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21 Oct 2024
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Description
Welcome to our Chateau.
We are a small and always changing group of volunteers working on the 18th century Chateau in the beautiful countryside of Normandy. Having it’s rich history, chateauesque style tower and plenty of land around, we are looking for volunteers who’d like to join us in the transformation.
We have big plans for the future and welcome short term travelers as well as long term individuals and couples staying up to one year.
Check out the “Help” section to find out more.Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practiceHelp with Eco ProjectsGardeningDIY and building projectsCreating/ Cooking family mealsHelp around the houseGeneral MaintenanceHelp with Computers/ InternetCultural exchange and learning opportunities
This place holds Quality Label for Solidarity Corps Programme and is able to welcome participants on the Erasmus + Programme. This provides the opportunity for participants to be paid an allowance during their placement.
Placement Opportunities
Criteria
• Be of working age
• Be from one of the 27 member EU states as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or Turkey
Our placements can be structured to Individual Interests and Learning Goals within a defined Programme
Solidarity Corps Volunteering Opportunities
Criteria
• Under 30 years old
• Be from one of the 27 member EU states as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or Turkey (not available to UK nationals)
We have a specific focus within the Solidarity Corps Programme focusing on
1. Mitigating the effects of Climate Change and taking positive environmental actions
2. Community Resilience (building and developing)
3. Supporting Integration of Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Funding can include travel to placement, daily allowance and living expenses to cover board, food and lodgings.Help
This winter we are putting all our focus on our Gite next to the Chateau. Planning for it to be a rentable space from spring on, there is plenty of work such as finishing bathrooms with tiles, painting walls and decorating it to make it a cozy place to stay in.
If you like gardening, there is always plenty of work that needs to be done on the property, even in the cold months. Maybe you’ll decide to stay longer and make this your priority.
We are all living and eating together so it’s up to all of us to keep the place tidy. You must be willing to take over some cooking and cleaning tasks (don’t worry if you can’t cook - we always help each other)
Starting in early summer we will be creating a Glamping place around the Chateau. You are always welcome to bring in your ideas as we move forward.
Furthermore there is construction and decorating work in the living area, as we have some more space that could accommodate more people.
Last but not least we will put our hands on the main part which is the Chateau with its tower. Not being used for several years it requires a profound renovation and high focus for years to come.
The working hours are Monday to Friday from 9-4 with a lunch break 1-2pm. Weekends are free. In exchange for your work we will provide you with a variety of foods and accommodation.Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.Accommodation
You will be staying in the main functioning part of the chateau or in our comfortable gite. Depending on numbers this will be private or shared. Shared bathroom and living space.
Additionally, there is very limited local transport, by arrangement we may occassionally be able to assist with dropping off/picking up from a location but it is not something we can incorporate into our offer.
In Frenes we have a small bar/restaurant/convenience store. It is 15 minutes walk from the place and is usually open 6 days a week.
The nearest larger town is Tinchebray, walkable in around 40 minutes. It’s a typical French town offering all main amenities including bars, restaurants, supermarket, a cinema and of course patisseries!
We are in a very rural, agricultural area of France and some people may find this to be isolating. If you think you may feel this way, it might be an idea to consider coming with a friend.What else ...
We expect all participants to be respectful to each other. We have a zero tolerance policy towards racism, sexism, homophobia and prejudice. We aim to be accepting, friendly and compassionate to all and everyone.
Experience from a former volunteer:
During my first work and travel I came across this place and came back twice since. I would like to give you an idea of this place from my perspective to help you decide if this experience could be something you’d enjoy.
Charlie, the host is english and is a lovely person who is more than happy to welcome and introduce you to the history of the Chateau and his vision for its future. It’s a great place to improve your english aswell!
Overall the atmosphere here is relaxed and rushing is not required at any time. We start our days with a comfortable meeting with a cup of tea to discuss the day ahead. It’s more of an comfortable chat rather than a planning meeting and if you prefer to work in a planned and fast paced environment this might be a little too slow for you. On the other hand if you like or need to go with the flow and enjoy little moments than that’s your place!
I have done a variety of jobs here. Gardening, painting walls, cleaning, selecting wood for the fire etc. It was a great place to learn cooking and baking for me as well!
My favourite thing to do here is to take walks in the fields and shamans and watch the sunset. The nature is truly magnificent here and you hardly ever meet another person.
I think the essence of a stay here is to really wind down and socialize with the volunteers. For me I had always found a good balance between spending time alone in nature and reading and spending time talking and discovering things with the other volunteers. I’ve made some really good friendships.
I recommend going to Paris by train over the weekend or to the sea!
I absolutely loved being here and recommend it for anyone to try for at least a short period of time!A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have an accessible internet provision although phone signal is not always strong when inside the property.
Space for parking camper vans
There is plenty of space to park up a camper van on our property.
Can possibly accept pets
This is a 'may be'. We would need to discuss this before making a decision.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (13)
He was an enthusiastic team player and worked great with our other volunteers.
He organised and managed a working group party to clear up storm debris - clearing thickets and brambles, dealing with a fallen tree.
It would be a pleasure to have him stay with us again. We wish you all the best Alon and thank you… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
He was an enthusiastic team player and worked great with our other volunteers.
He organised and managed a working group party to clear up storm debris - clearing thickets and brambles, dealing with a fallen tree.
It would be a pleasure to have him stay with us again. We wish you all the best Alon and thank you… read more
We look forward to seeing Glenn again in the future
There was always plenty to do; bushes and brambles needing to be cut, gardening plots to be prepared, some general clearing and cleaning as well some paint jobs. These… read more
Here at the Chateau we were treated very well, from food, accommodation and entertainment. We had a cozy room with comfy beds, a fireplace to keep us warm, and delicious meals.
We are immensely grateful for the opportunity and… read more
We are very well welcome by Adrian and Charlie. A real conviviality is present on the spot and the exchanges are very interesting.
Durinf my stay, i can participate in the renovation of the site including gardening, plastering, masonry and roofing. There is a lot of work to do, i'm sur that you will find a job… read more
It was my first workaway experience and it was just wonderful! Adrian is really welcoming, warm and joyful. We had a lot of fun. About the work, everyday was different and we could adapt what we were doing to what we wanted. The place is really nice, the area is great to walk around and Adrian drove us to the city every… read more
Théoda and Melissa