Volunteering in Artistic Retreat in Montbrison, France 🇫🇷

The experience

Bonjour! 🌿
Come immerse yourself in the artistic and peaceful world of Gilles — a sculptor and photographer who lives in a leafy, tranquil space at the foot of the Massif Central, in the heart of the beautiful Forez region.
This isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a space for creative exchange, cultural immersion, and connection with nature. You’ll help bring to life artistic and ecological projects, while discovering a slower, more mindful pace o

What you offer

20 hours of help per week

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

Farming: Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

What you get

2 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Free Tours: We’ll take you on tours and rides around town. For free!

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

📍 Location: Montbrison, Loire (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
🏡 Host: Gilles – Artist, Sculptor & Photographer
📅 Ideal dates: Flexible – Minimum 2 weeks

🎁 What You’ll Get in Return:
🛏️ Comfortable accommodation in a calm, green space
🥗 Plant-based, organic meals
🚗 Local excursions with Gilles to explore museums, landscapes, and hidden gems
📸 Artistic mentoring in sculpture and photography
🌍 Cultural exchange & opportunity to speak French
🔌 Wi-Fi available
🧘‍♂️ A lifestyle focused on well-being, creativity, and connection with nature

👤 Ideal for You If You:
Love art, nature, and slow living
Enjoy meaningful conversations and new perspectives
Want to learn or share knowledge in creative expression
Are curious about alternative, plant-based living
📩 Interested?
Gilles would love to hear from you!
Come co-create beauty, serenity, and meaning in this unique corner of France 🇫🇷
Apply now and be part of a soulful, unforgettable experience. 🌞
"Le partage est source de bien-être." – Sharing is a source of well-being.

Activities & Shift

🛠️ Tasks You’ll Help With:
Creating and maintaining a biodynamic garden 🌾
Restoring an old water spring 💧
Pruning plants, harvesting fruits, planting 🌿
Organizing artistic spaces and materials
Helping prepare art exhibitions (sculpture & photography) 🎭
Assisting with sculpture workshops (marble, clay, bronze, etc.) 🗿
Sharing your skills and experiences!
No special skills required — just a willing spirit, love of nature and art, and an open heart. ❤️

🕰️ Hours & Schedule:
Around 18–20 hours per week, flexible schedule
2 days off per week
Plenty of free time to relax or explore the area