France·October 21 - November 1 2024
A new chapter of our Networking for Changemakers in a French countryside ecovillage where remote work meets regenerative living
SOLD OUTEscape the mundane and redefine your remote lifestyle at our unique co-living retreat in an eco-village tucked away in the picturesque Ardèche region of France. More than just a remote work experience, this transformative journey immerses you in a thriving community pioneering regenerative practices. Unwind in modern, handcrafted accommodations crafted from natural materials, and tap into a pace of life anchored in nature's rhythms. From permaculture gardens to circular economic systems, this vibrant eco-village models innovative approaches to sustainable living that you'll have a rare chance to experience firsthand. Whether you're craving a profound reset or seeking to merge your digital workstyle with more purposeful living, this intimate residency fosters personal growth, creative renewal, and lasting connections. Join kindred nomads in co-creating a prototype for the remote work commune of the future.
Inesto is a social enterprise based in Italy that organizes experiential learning programs around the world. Our mission is to cultivate global citizenship through intercultural exchange and community-driven initiatives. This pop-up coliving experience in France will be led by:
A sample weekly schedule showing a balanced mix of:
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2 weeks accommodation in an eco-village eco-lodge
Tea and coffee breaks
Good internet connection
Immersive eco-village workshops and hands-on activities
Transformative sessions on regenerative living and placemaking
Shared co-working spaces and self-facilitated mastermind groups
Wellness amenities (yoga, meditation spaces, hiking trails, etc.)
An intimate community of inspiring nomads and village residents
Lasting memories and a renewed sense of connection
Meals
Transportations
Guided excursions to explore Ardèche's regional attractions
FROM$849.38/pp
Reconnect with the earth, reconnect with yourself
Grain & Sens is a bilingual eco-community born from the shared passion to discover a more harmonious way of living with nature and each other. This village embodies a philosophy of mutual care - tenderly nurturing the earth that nourishes them in return.
More than just a place, G&S is a living, evolving expression of human potential to create regenerative societies in balance with the natural world. It serves as a vibrant laboratory prototyping solutions for ecological, social, and economic renewal in this rural territory.
By immersing yourself in this community, you'll experience firsthand what an integrated model for sustainable living can look and feel like.
Tucked into the forested hills of the Ardèche region, the historic stone buildings of Gräin & Sens have been lovingly restored as an eco-village sanctuary. Le Grand Tilleul serves as the village's main accommodation - a charming eco-lodge crafted with natural materials and stunning craftsmanship.
This spacious 4-bedroom gîte offers a warm, light-filled respite surrounded by nature. Relax in the cozy living room warmed by a wood-burning fireplace, enjoy meals together in the rustic dining area, or bask in the panoramic Alpine views from the large wooden deck.
Le Grand Tilleul's bedrooms are simply yet beautifully appointed with eco-craft touches like mosaic-tiled bathrooms. Children will delight in the upstairs play lounge and outdoor areas with a sandbox, trampoline, and other recreational spaces nestled amongst the trees.
The eco-village itself is a pioneering example of regenerative living in action. Strolling the winding paths, you'll encounter permaculture gardens, heritage vineyards, a traditional wood-fired bakehouse, and grazing livestock integrated through thoughtful land stewardship. This holistic model prioritizes circular resource flows and community self-sufficiency.
For cancellations made before April 30th, a 50% refund of the total amount will be provided, minus a non-refundable 20% service fee.
For cancellations made on or after May 01th, the payment is non-refundable.
With your booking, you'll automatically receive a 2024 membership with Inesto, our nonprofit social enterprise. Benefits include tailored discounts, events and projects access.
Your participation sustains our work fostering positive social change in communities worldwide. As a member, you become part of our vision and can get more involved to enjoy experiences and sustain Inesto's impact in the year ahead.
Thank you for your support - it enables our efforts to thrive.
We intentionally keep the experience intimate with a maximum of 12 participants. This allows everyone to fully immerse themselves in the eco-village rhythms and build a real sense of community.
Not at all! We provide beginner-friendly introductions to topics like permaculture, natural building, circular systems, and more. The hands-on workshops and programming are designed as accessible introductions. We welcome curious learners of all backgrounds.
The schedule blends dedicated co-working hours with immersive activities. Our eco-village workspaces have reliable WiFi for productive sessions while allowing disconnection when needed.
Reliable wifi and dedicated coworking spaces with all needed amenities allow for productive remote work. However, the natural setting promotes regular digital detox breaks and adventure as well.
While tailoring each residency, we balance dedicated coworking periods with hands-on activities, workshops, visits, wellness practices, and community events. You'll have ample immersive experiences while still meeting your remote work needs.
We do not provide airport transfers but can assist in booking reliable drivers at reasonable rates. Or help participants in organizing carpooling. The closest village is a 20-minute walk away. A car will be available for grocery assistance.
We provide snacks like tea, coffee, infusions, fruits for breaks. Meals are not included, but you're welcome to use the fully-equipped kitchen or organize group meals. Upon request, we can also arrange homemade vegan dinners featuring local specialties with the eco-village community.
The eco-village has a community kitchen sourcing organic ingredients from its gardens and local producers. Everyone is welcome to join in collectively preparing meals if desired.
All rooms include linens, towels, soap, shampoo and free WiFi. Le Grand Tilleul offers ample shared spaces, weekly cleaning service and use of outdoor common areas.
The beautifully restored four-person bedrooms Grand Tilleul gîte serve as our primary accommodation in a shared setting. We have Le Grand Tilleul Gîte available just for our group, with each room accommodating 2-4 guests in a hostel-style setup with shared bathrooms and a communal kitchen.
Private room options may be available for additional costs based on availability.
The experience is designed to be bilingual and accessible to English speakers, G&S community also is English and French-speaking. That said, having basic French will allow you to more fully integrate with the local community.
Depending on the residency and the group preference, you may experience permaculture gardening, plant foraging, natural building, bread-making in a wood-fired oven, Playfights and storytelling sessions, Photography and art workshops, placemaking and impact talks and group sessions, and more.
The nearest major airport is Marseille Provence or Lyon Airport, approximately a 2-hour drive away.
Trains and carpooling options are our favourite We can provide detailed ground transportation recommendations for your itinerary.
Option 1: Public Transportation
Take the train to Valence.
Transfer to the bus at the Valence bus station, which is located next to the SNCF train station.
Ask the bus driver for the direction to Vernoux and get off at the Boffres stop.
Grains & Sens will pick you up from the bus stop if you call them in advance.
Option 2: Driving
From Valence:
Take the N 533 road towards Le Puy until you reach Alboussière (20 km).
Turn onto the D 219 road towards Vernoux and continue until you reach Boffres (7 km).
At the exit of the village, take the D 332 road towards Grozon and follow the signs for "Lavenant".
From Lamastre:
Take the D533 road towards Valence.
After 11 km, in the village of Grozon, turn right onto the D268 road towards Boffres.
After 2.5 km, continue straight on the D332 road, still towards Boffres.
Continue for 1.8 km and at the crossroads, before entering the forest, turn left (there is a wooden sign indicating "Marelles").
Continue for 500 m and at the goat farm, turn right and go all the way down to the parking lot.
We recommend packing eco-friendly toiletries, a reusable water bottle, sturdy shoes for outdoor activities, layers for changing mountain weather, and an open-minded spirit of adventure! Let us know if you need any other specific suggestions.