Volunteer FAQ

Can I bring my laptop? Yes, you can. We have WiFi in place and it is included as part of your stay.

Can I bring my phone? Yes, bring it to keep in touch with people back home but please leave it in your bedroom during the working day as there is nothing more annoying than having lunch or trying to work with a group who are constantly on their phones.

Will I be working in a group or as an individual? Depending on what work you are doing and who is here will determine if you are in a group or working alone but either way team spirit is needed.

I paid over US $1,000 per week to study abroad last year. How can it only be €210 at La Giraudière? With this project you are contributing towards the success of La Giraudière by volunteering and working 18 hours a week which enables the price to be less. In addition, this program is run on a small scale to provide an intimate experience and cut down on the cost of a larger program. Finally, there is no third party to pay.

What are Brossac and the area surrounding La Giraudière like? You will be staying in one of the most beautiful regions of France. The Charente is famous for its number of sunshine hours, clear skies and unpolluted air. The countryside is full of rolling hills, grapevines, sunflowers and scattered stone-built villages. We put in place a website for Brossac which needs updating. If interested, visit Brossac Village.

Where is La Giraudière? La Giraudière is 1 km from the center of Brossac. Brossac is in the southern part of Charente and lies 8 km from Chalais. To see for yourself and use a Google interactive map of the location for La Giraudière. Visit Location map of La Giraudière.

How do I get there? The main arrival point is Chalais train station which is about 8 km from La Giraudiere. There will be someone there to meet you at Chalais. You are responsible for getting yourself to Chalais Station. Chalais Station is on the TER rail line that runs from Bordeaux to Angoulème. Normally there are 3 trains a day so make sure to check how it fits in with your arrival times. It is important to remember when making your arrangements that Chalais is on the TER line and NOT the TGV line. The nearest international airport is Bordeaux.

How do I get from Bordeaux airport to Chalais station?  –  From Bordeaux airport there is a shuttle bus service that departs every 45 minutes which takes you to the train station at Bordeaux St. Jean in just half an hour. Alternitively, there are frequent tram departures from the airport, which will take aeound an hour to get to St. Jean station. Then, you will have to take the train to Chalais. The line is known as the Bordeaux to Angoulème line and there are 3 trains a day.
More information can be found at Rail Connections South West France.

I have a flight to La Rochelle for €15. If I make my way to Chalais will you meet me? Yes, of course, but please keep your onward travel to Chalais in mind, as you might have to spend the night in La Rochelle or Bordeaux if your flight arrives later in the day.

Can I get there by car? Yes, of course. Let us know how you are traveling and when you expect to arrive. Make sure you take a note of our telephone number and purchase a French Telecom Card. If you are delayed or have a problem, you can contact us.

Can I hire a car? Yes, there are supermarkets at Chalais and Barbezieux that offer a car hire service.

Do I need travel insurance? Yes! Do not forget to get travel insurance. Health care treatment can be very expensive in France and it is your responsibility to have full coverage for accidents and illness. If you are a European Union citizen remember to bring the E111 as well. Also remember that your E111 may not pay for all your treatment or medication so make sure you have top-up insurance.

What are the meals like and how do they work? Breakfast is typically continental – toast, cereal, fruit and yogurt are provided. There is also coffee and tea available at all times. All the volunteers have lunch together during the working day and it usually consists of a variety of salads, meats, cheeses, pizzas and quiche. Dinners are a joint effort and are always had together. Normally volunteers take turns to cook so that variety is maintained. There is always wine or beer available with dinner.

What is a typical working day for a volunteer? The typical working day may vary according to the season as no one wants to work when it is too hot. However, basically you are volunteering for 18 hours over 3 days. Wake up time is normally around 7:30/8am followed by breakfast. Usually, you will work from 9am until lunch time. Lunch is normally from 1pm until 2pm. After lunch, you will work for around 2 more hours, then, the working day tends to finish at 4pm. Volunteers have the early evening to do as they please and then the evening meal is served about 7/7.30pm.

Can I drink the water? Residents have been drinking the tap water for the last 18 years and there have been no problems.

I require a special diet (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, diabetic, etc). Can I still come? Of course. If you let us know prior to your arrival we can be sure to have the right types of food available. Vegetarians or gluten free? Make sure you tell us in advance.

Are drinks included? Fruit juices are served with breakfast and lunch. Red wine is normally served with the evening meal and there are normally beers in the fridge for after work. All of it is included but please in moderation.

What ages have volunteered at La Giraudière? Volunteers from ages 18 to 84 years have offered their services. Remember the minimum age is 18 unless you are accompanied by an adult.

Can we apply as a couple? Yes, as long as both partners participate and pay fees, you are more than welcome. Remember there is a reduction for those sharing.

Can I apply with my child or children? Provided your child is accompanied by a parent or at least someone over 18 years of age, yes – they can come. They must complete the application form and mark clearly how they would like to help. If your child does not want to volunteer, then they can stay as a paying guest. Simply let us know when you apply.

Can I bring my dog? Sorry, no.

Can we apply as a group? Yes, providing we have the space. Presently we have 11 bedrooms, some singles, some doubles and some triples. As the program continues more accommodation will become available, so the answer is that it all depends on when you apply and the dates that you apply for.

Is there a reduction in fees for those sharing a room? Yes, if you apply as a couple, two friends, or are willing to share a room then the price per person starts from €200 per week.

What is the weather like in Brossac? The summer can be very hot, up to 35+ᵒC. The region of Southwest France is known for its storms so it is advisable to prepare for both. If there are particularly hot days, we may start and end work earlier to avoid the heat. Winters can be very cold, -10ᵒC recorded this year. You can see more about the weather at Weather in Brossac.

Once I have arrived at La Giraudière how do I get about? There are roughly 10 bikes which can be used and are ideal for getting to and from Brossac. There is also a bus service that runs to Chalais, Barbezieux and Angoulème and the nearest train station is at Chalais (8 km away). You can check out the location at Maps of South West France.

What language is used at La Giraudière? English is the main language but French is also spoken when local visitors arrive. There are sometimes volunteers from other countries that contribute to the variety of languages spoken, as well. When interacting with the local people it is best to speak French and 1.5 hour lessons are provided each week by one of our professionally qualified teachers, which is included in the price.

Where is the nearest beach? Brossac Lake has a superb sandy beach and is ideal for swimming. It is just 1 km away from La Giraudière. If volunteers would like to visit a beach on the coast there are several different ones that are only an hour’s drive away.

Is there a tourist office nearby? Yes, there is a tourist office annexed to the local Brossac Town Hall and another larger office 8 km away in Chalais.

Are there any paying guests at La Giraudière now? Normally, No, but Yes, we do sometimes have holidaymakers and travelers if there is space. However, volunteers and interns always take preference. Volunteers and interns put La Giraudière together so always they take preference.

Is it possible to only come for one week? Yes, it is, but the cost per week is higher. Look at Volunteering Fees.

I intend to travel around France for the summer and was wondering if I could split up my stay? Another alternative is to book two periods. Say you want to tour France and use our project as your base or place of arrival. For example, you could stay at La Giraudière for the first two weeks of July and then do your 4 week tour of France and then return to La Giraudière for the last 3 weeks of August. This is just an example; the dates could be whatever you like providing it fits in with the places we have available at La Giraudière.

Do I have to arrive at Chalais on a certain day of the week? We are very flexible and whatever day works best for you is fine.

Can you smoke at La Giraudière? La Giraudière is a no smoking zone but there is a smokers’ corner provided under a tree on the other side of the lane.

Cancellation policy – In the event that you have to cancel your place in the program, you will lose your deposit and any fees you have paid unless we can fill your place. If you foresee a problem, then please give us as much notice as possible so that your place can be filled by another volunteer. Important also is that you have good travel insurance in place so if in the event of accident, health issue or other problems, you can make claim for any participation fees you paid to this program. Please read the volunteers agreement and the volunteers code of conduct. Read about the application process & apply now.