Thank you for your interest in the volunteers working program here at La Giraudiere in South West France. Upon this page I have listed all that is provided by us so that you can see what you are getting back in return for the work you volunteer and your input
ACCOMMODATION
You will have your own bedroom in one of the apartments at La Giraudiere. Unless you applied as a couple, Friends or you indicated that you wished to share in which case you will share with your partner or friend (There is a reduction for those sharing). Every effort is made to insure that the group is such 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 paying guests, school trips 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 like depends who is making it. Evening Meal here we like everyone to take a turn so to provide a mixture of plats so bring your recipes with you. During a three week stay you may have to cook three times but dont worry there will be help at hand.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TRANSFERS
To and from Chalais Station
Note ~ Chalais station is on the TER line that runs from Angouleme to Bordeaux
LONG WEEKEND EXPLORING TRANSFERS
Remember Friday afternoon, Saturday, Sunday and Monday are days off and ideal for exploring the region, Transfers To and from Chalais Station are included so make the most of that long weekend.
FRENCH LESSONS
One morning or one afternoon French Lessons are provided each week by either our local French English speaking school teacher or our English French speaking teacher Normally these lessons are with all the group and may encompasses something you are working on in relation to the project.
MATERIALS TOOLS WORK WEAR
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 there are even umbrellas which we hope are not needed
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 broad band here in Brossac is not always free.
WiFi ACCESS
Yes at long last LG as wifi and it is included
HELP AND ADVICE
If you are in to restoring old buildings and what 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 want 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 exchange program.
Cycles to help you get about
Originally there were 9 but some now need repairing so at time of writing this there were 6 that go and stop the rest need some attention ~ Maybe you can help?
Maybe cookery Lessons?
Providing we have the professional kitchen finished in the old house we intend to seek the services of a qualified chef who is willing to pass on his or hers skills to the group so maybe half day cookery lessons will be included but a lot needs to be done prior so no promises on this one.
GROUP EXCURSION
Once every 3 weeks a group excursion is arranged and provided so during your stay you will benefit from at least one group excursion.
MONDAY MORNING MARKET DAY AT CHALAIS
Every Monday morning there is a traditional French market at Chalais and transport to and from the market each week is included.
KEEP FIT AT BROSSAC CLUBHOUSE AND SPA
Yes Brossac has a new facility? the Clubhouse and spa which provides a training room or gym, indoor swimming pool and spa,
squash court and other facilities all of which are available for those staying at La Giraudiere. Your fist visit to the clubhouse and spa is included in your fee.
MONDAY AFTERNOON & FRIDAY EVENING BOULES OR PETANQUE AT BROSSAC
Twice a week the locals from the village meet for a game of boules and La Giraudiere as allways taken part and added an
international feal to Brossac Boules club. The La Giraudiere group pay only for what they drink. Like to read more about Boules then visit Pétanque
TUESDAY EVENING AT CHALAIS IS BADMINTON
If any of the group are intrested in playing badminton then there is a club that meets most Tueday evenings at Chalais and the group
from La Giraudiere can go along and participate starts at 19.30 and finishes at 21.00 and lift to and from Chalais is again included.
WHAT WOULD THIS NORMALLY COST PER WEEK ?
Transfers, excursions, full bed and board, French lessons, maybe cookery lessons and more some of which will stay with you the rest of your life, personally I think you would pay up to 800 euros per week but some have said it was priceless but for you here is the chance to get it for 26 euros per day by contributing and giving 21 hours of your time each week. Not to be sneezed at.
All the time Paul is looking out for more that can be added to this page so do not be surprised if when you arrive
something else has been added
e-mail addresses program@lagiraudiere.com
THE PROJECTS NOTICE BOARD