Here is the latest photos of the great cold of 2012 from La Giraudiere Brossac France as temperatures start to increase to Zero Enjoy the slide show

This morning woke to find 12 cms of snow had fallen so just had to go for a walk and here are some images enjoy

New photo stream added to flickr for the 2010/2011 volunteers at La Giraudiere check it out at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lagiraudiere/

Let me know if you are not in the stream and I will find and add. Also if you have a better photo send and again I will add.

Very cold at LG at this present time as is most of France but I think after this week may have spring at the door

When Bob, an American retired naval lieutenant, works with Lewis, a young Scottish piper, Paul is needed to help with the translation at La Giraudiere

The La Giraudiere project goes from strength to strength. At present applications for places on the 2012 program at La Giraudiere are 5 times up on that for this time last year. This can only be down to all the work that previous groups have put into La Giraudiere

“A big thanks to you all”

In case you are a new visitor to this blog I will just confirm that this is the blog for the Volunteers working holiday group and daily write ups will be starting as from 1st April 2012 which is when the 2012 program starts. If you are interested in reading more about the project visit our main page at

Volunteers Working Holiday in France

You will find how to apply for a place and also how to request further information about the project and the 2012 program. To see what dates are still available you can see how places are going by visiting

Program Dates and Availability

I try to update the dates page on a fortnightly basis and remember places can change either way depending on accepted applicants reserving their place so check with me.

Until such time the program kicks off I will try to post an update each week to the blog

Happy new year to everyone

Hi Friends, group members, volunteers, helper and all that help put 2011 in place a merry Christmas to your all and thank you for all you did for La Giraudiere

Paul and Sidney

Last week the Tempête Joachim hit the south west of France and the village of Brossac. Trees cut off several road around the village but they were quickly cleared. The tail or the outer edge just touched Brossac and it was the northern parts of Charente that were most affected.

La Giraudiere lost two trees but no other damage occurred.

The trees will be cut up and used for the log burners at LG. John, Paul’s brother from Germany, is arriving to spend Christmas at La Giraudiere with Paul and this job will be a nice way to build up a Christmas appetite

Yesterday tuesday the 30th of November Brossac village started it’s preparation for noel or Christmas. Every available lamp post or drain pipe is being furnished with a christmas tree and decorations.

The Village as a sence of a festive season arriving

Lights could also be installed will just have to wait and see. Picturers will follow if so.

The club house at the Brossac lake is holding a Marche de Noel this coming Saturday and for sure I will attend and see what festive delights they have again photos will follow.

Who knows maybe some small Christmas present for some lucky people

Saint nernards looks a little sad all closed up with the winter mist passing through the village but the Christmas Tree tries to brighten up the square and Yes even Saint Bernards is awarded a Christmas Tree all we need now is some snow for Christmas day keep your fingers cross. I will try another photo during the evening when the lights are on so keep posted

Still in it’s early stages but we now have a slide show on the blog over the next few weeks will be adding more photos and more slide show so please keep checking back. If there are photos that you wish not to be published contact Paul who will either delete them or probably add more.

Like wise if your photo is not present let Paul know and it will be added and maybe you have a photo that would go well send it along.

You can see more photos at Flickr simply visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/lagiraudiere/

Maintenance and promotion needed for the website created this year by Denise from the USA Thanks again for all your work and now I will try to make it number & for its thing

French School Trip to France » School Trip to France – Plan Your French School Trip at La Giraudiere in South west France.

Paul continues to dot the I’s and cross the T’s of all the work the 2011 volunteers carried out.

Paul and Chris (Paul’s Brother) have finished the broken pipes on the fosse system in the newly opened apartment and the full plumbing system is now in use. Thanks to all those who were unable to use gite 4′s WC this last year.

The beams that Jim from the USA so patiently put in place during his visit are now secured in place and the area below is now being used Thanks Jim for all you did and hopefully see you again next year.

Lots of other building jobs have been completed and plus more bonfire have been light – pictures will follow soon.

Regarding the mobile website, the URL has been changed and the site is now provided via google sites it is https://sites.google.com/site/volunteerinfrance/ if you get a chance please try to send us a message as you know Paul does not have a mobile.