filmes e TV

  

  Fazenda

  

  Trabalho beneficente

  

  Faça você mesmo

  

  Cuidar de plantas

  

  Escrever

  

  Artes performáticas

  

  LGBTQ

  

  Idiomas

  

  Jardinagem

  

  Culinária e comida

  

  Carpintaria

  

  Arquitetura

  

  Animais

  

  Yoga/bem-estar

  

  Atividades ao ar livre

  

  Caminhada

  

  Montanhas

  

  Naturaleza
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  Oportunidades de intercâmbio cultural e aprendizado

  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 and many life experiences. Conversation can be in English and/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 potentially offer formal permaculture instruction with videos and hands-on experience.

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  Ajuda

  Permaculture, Agroforestry and Forest Gardening, DIY projects with local-sourced wood and dry stone.
  
  On the grounds 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, DIY projects, general maintenance, working with local wood (chestnut, oak, holly), stone (schist and quartz), and forest care, such as identifying and clearing overgrown paths, removing natural debris, which is then used for compost, in order to preserve and revitalize dry stone terrasses that have facilitated drainage and water harvesting and kept the hillsides fertile for centuries. Almost everything is sourced from the land, and there's a lot to work with. Occasional local laborers handle the heavier work involving machinery, but for those interested in learning about all aspects of land management, there is a workshop and high quality tools for DIY projects, with lumber created from local from chestnut, ash and holly trees. I'm always open to suggestions from artistic, creative types :). There is a wide variety of choices of tasks, depending on a Workawayer's interests. I want you to enjoy what you do here!

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  Idiomas

  Idiomas
  Inglês: Fluente
  Francês: Fluente

  Este anfitrião oferece intercâmbio de idiomas
  Este anfitrião indicou que tem interesse em compartilhar seu idioma ou em aprender um novo.
  Entre em contato com ele para obter mais informações.
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  Acomodação

  In the essences of camaraderie, diversity and cultural exchange, I generally 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, restored stone dwelling of approximately 65 square meters (700 sf) with two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen, dining area, living room and large terrace, set in a park of several hectares.
  
  I often spend 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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  Algo mais...

  I am a private, respectful, spiritual and hygienic person who appreciates those same qualities in others. This situation is ideal for mature, independent Workawayers with good work and social ethics. I'm friendly, collaborative and easygoing, and you will have my participation and guidance when needed, but moments of reclusiveness are essential for me for meditation and reflection on my life's new purpose, and as I continue to process the grief of losing my only child. In short, I treasure alone time as much as I do the company of others in 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 has almost everything for nature lovers -- water sources, large pool, workout area, sauna, hiking paths, organic vegetable gardens -- in 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 25 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 Mediterranean coast, and the cities of Montpellier and Avignon (and their TGV stations and airports), are within a two-hour drive or train ride.

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  Mais alguns detalhes

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    Acesso à internet

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    Acesso à internet limitado

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    Temos mascotes

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    Somos fumantes

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    Pode hospedar famílias

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  Pode hospedar nômades digitais

  All lodgings have fiber optic internet wifi connections.

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  Espaço para estacionar campervans

  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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  Pode aceitar animais

  Friendly dogs who get along with male dogs are welcome. I have an affectionate, playful, feisty-but-friendly five-year-old Weimaraner. Sadly, we can't have cats - they wouldn't be safe with him.

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  Quantos Workawayers pode acomodar?

  Mais de 2

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  Meus animais / animais de estimação

  Sylver (5 anos)

  Weimaraner

Segurança do site

Converse com Workawayers que já visitaram este anfitrião

+12

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