Claire and Michiel, a young Franco-Belgian couple, live with their two daughters, Fleur and Perle, on a charming old farmstead nestled near the coast of Wissant in northern France. For the past seven years, they’ve been lovingly restoring the historic property while raising their family in the peaceful countryside. Set within the Parc Régional Naturel and close to the breathtaking Deux Caps coastline, the farm offers a unique opportunity for those interested in building and renovating volunteering in a truly picturesque part of France.
Building and Renovating Volunteering: Tasks & Roles
This is an ideal placement for anyone curious about hands-on building and renovating volunteering. The next major project is the interior renovation of the mansion house. While previous volunteers have helped complete the exterior, now the focus shifts indoors. Depending on the stage of the work, you might be involved in dismantling wooden fixtures, wall repairs, or taking part in a collaborative workshop to apply traditional chalk-hemp insulation. No previous experience is needed—just enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in. Claire and Michiel are happy to guide you through basic carpentry, stone masonry, and eco-restoration techniques.
In addition to renovation, there are other seasonal and regular duties such as helping in the organic vegetable garden, harvesting and preserving produce, hedge trimming, firewood preparation, and caring for the animals—chickens, bunnies, and seasonal feeding of the sheep. Occasionally, volunteers may also help entertain Fleur and Perle while their parents work outdoors.
Building and Renovating Volunteering: Living & Getting There
Volunteers stay in a cosy guesthouse known as the “Poulailler” or in one of the rooms in a Tiny House. Accommodation can be shared or private depending on preference and availability. Meals are mostly communal, with breakfast self-served in the hosting house and other meals enjoyed together in the main house, fostering a friendly, family-style atmosphere. Work follows a flexible schedule based on a 25-hour week—typically Saturday to Tuesday—giving everyone a three-day weekend to rest or explore the area.
The site is well-equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay. Volunteers have access to a shared kitchen, wood stove, barbecue, jacuzzi, mountain bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, a washing machine, and relaxing outdoor spaces. Essentials like bed linen, towels, workwear, and safety gear are provided—though you’re welcome to bring your own.
The nearest major airport is Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Claire and Michiel offer pickups from Calais Fréthun train station, which has direct routes to London, Brussels, and Paris—making it easy to reach for international travellers interested in building and renovating volunteering experiences.
Building and Renovating Volunteering: What Else
Life at the farm is vibrant, social, and relaxed. Volunteers join from all over the world—26 nationalities and counting—creating a space full of cultural exchange and lasting friendships. Board games are part of daily life, often played during lunch breaks or in the evenings. Music is also woven into the home’s atmosphere, with Claire performing locally and always happy to jam with musical guests.
The surrounding countryside is ideal for nature walks, birdwatching, and scenic cycling routes. On clear days, you can spot the English coast across the Channel. If tides and weather permit, there are even kayaking trips to a sandbank 4 km offshore—sometimes complete with a beach barbecue. The local region is also rich in history, with museums and monuments related to World War II and maritime life.
This opportunity blends practical learning with a warm community feel, offering a memorable building and renovating volunteering experience in one of France’s most beautiful regions. Whether you’re drawn to restoration work, rural living, or cultural exchange, it’s a place where hands-on work meets heartfelt hospitality.
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