Nestled among a maze of medieval streets in a small village in the south-west of France, an Australian couple are enjoying a gap year with a twist, ABC News reports.
Maree and David Roberts aren't high school leavers living out of hostels.
The pair, 66, have just hit retirement and in return for helping renovate a cottage in Saint-Céré, they are living rent-free.
"It is very beautiful, it has the wisteria in the back and the geraniums in the front in summer," Ms Roberts said.
Saint-Céré, in the Lot Valley in the region of Occitanie, is full of quaint villages and stunning scenery along the Lot River.
"The idea of a gap year really came to us when we were talking about young people and their choices," Ms Roberts said.
"I love that we're having this adventure together and we've got time to enjoy it," she said.
"There is something new that happens to us every day … when I look out the window, I can see a world that is so different from everything I've known and loved.
The French village is a far cry from the heat of home in north Queensland where Mr and Ms Roberts help look after eight grandchildren.
Every morning after a cacophony of bells from the local church awakes the couple, they begin repairs, but by lunchtime are off exploring nearby castles and caves.
Ms Roberts said they also tried to engage in village life, and after one month her husband had enough French to order a beer, loaf of bread and a baguette.
FULL STORY
Gap year with a twist for Maree and David Roberts, 66, as they renovate a small cottage in France (ABC News)
PHOTO
David and Maree Roberts are living rent-free in a cottage in exchange for renovating it. (Supplied: Maree Roberts)
