![\"Paul](\"https:\/\/www.lagiraudiere.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Paul-and-Sidney-002.jpg\" "\\"")
<\/a>Amiable La Giraudi\u00e8re hosts, Paul and Sidney<\/p><\/div>\n
An afffable man, he soon got to know the locals, and learning the best way possible, through experience, he became conversant in French.\u00a0 However, he still proudly holds on to a distinct British accent as he believes everyone should recognize their roots.<\/p>\n
He was soon joined by a Labrador pup, Sidney who quickly became his right hand dog.\u00a0 A man of leisurely pace, La Girardi\u00e8re slowly took shape until 2007 when Paul stumbled upon the idea of opening\u00a0 up the building to holiday visitors in search of a unique experience in rural south west France.<\/p>\n
For a small fee, (that basically covers food expense, French lessons, excursions and transfers) folks come from all over the world to volunteer in the effort to restore La Giraudi\u00e8re. Some like me come to help with the blogging or dealing with the ever arriving inquiries that arrive in the mail box each day.<\/p>\n
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Visitors come for many different reasons.\u00a0 Some come to freshen up their French or English skills.\u00a0 Others want to learn more about French culture while others just want a quiet getaway from the frenzied pace old modern living.\u00a0 Whatever the reason, Paul greets everyone\u00a0 with a smile and welcomes them aboard.<\/p>\n
It’s clear Paul has come to love his adopted home.\u00a0 He is never happier than when he usher his visitors to area markets, festivals or tourist spots.\u00a0 He enjoys watching his guests marvel at the beauty of the local sunflower fields or the majesty of The Atlantic coast.<\/p>\n
Well known in the nearby town of Brossac, the local villagers welcome his guests into the local shops, bar, restaurants and invite them to join in the bi-weekly games of petanque.\u00a0 Perhaps, though, his favorite activity is sitting at La Girardi\u00e8re at sunset watching the beautiful colors streak across the sky or maybe even better, viewing the night sky, white with stars.\u00a0 Regardless, wherever you catch Paul, you can count on a lively Bienvenue to La Giraudiere<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Travel writer Terence Cremin describes his experiences while volunteering at La Giraudi\u00e8re, France<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Don’t forget to join us on Twitter <\/a>and Facebook<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Hosting Volunteers France Ever wonder why someone may leave it all behind to pursue a life hosting volunteers in a quiet little part of France?\u00a0 Just about twelve years ago, Paul\u00a0 decided to give up the hustle and bustle of … Continue reading <\/a><\/p>\n