Description

Thinking of relocating overseas or maybe just searching for work abroad? Maybe you have a gap year or time out? Well have you ever considered working abroad in France or to be more precise considered volunteering in south west France?

Here is the offer that I have for you: get 7 days full board and lodging at La Giraudiere in south west France for 182 euros per week plus 25 hours volunteered work for La Giraudiere. La Giraudiere gives you accommodation, 3 meals a day, French lessons, excursions, transfers, 3 days a week holiday - free to do as you please. In return, you give La Giraudiere 182 euros (140 euros if sharing), plus 25 hours work a week.

The work is whatever you think you can offer La Giraudiere. You tell us if you have an idea of something that would help La Giraudiere. Remember the work could be anything - it may be your idea of something we have not considered.

What is La Giraudiere and what is happening there?

La Giraudiere is a typical stone built charentaise masters house and was owned by the family Giraud. The family moved away some years ago and the property fell into disrepair. In 1997, me, two of my brothers and a friend formed a French property company and decided to purchase and restore La Giraudiere with the idea of putting together a small tourist hamlet. The path with the French authorities has been long but at last we have everything in place for us to open. Upon completion of the first stage, La Giraudiere will accommodate 40+ persons and will have a restaurant and leisure facilities. The hamlet will be used to accommodate school trips initially from the UK and USA. Presently we have 3 apartments complete which would be the accommodation for the groups.

When does the project start or when can I apply?

The answer is simple- now. Think about it - you can not lose - at the worst you will end up with the cheapest holiday on the internet.

Highlights

The whole idea of the La Giraudiere project is for people of all backgrounds, all ages, all nationalities to have the chance to live together learn about each others lifestyle exchange their knowledge, experiences and skills whilst living and working together in France and at the same time helping, improving and adding to the Project for those to come in the future.

Why are we making this offer?

La Giraudiere is only 60% complete and there is still a lot of work needed to be done. Apart from the work, there is also the marketing of the project which was started but needs further attention and ideas.

I am here in south west France and have been for the last seven years struggling every step of the way to put this project in place. The battle with the French authorities and the administration has been long and exhausting both on myself and the finances of the project.

Travel Types

• Cooking
• Cycling (Road/Touring)
• Language Immersion
• Photography
• Soccer/Football
• Student Tours
• Summer Camp
• Volunteering
• Rafting
• Sports
• Tours

Languages

• French
• English

Cost in US$:

182 euros or approx 200 USD (140 euros sharing)

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Excursions
• Housing
• Language instruction
• Written materials abroad

Program Fees Include:

Accommodation:
You will have your own bedroom in one of the apartments at La Giraudiere. Unless you applied as a couple or friends in which case you will share with your partner or friend. Every effort is made to insure that male and female apartments are separated. Each apartment has a shower room and wash room independent from the other apartments. The apartments are clean, bright, comfortable and well equipped in fact when not accommodating the work party they are rented out to holidaymakers and visitors.

Bed Linen Toweling and Cleaning
Once a week the bed linen is changed and the apartment is cleaned and clean towels are provided.

Meals
All meals are included Breakfast which is normally cereals, coffee, tea and juice. Lunch served midday is also provided normally alfresco and consists of salad, meats, cheese, quiche or such or it depends who is making it. Evening meal here we like everyone to take turns so to provide a mixture of plates.

Transfers
To and from the point of arrival at Chalais Station which is on the Angouleme to Bordeaux train line.

French Lessons
1 afternoon each week of your stay is taken up by French Lessons when a local French-English speaking school teacher arrives and provides any help you require with the French language. Normally these lessons are with all the group and may encompass something you are working on in relation to the project.

Materials
All materials are provided not just for building but paper pens and anything required to help with the project. Overhauls, wellington boots are available if you require

Internet access and telephone calls
Obviously there is Internet access and you may use the telephone to call home but please keep the calls to a minimum as broadband here in Brossac is not always free. We do have WiFi!

Help and Advice
If you are into restoring old building and want to know something I am sure one of our local French tradesmen will advice you and probably show you. If you are a builder but wants to know how to produce a web page and how to get it found I will show you. Thinking of settling in France and want to learn something that we know how to live in France or how to register in France then we will teach you. All part of the service.

Monday Morning Chalais Market
Every monday morning there is a traditional French market and transfers to and from are included for those at the house remember Monday is a day off for the group.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Anyone over the age of 18 who can prove that they can help make La Giraudiere come to life. Practical, clerical, and whatever trade or skill you have if you think you could contribute towards this scheme then come and see us. I am not worried about Age. Students come and bring some new life into La Giraudiere over 50's add your expierience.

Age Range

18-70+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Other
• Written Application
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

La Giraudiere's Mission Statement

La Giraudiere is not just a website it was once a masters house or maison d'maitre which fell into dis-repair after being neglected for 50 years or more. Now it is being converted into a small holiday hamlet, a place of learning, a place being brought back to life and at the same time adding to the lives of those who help make it happen. The Property is being restored and reinstated along with it's website by those that stay here. People from all walks of life who have a passion for France and the French way of life are arriving from around the world to contribute towards the project. Students, pensioners, professionals have all contributed to both the property restoration and it's website.

Year Founded

1997