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? Just about twelve years ago, Paul decided to give up the hustle and bustle of his hometown London, England and search for another way of life. He took over an old stone maison in rural Southwest France called La Giraudière.
The roots of the house date back to the early 1700s but the original main house had long ago disappeared due to a fire or some other force of nature. What may have been the Gate House to the old estate still survived and in 1904 the family Giraud added an extension and this became La Giraudiere as known today.
It is rumored that the last offspring, 2 daughters, of the Giraudiere family had little or no interest in the property and moved off to Paris in the 1960s. La Giraudiere fell into disrepair and needed some major repairs. With nary a French word in his vocabulary, Paul set to rehabilitating the old house, taking on various other building projects in the area to bring in some income.
Amiable La Giraudière hosts, Paul and Sidney
An afffable man, he soon got to know the locals, and learning the best way possible, through experience, he became conversant in French. However, he still proudly holds on to a distinct British accent as he believes everyone should recognize their roots.
He was soon joined by a Labrador pup, Sidney who quickly became his right hand dog. A man of leisurely pace, La Girardière slowly took shape until 2007 when Paul stumbled upon the idea of opening up the building to holiday visitors in search of a unique experience in rural south west France.
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 Giraudière. Some like me come to help with the blogging or dealing with the ever arriving inquiries that arrive in the mail box each day.
Visitors come for many different reasons. Some come to freshen up their French or English skills. Others want to learn more about French culture while others just want a quiet getaway from the frenzied pace old modern living. Whatever the reason, Paul greets everyone with a smile and welcomes them aboard.
It’s clear Paul has come to love his adopted home. He is never happier than when he usher his visitors to area markets, festivals or tourist spots. He enjoys watching his guests marvel at the beauty of the local sunflower fields or the majesty of The Atlantic coast.
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. Perhaps, though, his favorite activity is sitting at La Girardière at sunset watching the beautiful colors streak across the sky or maybe even better, viewing the night sky, white with stars. Regardless, wherever you catch Paul, you can count on a lively Bienvenue to La Giraudiere
Travel writer Terence Cremin describes his experiences while volunteering at La Giraudière, France
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