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Off Grid in France
France
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 26 ก.พ. 2024
Hi there and welcome to my channel!
My name's James and I bought an off grid property in the south of France. I'm a complete novice and plan to share my journey as I get to grips with everything from solar power, rainwater harvesting, managing water from our well, to gardening on my one-acre plot of land.
My property is in the French départment of Aude, to the north of Perpignan. It's very close to the sea and is bordered by vineyards, with a view of the Pyrénées.
If you'd like to know anything about my life before, have a look at my other channel @JacqueslemacFrance.
My name's James and I bought an off grid property in the south of France. I'm a complete novice and plan to share my journey as I get to grips with everything from solar power, rainwater harvesting, managing water from our well, to gardening on my one-acre plot of land.
My property is in the French départment of Aude, to the north of Perpignan. It's very close to the sea and is bordered by vineyards, with a view of the Pyrénées.
If you'd like to know anything about my life before, have a look at my other channel @JacqueslemacFrance.
Off Grid in France #17 Domestic chores and whatnot
A short one this week. Just a few of the everyday tasks that fill my day.
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Off Grid in France #16 A drive into the Corbières
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A day out exploring the local hills and valleys in my Citroën Dyane Caban.
Off Grid in France #15. More solar wiring
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A little bit about the solar, plus odds and ends from life here in the south of France.
Off Grid in France #14. Upgrading my solar
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I brought more panels back from England. I bought them secondhand from Giants Wood Solar. The more you buy, the cheaper they are! I also bought some mounting frames, but they were very flimsy when used on the ground, so I fabricated some bracing for them, then weighed them down with large stones. I suffer from a lot of Sahara sand here, brought by the wind and mostly by rain, so have to clean t...
Off Grid in France #13. Heading home
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Another video that's all about travelling, rather than my off grid life in the south of France. If you love travelling through France, watch on. If not, I wouldn't bother if I was you. Wait until next week's video, when I'm back to working on my home.
Off Grid in France #12. Heading for England
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This one's not really about living off-grid, but when you life in France and have children and grandchildren in England, there's inevitably a lot of travelling between the two countries. This video is about a relatively relaxed journey from the south of France to England.
Off Grid in France #11. Building a pergola
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It's a pergola, not a pagoda. Why do they have such similar names? Hopefully it'll quickly get covered in climbing plants and offer shade in summer.
Off Grid in France #10 - Grass, Water and Plants
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Apologies for the long delay. Mostly issues with film editing - both software and our hard drives failing.
Off Grid in France #9 We're Back!
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It's been a long six weeks, with a trip to England to visit family the best part and wrestling with a defective Mac and computer hardware the worst part. We soldiered on and thank you for sticking with us. Music: "Straight" by Bensound License code: 51YCUAXLE5IEG1YO
Off Grid in France #8 Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud
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We knew it would rain and we knew it wouldn't always be warm in the south of France, but Spring has been unexpectedly cold and wet, just like it has been almost everywhere in Europe. Music: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License code: GD7X8FQAW1S5YWZJ
Off Grid in France #7 Friends, Plants and Ruins
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A friend arrives bringing "gifts" - my beloved Citroën Dyane Caban. I take him home and return with more gifts - dozens of plants for Lou to put in the garden. And then we go exploring in the Dyane.
Off Grid in France #6 Hills, Stones and Trees
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A trip into the Corbières hills that lie just inland, Lou using stones to create some decorative art by our well and work continues in the garden. Music: Straight by Bensound License code: 51YCUAXLE5IEG1YO Acoustic Breeze by Bensound.com License code: NB05VPNHPQBG7HQS
Off Grid in France #5, Land, Sea and Air
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In this episode we try our hand at some plumbing (without getting too wet), the cats get their passports and we experience the World of Wind. Music: Small Guitar by bensound.com License code: IYZIGQ0PZVMXFF1Z
Off Grid in France #4 Bamboos and hot water
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Off Grid in France #4 Bamboos and hot water
Off Grid in France #3, Mud, bread and electricity.
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Off Grid in France #3, Mud, bread and electricity.
Off Grid in France #2, Mud, sunshine and cats
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Off Grid in France #2, Mud, sunshine and cats
Your opening statement is simply not true. You have chosen to visit England regularly but that’s your choice. Historically my children and grandchildren have visited me in France far more than I visit them in England. A U.K. visit for me is a rarity and I’m certainly not complaining about that.
The opening statement is true for me. When I'm in England I live with my daughter and granddaughters. Both my daughter and her husband work, so it helps them and I get to enjoy the company of granddaughters more.
You really aren’t selling the dream.
Am I supposed to? Everyone's is different. This one's mine.
You seem to have settled in living on your own.
Well, the practical bits and bobs have to continue. The emotional side of things will take longer.
Lovely drive!!!
Thank you. I feel blessed to have such lovely countryside so close to me.
Thanks for the "ride"! This is in the area I will be looking for a home for next Fall's move, and there is no way I can get to everywhere in February on my two-week tour de France. The geology looks so very much like Central Texas. I need to look that up to see if they are the same geology.
It's a pleasure. I'm just lucky to have it the terrain like that so close to me. There are proper mountains less than two hours away as well.
The mistake was thinking the light was required to natural, led floodlights will keep it running in the dark.
Sorry, I don't quite understand. The lights are all LED or low energy ones. What will keep running in the dark?
I love to see the change of the seasons. And starlings are truly amazing to watch. Mesmerizing.
@@SueIsRetiringToFrance They are and the sound of thousands of wings, you can almost feel them.
Flamingos 🦩 Are you in or near the Camargue? Another great video
@@FrugalQueeninFrance I’m further west, between Narbonne and Perpignan. And thank you!
The discs on a Dyane are under the bonnet next to the gearbox, no need to jack the car up.
I jacked the car up, so I could spin the wheels and see where the noise was coming from. The heat had been so much, a thin film of brake pad had stuck the the disc. It quickly wore off with use.
how do the panels react to strong winds ? good job you are doing
Thank you. It's a steep learning curve. The solar panel frames are anchored by heavy rocks and have coped with gusts of more than 80 km/h so far.
I have two of 100w solar panels that I bought in the Spring - they are jury-rigged in series to create a window "awning" for the cabin/front passenger window of my motorhome to provide shade and to charge my Jackery solar generator. Very disappointed in them. Some of the cells are clearly damaged after a summer of minimal rain and no hail (they look rusted in appearance). Each cell will work independently, but, still. They are OF COURSE out of the return timeframe. Grr. Great job on the install!
Mine have a nominal output of 265 watts each. I know they're three or four years old, but I've never seen as much as 100 watts output from each one. I take solar panel manufacturer claims with a large pinch of salt!
I love seeing these - in the US Midwest, we LOVE road trips! I can't wait for French road trips starting next September. Travel safe!
Thank you. There are loads more road trips on my other channel, if that's what you like!
3 words! This is great! 👍 its a sub from me
Thank you and welcome!
Keep your eyes peeled don’t leave anything unattended there are thieves about .
I try not to live my life in fear. I'm reasonably sensible, I think, but not paranoid.
Welcome back!!!! Looking forrward to more videos
Thank you. Lots more to come, I hope.
Nice! New Sub and bell )
Thank you and welcome!
Good luck to you. I pray that you will find your inner peace and just trust in God to show you the way.
Thank you for your thoughts.
I have just subscribed to your chanel. I hope you do some more found the this one very interesting. Sorry to hear that you two have parted you seemed lovely together. Stay strong and keeping going.
Thank you for your message (and for subscribing). I do plan to do more, but can't promise they will be every week.
Sorry to hear your both going different ways. Sad news I loved watching you both .Best of luck to you both to the future .❤
Thank you for your message and support.
J'adore driving the secondary and smaller roads - simply lovely! That said, I am sorry for the upset to your lives. Life is truly a rollercoaster. Big hugs to you both.
Thank you for your message. I often say that life is too short for motorways! Travelling on smaller roads means you see much more of the countryside and how it changes around you.
Oh - that seems sad. However, wishing you well and hope you settle there.
Thank you for your message. I used to live alone in Normandy, so I'm sure I'll get used to it again - either in the house or perhaps living in the camper van full time.
Wow, it's a beautiful area there, enjoy it.
Thank you. I do try to communicate how lovely it is, so I'm glad that comes across.
I learned a new word from you, cigales! Merci! How did you affix the wall anchor board? Toggle bolts? Is lumber in France not already pre-treated (in the US you can purchase it either way). Your soil looks very similar to the Central Texas Hill Country soil. An ancient seabed lifted up. I wonder if they are alike geologically. Looks fantastic! Bien joué, vous!
Most people call them cicadas in England, but there's a perfectly good French word, so I thought I'd use it. I used large bolts with a kind of expanding sleeve on them. As you tighten them, the expanding bit does just that, pushing against the side of the hole. I can't remember what they're called. Apologies for the non-technical explanation!
A job well done I say! Congrats!
Thanks you. It's still standing, two months later, which is a success in my book.
That red sand is the wind blowing the Sahara sand. It will be good to wash your vehicles etc very well. If you leave it too long it leaves marks on everything. We had it a few timess here in Italy. Love your videos.
Many thanks for your kind words and advice. The sand is horrible to get rid of, isn't it?
New to your channel
Welcome! You won't have to binge watch for long before you've seen all our videos!
Nice to see a new video! Hope you are still enjoying life off grid.
Thank you and yes, so far. This will be my first autumn and winter, so it'll be an experience!
The only reason I’m hesitant to move to Europe from America is the roads there are horrible
@@7TerriPod Europe comprises many countries. In Portugal and England they can be pretty bad. In France, they’re mostly wonderful. I have to say, it’s the first time I’ve ever heard that the conditions of roads is a factor in choosing whether or not to relocate!
Yay!!!
Please be patient. More computer issues, I'm afraid.
@@OffGridinFrance2024 I totally get it. I am fighting with mine today working on some volunteer political stuff. I WILL be in your neck of the vineyards in early Feb. I'd love to connect with you if you are amenable!
@@SueIsRetiringToFrance By all means. Send me an email closer to the time and, if I'm around, I'd be happy to give you a tour.
@@OffGridinFrance2024 will do!
I am so glad to have found you! Moving to somewhere near where you are in 2025; making my "scouting trip" in Jan-Feb. I think I want to do exactly what you are doing; find something small, in need of renovation but livable, and go with it! Maybe a gite or AirBnB first, to get my footing. Y'all had a few years as caretakers to do that. Can't wait to see your home as this all progresses! Bonne chance!
Many thanks for your words. Our situation has changed in the last few weeks. I am not yet sure whether I'll be continuing to make videos on my own. Good luck with your own move and feel free to get in touch if you're in the area.
Good luck with your off grid life, we enjoyed watching and sent you a mail.
Many thanks. Apologies for the delay, but we've just replied.
Love the informal style.
Thank you. I don't know how to do it any other way!
Welcome back!
Thank you. Further laptop issues mean the next video is long delayed. Sorry.
Yay, you’re back, looking forward your updates guys. Xx
Love your Citroen Diane, I had a beautiful 2cv many moons ago and she was a joy to drive! How did you find your amazing property? I’m looking to buy next year xx
Thanks for your comments about the Dyane Caban. I have another in England, plus a lovely 2CV van from 1976. We found the property via an estate agent. We looked at two other off-grid properties before this one came along. Both had really difficult access and both relied wholly on rainwater, which was too much of a risk.
Afterthought- of course you can make wonderful structures with bamboo;
The plan is to make a roof for the pergola.
Hello and welcome to France. I have lived here 21 years and worked as a gardener. Bamboo - beware as it can be a real thug! There are many types and if you have one which creeps almost visibly across the lawn overnight you might be best not to put it anywhere else; I cant tell what yours is but just a friendly warning; try and find out - watch its habit; I am in Lot et Garonne and the Hoopoo usually arrives at the Spring solstice - beautiful bird. Bon courage! Jules
Many thanks. Lou is an ex-pro gardener, so we're keeping a close eye on the bamboo.
Yay, tractor!!!!
Oh yay!
You live a very idyllic life style a motor homes dream having a place in the sun, sujestion buy a cheap tractor so you can pull the unstoppable Diane out of those puddles, good luck with the operation hope all goes well x
That's a great idea, but we have a Plan B now.
have a gd visit here in UKXX
Thank you. We had a great time visiting family.
Well done installing the pump and congrats on the hot water. Nothing like a good old hot shower. Pauline
Thank you. It's all a big learning curve.
AAAhhh lovley video , you are setttling in well , you have plenty of your plants to plant , nice views of old buildings ,you both look happy in your new home ,enjoy n cant wait for next video xx
Thank you so much 😊.
Wow, big trees grow there, perfect for a nice variation of fruit trees etc. 🍋🫒🍋🟩🥑🍊
Yes, absolutely. We're on it!
I'm really enjoying your videos. We're in the far NW in Finistere. I love your tiny home, is it your permanent home? Thanks for your videos.
Thank you. Yes, it’s our permanent home, although we do have our camping car as well for exploring. We couldn’t really be much further away from you if we tried!
I'm enjoying your videos. Being off grid is all about making your own grid. It's also good to see a couple of adventurers in their last 1/4 making a whole new life for themselves.
That’s very kind, thank you. It’s all new to us, but we’re not particularly bothered by missing out on what some people think are essentials.
@@OffGridinFrance2024 not us, we retired young so make do with a simple life
I think its going to be great! I just spent 2 years building an off grid cabin in France (and setting up a youtube Channel) am here if you need help. I love m'y cabin in summer but in winter i'd love a place to escape to just like what you have bought. Enjoy the process ❤
Many thanks for the kind words (and offer). Unlike you, at least the hard work was already done for us - it's more of case of getting to grips with what's there and adapting it to our own needs as necessary.
mistral
Not where we are. The Mistral blows in Provence. We get a wind primarily from WNW called the Tramontane. It comes from the Atlantic, is funnelled between the Pryénées and the Massive Centrale and exits just where we are.
💜
Hello from Panama, can't wait to see more
Hello and many thanks. We're aiming to release a video every week, so hopefully you'll enjoy many more!
This reminds me of what we had to do at Ramsclough - we had well(spring) water, infested with frogs that we had to make safe for a family to drink! Xx
If it was safe for frogs, it's probably safe to drink! We know what you mean, though. Our challenge is more dust and grit than animals.