DIY activities for an original farm holiday

Treat yourself to an original getaway in Pays de la Loire with a DIY "do-it-yourself" activity at one of the farms welcoming visitors for a day or a bucolic stay. In these farm establishments in the heart of nature, you can experiment with new activities. What infinite pleasure to rediscover the joy of making, growing and shaping something unique with your own hands!

Far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, you'll enjoy creating your own saffron soap, making a seaweed tartar, taking up sewing or permaculture.
Let yourself be tempted by the "Do It Yourself" activities offered by dynamic professionals on their farms in the Pays de la Loire region.
Find all the farm offers at the end of the article!

Temptation 1: "I make my own seaweed tartar".

Welcome to Loire-Atlantique! Why not try an unusual activity? In the Petite Cité de caractère of Le Croisic, " Les Jardins de la Mer "is a marine farm. Valérie and Jean-Marie pick seaweed on the Guérande peninsula. They preserve and purify their harvests in the heart of an ancient saltworks that has been naturally fed by the sea for over 500 years. It's an eco-responsible business.

This family-run business has been developing aquaculture since 1968. Their seaweed is eaten fresh or processed, as in their family recipe for caviar, now recognized by some of the greatest names in gastronomy. You can also discover them canned, or dried with fleur de sel, for example.

And as Valérie and Jean-Marie are keen to share their knowledge of seaweed, they decided to pass on their know-how to the general public. Lovingly cultivating the link between man and nature, they invite you to take part in a culinary workshop. The aim? Make a seaweed tartar!

The cooking workshops take place in the farm's reception building. After an overview of the seaweed found along the Croisic coast and some of its characteristics, it's time to get cooking. You'll roll up your sleeves and share the secrets of preparing and preserving a seaweed tartar for 2 h 30. It's a convivial opportunity to talk about seaweed and the sea.
At the end of the workshop, you'll be able to taste the recipe you've created to satisfy all your sweet tooths!

Temptation 2: "I make my own saffron soap".

In the Anjou region of France, we offer you an elegant return to nature! Did you know that saffron is still grown in France? When Sabrina launched her saffron production in the Mauges region, she took a daring gamble. Growing one of the most expensive spices with a low yield in view of the time spent requires patience and perseverance. Today, in Cynfaël and in designer boutiques, she sells her "red gold" to restaurateurs as well as to individuals in the form of saffron products. And to extend the pleasure of the crocus sativus, the flower that produces saffron filaments, she has devised a workshop for making saffron petal soap (known as "purple gold").

How could you resist a "home-made" workshop that combines an exceptional product with well-being? Saffron is said to have anti-wrinkle and anti-oxidant properties when used in cosmetics... and the oil softens the skin. All the ingredients you need to make saffron a part of your daily life after this Anjou getaway.

The cold process soapmaking course is organized all year round, on fixed dates, and is reserved for adults. For 2 hours, Sabrina will show you how to make your own handmade cold process soap. What a pleasure to take it home to cut and dry before use!

And Sabrina has children in mind too. During the school vacations, she runs workshops for toddlers. In just one hour, they'll have the pleasure of manipulating and learning the secrets of colors, materials and varied scents.

Temptation 3: "I take care of animals at a Petit Soigneur workshop".

In Mayenne, you can fulfill your dream of becoming an animal caretaker for a day. The Asinerie du Bois Gamats is much more than a traditional farm. It's neither a zoo nor an equestrian center, but a human-scale farm where positive interactions (social, physical, cognitive and psychological) between people and animals are encouraged. The farm is now open to individuals and groups, so that we can share our daily life with those who live far from farms! And here, we love children: fun educational workshops have been designed especially for them!

During the school vacations, your child can take part in the "Petit soigneur" workshop, from the age of 3. Budding carers are invited to take an active part in the life of the farm for a morning. Discover, care for and feed the animals! The activities take place in direct contact with the animals, so you can get to know and respect them better. Donkeys, goats and other small farm animals will be delighted to be in good company, and cared for by young and old alike. It's a great way to make youngsters aware of the importance of preserving nature, and to inspire a few vocations!

Temptation 4: "I sew!

In the Sarthe region of France, you'll enjoy a wonderful stay at l'Atelier & Cowa cosy farm gîte just outside Le Mans. Tucked away among meadows, wheat fields and dairy cows, this haven of peace is nestled in the middle of a dairy farm.

Passionate about "home-made" food, Marité wanted to pass on her know-how and give her guests a different kind of welcome. The promise is kept: she introduces you to the joys of handmade creations during a "Sewing and furniture patina initiation" workshop. For her, the aim is not only to share but also to inspire people who didn't think they were capable of making things. The workshops are open to guests and visitors alike.

And before you leave, let yourself be tempted by Atelier & Cow's upcycling decorating corner and small second-hand shop.

Temptation 5: "Learn about permaculture

Come and learn about permaculture on the Ile d'Yeu in Vendée, in an exceptional natural setting. Following in the family tradition of raising sheep at La Bergerie, Emilie and her husband raise their sheep from the Ker Poiraud pastures to the moors of the old château. The breeding activity is complemented by the cultivation of red fruits and aromatic plants. La Ferme d'Emilie also offers permaculture training to complement its farming activities. This theoretical and practical course lasts 10 days, divided into 2 sessions of 5 days each. This will enable you to deepen your knowledge of permaculture at home, before consolidating it in the 2nd session.

By the end of this training course on Yeu Island, you'll have mastered the design principles and tools needed to create productive, sustainable, life-friendly and pleasant places to live.

Discover the map of online stores selling farm and wine products in Pays de la Loire!