La Maison Ouverte (Open House) is an organization founded in July 2000 by Gisele Bessac: its motto is "Grow old, discover and live". Its aim is to give the over-55s and their relatives a place where they can be sure of a warm welcome and a listening ear, and to create a dynamic that will help to establish social links between them.   

Ever since the first Open House opened its doors in the 14^th arrondissement on June 19, 2003, attendance has grown (there are currently 40 visitors a day) and has diversified.  To begin with, visitors were mostly single women, but nowadays there are also men and couples. The concept has expanded and another Open House was set up a short while ago in the 12th arrondissement.

La Maison Ouverte recently introduced a training course entitled "Reflections on career - and life - paths". This 24-hour course is spread over four days, and is for anyone coming to the end of their working life.  It helps future retirees to put their retirement into perspective by using their skills and know-how to develop a plan for the future that is both social and personal.

Following a pilot course in 2007, the course will be offered to Carrefour's HRD in 2008 as part of the DIF (individual right to training) programme, and could encourage employees to become involved in voluntary activities once they retire, starting in 2009.

In fact, the Carrefour International Foundation hopes to sponsor retired volunteers doing community work by giving them a grant to enable them to offset the cost of such work.  The field chosen by the retired employee must be consistent with the remit of the Carrefour International Foundation.