Christmas in France

Posted on November 16, 2014 by La Giraudiere

Christmas and markets in France

La Giraudiere together with volunteers is going to put together a Christmas to remember. The Christmas in France program started last year when La Giraudiere held a Christmas market followed by a Christmas day Dinner.

Well this year the Christmas Market is a little earlier than last year as the dates will be the weekend of the 29th and the 30th of November. You can read further info about the market at Christmas Market in France The market will be run by the association “Les Amis De La Giraudiere” If you would like to come and help with the market please do so and contact us via our website.

Christmas France market

Christmas market at La Giraudiere 2013

Christmas in France at La Giraudiere this year will be a Christmas day dinner on the 25th of December followed by a new years celebration on the 31st of December which will take us into the 1st of January 2015.

If you would like to come and volunteer and help make the perfect Christmas yes a Christmas in France to remember then visit Christmas In France for further information of how you can volunteer in France for Christmas for as little as 18 euros per day all in.

So do not put up with the same old Christmas come and help us make you the perfect Christmas.

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Colin and Marlene volunteering testimonial

Posted on November 16, 2014 by La Giraudiere

Volunteering Testimonial

Volunteering testimonial – Reflections of La Giraudiere from a UK couple.

A Big thank you to Marlene and Colin from the UK for choosing to volunteer at La Giraudiere and become part of the summer 2014 group. Thank you for all that you did whilst you was here, you worked well together and with the group you were a pleasure to have about the house and you soon made it your home. When ever anyone needed some help you were first there.

You were supposed to arrive as volunteers in 2013 but due to unforeseen circumstances had to cancel, well I am so glad you did not cancel altogether and that you actually postponed your trip to arrive in 2014. Miss you both and hopefully you return one day to your new French home in Brossac.

Volunteers testimonial to play piano

La Giraurdiere volunteers Marlene and Colin accompanies Sal on the piano at Bordeaux station.

“Colin and Marlene had just celebrated our 20th Wedding anniversary when they reflected back on their three week volunteering experience at La Giraudiere this summer. They sent me their reflections in the form of a testimonial and they go on to say “The experience stands out for many reasons, We have had the opportunity to experience the French way of life first hand….” you can read their full testimonial by visiting French volunteering experience

La Giraudiere receives many testimonials and letters of thanks you can see a collection of Volunteers testimonials by visiting VOLUNTEERS TESTIMONIALS

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Christmas Volunteering France

Posted on October 15, 2014 by La Giraudiere

Christmas Volunteering France

This year as just flown by,, it seems only a while ago I was blogging about last Christmas volunteering France and here we are with just over 9 weeks to go until Christmas arrives yet again.

If you are facing the same old Christmas and not really relishing the thought of it, then maybe a change would do you good.

Last Christmas La Giraudiere opened it’s doors to Christmas volunteers for the first time, and I have to say it was a lot of work organising the events, but a great success especially as regards people having memories of a Christmas that will last for a long time.

This year, as last, the Christmas page of the website is displaying the Christmas publicity inviting volunteers to sign up you can see it at Christmas-Volunteering-in-France it also says about the plans for this Christmas the Christmas Market, the Carol service, Christmas Day dinner and new years celebrations.

You might be interested to see how thing went last year,  2013, what work was there to do for the Christmas market and how did everyone contribute towards the Market.  Check out a picture video produced by one of last years volunteers on youtube

So think you could help this year?  Like to be printing the publicity, driving around and placing the publicity for everyone to see or distributing the flyers at other markets and fetes.

Last year there were 4 international volunteers from Ireland, UK, Singapore and Canada who joined up with the local volunteers to produce a great team. Who knows where they will come from this year but for sure it will be a very merry Christmas at La Giraudiere.

Christmas volunteering France lightsSo do not miss out get your application for a place in now visit the Christmas page for info and link to apply at Christmas In France

Looking forward to seeing you at La Giraudiere

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About Us ~ New About La Giraudiere page published

Posted on October 10, 2014 by La Giraudiere

About Us – About La Giraudiere

A new web page titled About Us as been published upon the website, The new web page explains what La Giraudiere is about and what it offers its programs, internships and other traineeships. It goes onto explain how the internship programs are designed to bridge that gap between studying and taking on a real work position.

The volunteers program was how La Giraudiere became established as a global project open to all. It too is mentioned and how it encourages all no matter what greed or race, what age or background you can come along and help and in doing so benefit from a stay in France at a price unknown before.

2015 will see the return of a school group from the USA so our “about us” page gives mention to the fact that one of our principle goals is the welcoming of Schools and University groups.

All the programs  at La Giraudiere are described in brief and how they provide a unique learning experience, which with French language lessons for non French speakers and the English language program for French speakers  reinforces our commitment to encompass all.

The page mentions our Code of Conduct which all applicants have to agree to abide to before being accepted onto the programs.

As a non-profit organisation the La Giraudiere association, Les Amis De La Giraudiere, is in place to not only help our project but also the other associations within the village of Brossac. Weather you be here on an internship or as a volunteer you will be encouraged to get involved and become immersed in French rural life and sample “La vie association” Francais.

The about La Giraudiere page finished by stating “La Giraudiere is well established in the village life of Brossac and yet remains international in its operations and scope. This mixture of Local French life and international outlook provides a place for cultural understanding with a unique French experience”.

Which for those of you that have participated will know only to well. Take time to visit and bookmark our new About La Giraudiere  page

About Us about La Giraudiere learning logo

La Giraudiere Logo

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Nilou Begins Working Holiday at La Giraudiere

Posted on September 18, 2014 by La Giraudiere

Calgarian Nilou Davoudi Arrives At La Giraudiere to Jump Start Her Working Holiday Experience 

I first came to France when I was 16 to visit family in Normandy. Instantly I was in love with France and everything French – from the language and culture to the bread, cheese and wine to the kind, proud people who smile easily. Ten years later and I came back again with my husband to visit. The love I had for France was still very strong. So, I quit my cubicle job, left my wonderful husband, friends and family behind for a working holiday year in France.  I decided to come to France to improve my French, learn more about the culture and learn more about myself as a person too.

Heavy snow blankets the city of Calgary AB Canada on Tuesday September 9th 2014 (Ted Rhodes/Calgary Herald)

The day I left my hometown Calgary, Alberta, Canada, there was still snow on the ground and the weather was bone chillingly cold. No this wasn’t the middle of winter – it was mid September. After a long flight from Calgary to Amsterdam, another flight from Amsterdam to Bordeaux, a short bus ride, a train ride and a car ride, I finally made it to La Giraudiere – exhausted but thrilled to be there. I had seen several photos of LG before I arrived but the photos do it no justice. This place is absolutely breathtaking. I chose La Giraudiere to help me transition into my working holiday year. I had never been to southern France so this was a great opportunity to not only see the sights but also immerse myself fully into the language and culture.

Working Holiday in France at La Giraudiere

Working Holiday at La Giraudiere in beautiful south west France (http://www.lagiraudiere.com/)

 

So far I have been here for a couple of days and I am living the life! The views are stunning, the weather is a dream come true, Brossac (the village) is like a postcard and the food is to die for. The other volunteers here are fantastic and Paul and his adorable dog (Sidney) are the best hosts you can ask for. I feel right at home! I am hoping that my time at La Giraudiere will give me the confidence I need to begin a year working and living in France.

Everything here has been better than I would have ever expected and I am very grateful and glad I found La Giraudiere!

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