Farming in Ardèche, France – gardening – taking care of the land 3-4 h/day

To get the most out of the experience, you should enjoy living in a natural environment, interacting with nature, and meeting other volunteers from different countries.

The air is very clean and fresh because we are at an altitude of 860 metres and our farm is surrounded by forest. We are not technically considered an organic farm; however, we value and try to live according to organic principles.

It is a physical way of life. You are advised to bring sturdy shoes and hiking boots if you have them.

Having lived in the Alaskan bush for many years, we live a fairly rustic lifestyle.

We have both travelled extensively in the past, and we enjoy meeting people from different countries and cultures.

Category of host arrangement

• Private home – Family

Location

• Ardèche, France 📍

What are you looking for help with?

• Farming
• Gardening
• Cleaning
• Building
• Hay stacking

Who am I?

I am Evelyne. I am 56 years old, and I have a goat farm with 35 goats, and I make cheese. I have been making cheese for 15 years now. My husband is retired and I have a 16-year-old son.

Volunteer age restriction

• 18-60

How many can you host?

• 3 volunteers

When do you need volunteers?

• Mid-June to mid-July
• Last week of August

Schedule

• We can work from 3 to 4 hours a day, 5 days a week.
• Weekends are free, as well as all the afternoons.
• The house is open from 7:00 am until 8:00 pm. I get up at 3:30 in the morning, and I go to sleep by 8:00 pm.
• I usually need help to clean the house, can vegetables, cut grass, split firewood and, eventually, if the volunteers agree, remove some manure out of the barn.
• You need to like farm work and animals. You must like the outdoors, physical work, and not mind bugs or dirt from the ground.

Meals

• Breakfast is between 7:00 am and 7:45 am
• Coffee break at 10:30 am
• Lunch at 1:00 pm
• Dinner at 6:00 or 7:00 pm

We can accommodate dietary needs.

Food and accommodation

Food and accommodation included.

• Tents

Internet

• Reliable Wi-Fi

Fee transparency

No fee

Visa

No, volunteers must arrange independently.

What volunteers receive in addition to food and accommodation

• Language exchange
• Cultural visits during market time

Activities during free time

This is a wonderful place for hiking. We live at an altitude of 850 metres, and you can hike up to over 1,000 metres. The altitude helps keep the daily temperatures cool during the hot summer days. You can see very old small villages and farms, or go to Lalouvesc, where there are many tourist activities. Otherwise, simply enjoy the forest, streams, wildlife, and beautiful views.

We are near the top of a small mountain ridge. The area is ideal for hiking or mountain biking. There is a “Gaulish” site higher up than us, with fantastic panoramic views. You have a good chance of seeing roe deer, wild boar, and other wildlife while hiking.

The village is 2 km away and has a small café.

There is also a 12th-century Romanesque church nearby.

In summer, the village organises evening activities.

During the last week of August I have a big hay delivery. After stacking the hay, we usually have a big party with pizza cooked in a wood oven, and lots of friends and family come to help.

Languages spoken

• English
• French
• Spanish

Geography

We live in a rural area with mountains.

Summers are hot.

How to get to your site

I can pick you up at Saint-Vallier-sur-Rhône train station.