Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
21 Nov 2023
Feedback
42
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
At the moment I very urgently need a helper (female). I do have a permanent helper still though for all of October he could not help m with my work, as he had to do some lessons. Unfortunately most of the rest of my review does not apply, as the different caves and museums are closed for the winter. You can all the same read through all of it.I still have some birds, though I am reducing due to my age. but there is the usual autumn garden work, and of ocurse there is work in the house too.
I have a small farm. I raise decoration ducks and geese, all for pleasure, not for eating. Most of them are free to run around the garden. I have 2 cows, Scottish Highlanders and one goat and of course 2 cats. I have a small vegetable garden that needs weeding, a work I quite like to do, but now I am quite restricted, as I have arthrose in my knees.
Unfortunately my dear partner died five years ago. Luckily I have a permanent helper, otherwise I just could not cope anymore. But to go on I still often need another helper. Who am I? I am Swiss but I live in France since 2002. My house is right out in the country, 375 km south of Paris, 150 km north of Lyon. The nearest small town with a super market is 12 km away, though there is a small store in the village, if one forgets something. Summers are quite hot. In winter we rarely have snow, though it can get well below zero. Behind my house is a golf course, where you can play Swin golf. This is much easier than golf and you need no experience to play it.
There are several caves to visit in the neighborhood, the best I find are at Moidon and at Baumes-les-Messieurs. The latter has a nice cascade and picnic place and a convent. A pleasant walk through Chateau-Chalon gives you either fantastic views over vineyards or you can taste some good vines. Then there is the museum in the castle at Pierre de Bresse, the visit to the salt museum and of course most important a visit to Beaune with its old hospice from the middle ages. These are just a few of the places to visit. The surrounding area you can explore on the bicycle that is waiting for you in the garage.
I like workaways to stay for at least 2-3 weeks or longer, as it takes some time to know the different work. And of course I have to explain everything again to each newcomer.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
They can practise French, English or German. They can learn raising animals.
Help
The tasks are very varied, just whatever needs doing most urgently. At the moment it is a lot of help outside, preparing the place for the birds I hope that some of them will lay eggs. It might also include helping with housework.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Accommodation
A small bedroom upstairs. The bathroom has to be shared with the permanent helper. We have a big kitchen, where everybody is welcome to stay, and a sitting room that can also be used.
What else ...
I live out in the country. The volunteer will be my companion and will be taken along on outings, to be able to see something of the area. There are no public buses. There are various caves to visit, and Beaune, Dôle, Lyon, Besançon are within reach. Of course in winter most of the sightseeing places are shut. If the volunteer has a driving licence, there is the possibility to occasionally use my car. A bicycle is at the disposal to our volunteer.
As it takes quite a while to know exactly what has to be done with the animals, I prefer it, if helpers can stay at least 2 weeks or more.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
I have a large parking place
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
depending on weather
Feedback (15)
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:
(5.0)
Le travail dépends des besoins du moment, et il n'en manque jamais. Si vous… read more
She is pleasant, kind, and talkative, but a little particular.
I was given a feeding job as a daily task and often weeding. what I did the other things on her farm was to rub with a scourer, then paint the shed, and cleaning their… read more
Since she was already hosting another workawayer, she has been so kind she lent us her own room during our stay. The daily tasks were fun and had very often to do with helen's animals, and she was always willing to explain/teach whatever, in… read more
The days started early, Helen teach… read more
Working for Helen has been absolutely satisfying for me because I learned a lot about rearing Scottish highland cattle, life in the French countryside and birds (being at home now, I’m still very intrigued by them).
Along with that, I enjoyed the quiet, the… read more
The outings to the animal market in Louhans, the day we spent in Lyon and neighbourhood together… read more
During my stay I learned a lot and they have so much to tell you. On the… read more
