My sister and I, Josephine and Mary, wanted to meet up and experience volunteering in France together.
I found La Giraudière through Google by entering the words “Volunteering in France while learning french”. La Giraudière came up  immediately. I read through the details which sounded great.  I emailed Paul and received a reply very quickly with all the information about La Giraudière. I read the entire booklet then emailed it to my sister. We both thought it sounded ideal.  We applied separately filling in the forms completely letting Paul know we were serious. We were staying in Menton together for our first week so found the best route to La Giraudière was by train stopping off in Toulouse for the night. We caught the early train from Toulouse to Bordeaux the following morning then another train on to Chalais where Paul picked us up.

Our stay in France

The accommodation at La Giraudière is perfect.  We had our own spacious apartment c/w bathroom and patio. Another person could have shared as there were 3 bedrooms. The meals were very good, each volunteer was on a rota so you cooked approximately once a week. Laundry facilities were excellent. The volunteering was varied and according to your own abilities.  If you didn’t know how to do something you just asked Paul. He is extremely patient and helps you in any way he can.

We felt very comfortable with the other volunteers and enjoyed their company. The french teachers are also excellent. Paul makes sure you are able to be involved with the community by walks they do on Sundays, meals together in the area, outings and yoga/fitness classes if you are interested.  There is a swimming étang a short 15 minute walk away where we swam most days just before dinner.  All in all the whole experience was so much better than we had anticipated. We would have no hesitation in recommending La Giraudière to anyone – young or not so young!  The countryside is peaceful but vibrant.

A huge thanks to Paul for our first volunteering experience!