Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
14 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
45
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We are a French-American family looking for energetic people to help us out especially with gardening, childcare, cooking, and some easy home renovation projects in our old stone village house in Ariege, midi-Pyrenees. We live in a mountain village of little more than 150 permanent residents, and our house provides superb views of Pyreneen mountain peaks that border Spain.
For this Spring 2024 we are looking for individuals or couples who can help out for a few weeks, especially with driving the kids to and from school/activities, light housekeeping duties, some cooking (especially dinners), some projects around the house and garden, and some childcare. Amy is continuing recovery from a brain hemorrhage and needs alot of rest, thus we can definitely use a helping hand! We especially need help on the weekends when the kids are home from school, so this means lots of free time during the week - ideal for someone studying, who has art projects, or who loves nature and wants to get out and about in the mountains.
Any folks interested in staying with us must love children and cats (we have 3 kids and 3 cats). Things you should know about us: 1) we like to eat home-cooked meals with fresh organic veggies and fruits from our local farmer's market (mainly vegetarian with a little meat - but full vegetarian or vegan is fine by us), 2) we love hosting couples but prefer that each person can be independent when needed, 3) we ask that our workawayers also participate in our daily family lives (e.g. lending a hand when necessary), 4) a stay with us will not be a full immersion in French (although we all are fluent french speakers, we make an effort to speak mainly English at home so that our kids will stay bilingual). 5) Our kids are energetic, social, and love to play games and interact with our helpers!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We know a lot about the history of our area, and speak both English and French at home.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We are currently looking for workawayers who can help with cooking, shopping, child care and light household duties. Folks who are willing to do and try anything are especially welcome! Prior experience or skills in childcare is preferred although not necessary.
Ideally you would have a drivers license to help drive the kids to some of their activities, but this is not critical.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
Accommodation
We are happy to provide a separate bedroom and bathroom, plus all meals, for 25 hours of help per week.
An interesting fact is that around the turn of the last century our house was owned by a local bear trainer, hence the name L'Ourssatero.
What else ...
On your time off, and weather permitting, there are plenty of beautiful hikes and bike rides (we have extra bikes) that leave from our village, and ski resorts within an hour drive. One of the most fantastic outdoor farmer's markets in France occurs every Saturday in nearby Saint Girons. There are also several Cathar castle ruins and medieval towns within an hour drive, as well as caves with prehistoric paintings.
We have hosted helpers in the past - a number of whom have come back a few times and we now consider lifelong friends.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We can host digital nomads or anyone who needs time for themselves. Much of the help we need is with kids and meals outside of regular working hours or other garden and house work that is super flexible.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
25 hours maximum
Host ref number: 759153557512
Feedback (21)
31 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jarla & Hannes) for host
Amy and Alexis are without a doubt the best hosts you could ever wish for. We stayed three months with them and if you are hesitating to visit them, go for it. You will not find a better hosts in France!
Before visiting Amy, Alexis and their three children (the A-team ;)) we had no Workaway/traveling experience at all and therefore were obviously… read more
Before visiting Amy, Alexis and their three children (the A-team ;)) we had no Workaway/traveling experience at all and therefore were obviously… read more
11 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jarla & Hannes)
Jarla and Hannes stayed with us three months (mid Sept to mid-Dec) - it was the first time we had workawayers for such a long time and to be honest, we were a little nervous about it but accepted because they seemed really nice and like a good fit for our family when we had a video chat. It turns out, we had nothing to be worried about - it has… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Mollie & Jacob)
Mollie and Jacob stayed at our home for almost two months this past summer, taking care of our house, garden, and especially our cats. Upon meeting them in person we realized how lucky we were to have found such kind-hearted’ thoughtful, and conscientious people as our Workawyers, our sole regret is that we did not get to spend even more time… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mollie & Jacob) for host
We spent a very peaceful and beautiful summer here house-sitting for 6 weeks! Alexis and Amy's home is lovely and is situated in a small village in the Pyrenees. Their 3 cats are too cute and we miss them already, the house has everything you'd need and the garden is amazing (loads of fruit & veg!). We crossed over for a couple of days either side… read more
12 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Julie)
Julia stayed with us for 2 weeks in early December. She arrived just in time for ExPat Thanksgiving and jumped right into helping us prepare the meal despite not being familiar with the classic recipes. It was a big help and fun to share that tradition with her. During the rest of her stay, she helped with odds and ends around the house and did… read more
(Very good
)
18 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Julie) for host
I spend 2 weeks with Amy, Alexis, Adrien, Aliena and Ashlyn in december 22. They're such a sweet and welcoming family and they always made sure I was comfortable. I helped with preparing the meals, clean up the kitchen and taking care of the youngest child who was six years at the time. They only needed my help in the afternoons and evenings so… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.9)
31 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jarla & Hannes) for host
Amy and Alexis are without a doubt the best hosts you could ever wish for. We stayed three months with them and if you are hesitating to visit them, go for it. You will not find a better hosts in France!
Before visiting Amy, Alexis and their three children (the A-team ;)) we had no Workaway/traveling experience at all and therefore were obviously… read more
Before visiting Amy, Alexis and their three children (the A-team ;)) we had no Workaway/traveling experience at all and therefore were obviously… read more
11 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jarla & Hannes)
Jarla and Hannes stayed with us three months (mid Sept to mid-Dec) - it was the first time we had workawayers for such a long time and to be honest, we were a little nervous about it but accepted because they seemed really nice and like a good fit for our family when we had a video chat. It turns out, we had nothing to be worried about - it has… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Mollie & Jacob)
Mollie and Jacob stayed at our home for almost two months this past summer, taking care of our house, garden, and especially our cats. Upon meeting them in person we realized how lucky we were to have found such kind-hearted’ thoughtful, and conscientious people as our Workawyers, our sole regret is that we did not get to spend even more time… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mollie & Jacob) for host
We spent a very peaceful and beautiful summer here house-sitting for 6 weeks! Alexis and Amy's home is lovely and is situated in a small village in the Pyrenees. Their 3 cats are too cute and we miss them already, the house has everything you'd need and the garden is amazing (loads of fruit & veg!). We crossed over for a couple of days either side… read more
12 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Julie)
Julia stayed with us for 2 weeks in early December. She arrived just in time for ExPat Thanksgiving and jumped right into helping us prepare the meal despite not being familiar with the classic recipes. It was a big help and fun to share that tradition with her. During the rest of her stay, she helped with odds and ends around the house and did… read more
(Very good
)
18 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Julie) for host
I spend 2 weeks with Amy, Alexis, Adrien, Aliena and Ashlyn in december 22. They're such a sweet and welcoming family and they always made sure I was comfortable. I helped with preparing the meals, clean up the kitchen and taking care of the youngest child who was six years at the time. They only needed my help in the afternoons and evenings so… read more
12 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Saga & William)
Saga and William are a lovely young couple who housesat for us for three weeks while we were out of town for the Christmas holidays. Their main tasks involved taking careof our cats and chickens, and also taking care of our house. They definitely did a great job- the cats were all very happy and the house was in great shape. We also had the… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jack) for host
It was a great experience staying with Alexis, Amy, and their three kids. I did a bit of everything while I was there - some cooking, playing lots of games and some music with the kids, straightening up, chauffering, feeding the chickens, and some light DIY in the kitchen - and had plenty of time to take my online French courses and enjoy the… read more
11 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jack)
We had a great time welcoming Jack to our home. He helped us out with lots of different tasks (cooking, driving, hanging out with our children, straightening up, etc.) to help ease the stress of our daily lives while also taking online courses to improve his french. Jack especially bonded with our two teenagers, playing lots of games with them and… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Elizabeth) for host
I'm honestly finding it really hard to put into words how much I loved my three weeks stay with Alexis, Amy and their awesome three kids. When my home friends ask me what the family was like I say they are like my second family- and I mean it- very generous, caring and funny people. As someone who actually gets quite socially anxious, I felt so… read more
2 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Elizabeth)
Three weeks flew by with Elizabeth in our home and she truly become part of our family. She was a wonderful, upbeat presence and got along great with everyone. She has a very open and positive attitude and is very down to earth which is ideal for travelling and meshing with new families and different cultures. She built relationships with each of… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Jan 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Sara & Tom)
Sara and Tom house sat for us over a month in December while we visited family in the US and we also overlapped with them a week before our departure and a few days after our return. They are both absolutely lovely people (and a lovely couple) and fit right in with our family right from the first moment they arrived. They were cheery, upbeat,… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Jan 2022
Left by Workawayer (Sara & Tom) for host
My boyfriend Tom and I did a month of housitting for the family this winter. Before that, we stayed a week with everyone. We had such an amazing time. Alexis and Amy are very kind and loving people, not to say great parents. The place is absolutely beautiful, and we had great weather for almost all the 5 weeks we stayed there. The area is great… read more
16 Jan 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Will)
Will stayed with us for a few weeks in fall - just as the kids started school up again and life was getting back to its hectic weekly routine. Will was absolutely lovely to have in our home and blended seamlessly with our family. He primarily helped prepare meals and with managing the kids (from 5-15 years old) including playing games, doing art… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Will) for host
Wow! What a wonderful 5 weeks I spent with Amy, Alexis, and their three delightful children in the Pyrenees Mountains. Amy and Alexis are very easy going and adaptable people who seem to be able to get along with anyone. They welcomed me into their home graciously and I soon felt like part of the family. This was my first Workaway experience, but… read more
4 Apr 2021
Left by Workawayer (Maïté) for host
The experience with the family was great! I stayed there 5 weeks in total. The tasks I needed to do were diverse but easy: do laundry, cook, do grocery, play with kids, drive kids to activities or pick them to school, work on the garden, help to paint a room or a bench. Mainly, Amy and Alexis needed one adult more in the house as the kids can be… read more
29 Mar 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Maïté)
Maïté was an absolute joy to have with us for the past four weeks. She helped with the garden, shopping, driving the kids around, household chores, and family life (homework, games, cooking). Maïté is easy going, upbeat, and always conscientious about helping out when needed (even without being asked). Maïté was great at communicating to make sure… read more
(Excellent
)
25 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Rodolfo) for host
This is a beautiful family. There are 3 smart and kind kids in the house. They are all super easy going and used to switch languages between english and french. Located in a small tiny village close to the mountains there is plenty to see outside, some local markets and landscape is always nice. The view from the kitchen's window is a treat on… read more
12 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Rodolfo)
Rodolfo stayed with us for a few weeks and it was wonderful having him here. He is a very kind, easy going, and fun person to have around and he fit in very well with our family. He played with the kids (board games down to baby dolls), always chipped in with the basic day to day tasks of any family, and helped with a number of projects around the… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Valentina)
Valentina was an absolute lifesaver for us! Right before her scheduled arrival to our home, we had a family medical emergency (I suffered a stroke and was hospitalized >100km away), and not unlike an angel sent from heaven, Valentina still wanted to come stay with us , was willing to help in any way possible and and adapted to the change in our… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Guido & Luciana)
Oh Guido and Lulu, how will we ever get along without you guys? You have been such a great help, so willing to do anything and everything, and such an absolute pleasure to have around! Our kids also loved you and miss you! Guido and Lulu spent several weeks with us helping us with a number of different activities, including cooking, babysitting,… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Guido & Luciana) for host
We spent 4 weeks at Amy and Alexis' house. Our experience was great! The chores were really pleasant which included especially painting, gardening, some cooking and baby-sitting. But moreover, we felt very welcome and part of the family. They included us in their family plans: we had breakfast and dinner together everyday, we went out for a… read more
20 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophia)
Sophia is a wonderful, kind, and loving person who we really loved welcoming into our home. Our children quickly adopted her as one of our family, our youngest nicknaming her "Fi-fi", our middle child thoroughly enjoying spending every spare minute with her, and our oldest enjoying playing lots of games with Sophia. Sophia was also a great help… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Sophia) for host
In the beginning i thought i'd only stay for two or three weeks but then it worked out so well that i was staying with the family for amazing 5 weeks and a half!
I don't know how to describe my stay in the best way, it was just wonderful! Amy and Alexis are both lovely people and parents, so i felt very comfortable from the beginning. Moreover i… read more
I don't know how to describe my stay in the best way, it was just wonderful! Amy and Alexis are both lovely people and parents, so i felt very comfortable from the beginning. Moreover i… read more
3 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Josie )
We really enjoyed getting to know Josie and Hamish and welcoming them to our home - and our kids were especially happy to have two wonderful new playmates;) Josie and Hamish helped out with a lot of different projects and were willing to get their hands dirty with any task we proposed to them, even if it was something completely new for them. They… read more
(Excellent
)
25 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Josie ) for host
We stayed with Amy and Alexis for two perfect weeks. From the moment we arrived we felt at home and part of the family, a great way to begin our first workaway experience! The work was fun and rewarding: we painted the bathroom, put up shelves, built a playhouse, and spent lots of time outside in the garden. Amy was great at letting us know what… read more
27 Dec 2016
Left by Workawayer (Tarabelle) for host
I spent last Christmas house and pet-sitting for this loving, down to earth family. I felt so comfortable with them and in their home. They were so kind and we had ties to Santa Cruz in common. Their kids are thoughtful, intuitive and caring beings, nurtured by loving parents, whom will inspire! It is a serene little town in a beautiful part of… read more
13 Jan 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Tarabelle)
We were lucky enough to have Tara house- and cat-sit for us for two weeks this winter, as well as to overlap with her for a few days before and after. She is a gentle soul who fit in right away with our family, and we knew we were safe to leave our cats in her good care:) A special bonus for us was to come home to a beautifully clean house! … read more
(Excellent
)
29 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Elliott)
It was wonderful to have Elliott join our family and help us out! He was a true pleasure to have around - always willing to do any task we asked of him, and even wanting to do extra (such as playing with our kids - they were so sad to see you go!). You can tell your parents that they have done an amazing job raising a very conscientious,… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Elliott) for host
I am so glad that I got to spend two weeks with Amy, Alexis, and their children! They are smart, open to do anything, and I ended up spending an awesome 2 weeks in the Pyrenees! The view from their home is breathtaking and the work was always fun and satisfying, I was allowed to pick which days I wanted to spend working and which days I wanted to… read more
14 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Nicolas & Maria Sol) for host
We had 3 GREAT weeks with Amy and Alexis, who made us feel like part of the family since day one. They are more than welcoming, generous and interesting people to be around. We actually enjoyed all the works that were to be done like painting and plastering, and spent lots of time outside gardening or just hiking!! There are gorgeous views… read more
13 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicolas & Maria Sol)
We just had absolutely the most wonderful experience hosting Nicolas and Sol for the past three weeks - if we could give Nicolas and Sol 5 happy faces we absolutely would! They are the nicest and most genuine people, very hard-working, take initiative but also know when to ask questions, experienced, sociable, and just downright a pleasure to… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Dec 2015
Left by Workawayer (Alexander & Julia) for host
The week with Amy, Alexis and the kids was great. I felt very welcome, the communication was clear and the work I found diversified and interesting. I appreciate that Amy and Alexis trusted me to look after the kids or to use the chainsaw for the first time or to take their mountainbike for a ride. There was still time to relax in the cozy house,… read more
2 Dec 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexander & Julia)
We were lucky enough to welcome Julia into our home, and we hope that we will someday get to meet Alex as well! Julia was such a pleasure to have around - she was very hard-working, independent, not afraid to take initiative, and overall a very positive person always willing to lend a hand. She helped with several different projects while she… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Aug 2014
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
i got the possibility to make my first workaway experience at amys and alexis place. i stayed there for three weeks and if i could, i would stay longer. i was so happy to spent these three weeks with these wonderful people and their amazing kids and two cats.immediately after my arrival i felt like a part of the family. amy and alexis are very… read more
1 Aug 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
The moment we met Anna we knew that someone very special had come into our lives, and we feel like we have made a life-long friend! Anna is one of the most sincere, hard-working, and kind people we have ever met! She was open to trying absolutely any task, and always willing to help out even when she had already done her official hours - in… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Jul 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Liam )
It was wonderful to have Liam come and spend two weeks with us this summer! Liam helped us out with lots of different projects (gardening, painting, making windowscreens, cutting wood, etc.), and he was always willing to give something new a go. He is a very independent and mellow guy, very easy to have around! Thanks so much for your help and… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Jul 2014
Left by Workawayer (Liam ) for host
I spent two wonderful weeks with this family and I am so glad to have met them. Alexis, Amy an their children made me feel welcome in their home right away. Getting to know them was a pleasure, as well as their friendly neighbors. If you enjoy working with your hands, you couldn't ask for a better setting for garden work and enjoying the outdoors.… read more
11 Apr 2014
Left by Workawayer (bernard) for host
I'm not sure where to begin describing my experience with Amy & Alexis, the kids and the cats: it was all amazing. Wonderful family who made me feel part of their world immediately and completely: caring, generous, open and positive. The food and conversation were always good! The work was done on flexible hours and tuned to the things which… read more
7 Apr 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (bernard)
We feel so lucky to have met Jean-Paul and to have had him help us at our home! He is a very down-to-earth guy who fit right in with our family and all of our friends. We are looking forward to welcoming him back to our home later this summer!
While he was here Jean-Paul did a variety of different projects, including house- and cat-sitting,… read more
While he was here Jean-Paul did a variety of different projects, including house- and cat-sitting,… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Jan 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (akdsince86)
Ailidh and Rob were an absolute pleasure to have come stay with us and help us out on various projects around the house. They were very enthusiastic, hard-working, and down-to-earth individuals that we would love to have come back at any time!! We highly recommend them! Amy and Alexis
(Excellent
)
11 Jan 2014
Left by Workawayer (akdsince86) for host
Rob and I stayed in Cescau for 3 wonderful weeks. Amy, Alexis and family were very welcoming and helpful telling us about things to do and see in the area. It's a great place to be based for walking, cycling, skiing, para-gliding and lots more! Thankyou guys, would love to help you out again one day! Ailidh and Rob
13 Jul 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Niall & Eoghan)
These guys are awesome!! They are very hard-working, efficient, eager to be helpful, good at problem solving, and just a pleasure to have around! We only wish that they could stay longer to help us with even more projects:) So far they have helped us to remove cement to expose the underlying stone walls, lots of weeding and planting in our… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Mar 2012
Left by Workawayer (JonasundSvea) for host
We stayed with Amy Alexis for one month now and are more than happy that we picked such a great host family. First thing to say is that the work they had for us was ok and they where easy going with the free days. We could easily work on weakends and take a weekday off instead. The more imporent thing is that we really felt at home and we loved… read more
8 Mar 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (JonasundSvea)
We were so happy to welcome Svea and Jonas to our home! They were very hard workers and always eager to do the next thing on the list. They never complained about any of the jobs, and were very independent (finding good solutions to problems all on their own). They are very responsible, reliable, and fun people to have around. Jonas speaks… read more
(Excellent
)
