in Pomarez, a rural coworking space to “prove to city dwellers that we can live in the countryside”

Es an illustrator in animated cinema, Clément Dartigues is not used to seeing his drawings come to life in reality. So, when after two years of work in his grandparents' stable, his plans to set up a coworking space came to fruition, it was a new form of achievement. “It’s as we imagined. All that remains is the plinths to be fixed,” explains Clément, 36, attentive to the details of his coworking space La Grange Animation, opened at the end of October, in Chalosse, in Pomarez.

At the Grange, no more entrance badges from large companies. Instead, shoes and clogs on the doormat are a sign of presence. From 12 euros per half day, the coworking offer gives access to more than 100 square meters of shared space, with, on the ground floor, a fully equipped kitchen and meeting room (reservation required). The upper floor, under the frames and stone walls, accommodates up to ten welcoming offices. All this, with network data storage server, printer and optical fiber, essential to the project.

A stone's throw from the barn, the former grandparents' house has been transformed into a five-bedroom gîte to accommodate coworkers coming from far away. “The goal is above all to prove to city dwellers that we can live in the countryside, that it is not just for the holidays,” defends Clément, convinced that it is no longer necessary to “go cram into big cities” to succeed in your career.

Winning bet

It all started in 2020, when, after living in Paris, Madrid and Portland, Clément underwent health confinement in his native village. “I was planning to go back to the United States but ultimately I was too happy here,” he admits, comfortably seated at his desk among the other coworkers, overlooking the fields.

A return to his roots which did not prevent him from continuing to work for prestigious animation studios like Netflix or Amazon Prime. At 6:30 p.m., he takes part in a videoconference with his colleagues in Los Angeles, for whom the day is just beginning.

This winning bet pushed him to wish as much fulfillment to other young graduates in need of countryside like him by creating La Grange Animation, supported by his friend Christelle Lacoste, visual identity graphic designer, who also works without worry from the Chalois village. “We have a better Internet connection than our friends in Paris,” assures Clément. An allegation validated by the other coworkers present.

Coffee breaks at the henhouse

The first fan of La Grange was not an acquaintance of the couple, but an Italian woman convinced in advance by the concept. Anna Peron, a 25-year-old 3D modeler, discovered La Grange Animation by following Clément's work on social networks.

In a transitional period, rather than finding short-term rent in a large Italian city, she chose to go green while coming for a month to La Grange and her gîte. And the experience of the French countryside exceeds his expectations. During her breaks, the Italian graphic designer goes for a trip to the henhouse. On her weekends, she discovers the region, guided by the couple.

In terms of price, at around 700 euros per month for accommodation and access to the work space, she considers the quality-price ratio profitable given the surface area and the environment. “The setting is magnificent, it feels like a Van Gogh painting,” she still raves, since her arrival on October 30 at Dax station, where Clément and Christelle came to pick her up.

Other coworkers then followed in his footsteps. Like Eva Rode, who came from Anglet for two days to “have a change of scenery”. Accustomed to noisy cafes and other colder coworking spaces, this illustrator and graphic designer feels right at home here, working in socks with a scented candle on the desk. All while taking advantage of a “more stimulating setting” with the possibility of interacting with professionals from the creative sector.

Skill sharing

Because La Grange Animation primarily targets creative professionals, often self-employed workers known as freelancers. A way for them to work in a group and share their skills. Closer, Laure Halvick, 34, arrives from Peyre. This web designer comes to La Grange once a week. The opportunity to get away from work at home, without leaving Chalosse, while “mixing business spirits and friends”.

While passing through, the mayor of Pomarez, Pascal Cassiau, discovered the place, the work finished, for the first time. For the councilor, it is certainly “a great project” for those who “work on the Internet” and for the businesses of the town of 1,600 inhabitants. “It’s nice to see a little Pomarézien come back to the village,” he confides, speaking to Clément.

In addition to directing Grange Animation, Clément continues his full-time activity as artistic director. He then relies on word of mouth to win over local freelancers. To attract others, he relies on social networks and his professional relationships. Portuguese and English colleagues are expected in the spring.

If the Grange Animation is only just beginning, the Chalossais has no shortage of ideas to continue developing his grandparents' property, bequeathed to him and his father. Like offering a tiny house as individual accommodation, or transforming the rest of the stable into a greenhouse to introduce residents to the vegetable garden. In the long term, Clément hopes that the place will be like an animation studio relocated to the countryside. As many ideas as there are possibilities for making the farm your own depending on the era.

La Grange Animation, 1 534, route de l’Amérique, in Pomarez. Information and reservations on the website grange-animation.com and at [email protected]