Each week, the Great Destinations Radio Show tries to offer ideas for free or cheap holidays in our feature I Want To Break Free.
If you want a really long break and would love to immerse yourself in life abroad, this could be for you! It’s house sitting but on a grander scale. You’ll enjoy free lodging and heating as you act as caretaker for a grand and historic French building.
Englishman abroad Phil Ogley has spent a few winters abroad, doing just that. Listen to Phil talking about his book, A Man In France, which documents his life in the country looking after unoccupied châteaux!
You’ll find some requests for house sitters in France at sites like mindmyhouse.com, trustedhousesitters.com and housecarers.com.