Unique Working and Living Adventure in the Southwest of France

  France

Brassac

Term: Throughout the year 
Length of Position: Minimum 3 weeks
Dates: Starts April 2010 until October 2010

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 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 120 euros per week plus four days work for La Giraudiere. La Giraudiere gives you accommodation, 3 meals a day, 3 days a week holiday - free to do as you please. In return you give La Giraudiere 120 euros, 4 days 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 bar, 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: Why are we making this offer?

La Giraudiere is only 40% 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 five 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.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: 150 euros or approx 190 USD

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 your point of arrival and departure normally Angouleme or Bordeaux

French Lessons
4 hours of your working week 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.

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.

Experience Required: no

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.

Age Range: 18-70+

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

Participants Travel to France Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Written Application

Year Founded: 1997