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What
exactly is meant by “A unique French Experience”?
There are many different ways to visit and
tour France, each one offering something different. For some a “unique
French experience” is achieved by
simply ordering a coffee and watching the world go by from a square in
centre ville, or maybe ordering and
eating a meal gastronomic in some chic French restaurant. Others prefer
the
crowded and noisy southern beach towns of the Mediterranean coast,
whereas some
look for the scenery and the chateaux of the Loire Valley. For those
who wish to learn more about French history there are the museums and
monuments in Paris.
But what if you are a courageous soul
looking for something entirely different - something unique? What if
you want a
way of getting to know the French and their lifestyle from a place
within their
life rather than as an observer? It is this very opportunity that waits
for you
in the rural heartland of southwest France at La Giraudière, Brossac.
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"I
have really appreciated the opportunity to see what rural
France is realy like and
to be part of your community for a time, I will never forget La Giraudiere and
Brossac"
Emily
Richardson, 19, England, sept 2011,
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La Giraudière is a ‘place of learning’ in the making where you can
indeed experience France from within; a place where unique challenges
to
interact across the language barrier will be rewarded by the warm
hospitality
of the French people and a sense of a real community and a real
connection with
them. During your stay at La Giraudiere you will be encouraged to
participate in the weekly events of the village. A game of pétanque, a
game
that may be as old as France itself, every Monday and Friday afternoon
there is
practice or rather a gathering where the villagers meet and discuss the
weather, the wine and the local politics and the bonhomie between the
villagers. The doors are always open for the residents at la Giraudiere.
For the more active there is football
training at the local village stade on Fridays evenings, or maybe the
local
Badminton club on Tuesday nights. Depending on your dates you maybe
fortunate
enough to participate in the monthly Lotto or Bingo - a great
opportunity for practicing your
numbers and connecting with villagers. As well there is the
bi-monthly card game Belote which is played with vigour and
enthusiasm in the village.
The other local meeting spots such as the
bar and the restaurant also offer an opportunity to meet, converse and
interact
with the local community and your host at La Giraudiere will introduce
you to
both the locals and the patrons.
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La
Giraudiere – a place of learning – and so much more!
To me, it is also a place of discovery
and
insight…about this ancient and fascinating region of our world, about
other
people, their cultures and lifestyles, about developing different skill
sets,
and about broadening my knowledge of myself.
Thank you for your vision, Paul, and for
making this unique opportunity
available!
Cindra Vargas USA, 2012
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The yearly round of village fêtes offer
yet another opportunity for you to be involved in the life of the
village. Year
in year out the La Giraudieriens are invited to help with
the preparations for the Fête du Muguet a spring fete held in May,
and for Bastille Day in July. In October the Autome Fete, which entails
a 10 km randonee
with stops for roasted chestnuts and grape juice from the recent
vendage, is something to which
you may be invited. 2012 saw the La Giraudieriens
helping with the South Charente cycle tour a local event like the
Tour De France and participating in the fun of the Jeu Inter Village, a
contest between the
Brossacaise and the neighbouring villages.
Getting an insider’s glimpse of the French
way of life naturally means speaking French – the program at La
Giraudière
includes French conversation lessons as a service to residents. The
teaching is
excellent and the goodwill of the local community encourages even the
most
timid to try talking. The open-hearted and generous welcome given by
the people
of the surrounding villages as they patiently explain aspects of their
heritage
to foreigners further stimulates one’s efforts to speak. The sense of
accomplishment in discovery through one’s own efforts to talk with the
people
is exciting and satisfying.
The
weekly
marchès are part of the rich tapestry of local life into which La
Giraudièriens are drawn as an important part of their learning
experience. After your first week in Brossac your visit to the Chalais
market boosts your sense of belonging to the broader community as you
hear bonjour from someone you have met during your first week.
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I
enjoyed the experience, and everyone I met and it opens doors to
opportunities culturally that you wouldn't get any other way. The
integration into the community, in terms of activities and friends was
one of my major likes.
Greg Karle, 60, USA, June 2011
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From La Giraudière a traveller can enter
the rich rural traditions of generations of the French. He/she can
absorb the
serenity and rhythm of a rural lifestyle that has continued over
centuries in a
landscape still displaying its ancient foundations. It is a uniquely
warm,
welcoming, rich and earthy landscape. Here in Brossac at La Giraudière
you can
gain a unique French experience, a true taste of France’s remarkable
joie-de-vivre.
While resident at La Giraudière,
travellers from around the globe can either contribute to the
development of a
visionary community through applying their labour, skills and or
expertise to
the project. Or by enrolling for one of the learning programs. You can
read more
about the project and it’s programs at VOLUNTEER in FRANCE
or INTERNSHIP
in FRANCE
"This article was
started by Kelly kean from the USA a
volunteer in July/August 2012 and followed up by Merise Riddell from
Australia a
volunteer in September 2012. " You can read more testimonials at Volunteers
Testimonials |
