Help in an old family estate and discover the beautiful area of La Rochelle, France
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: 18 Apr. 2025
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Feedback (5)
Vom Host für Workawayer (Celine)
Merci encore Céline !
For your feedback, for your stay here, for your help, for our talks.
Having this new experience with Celine confirms how Work Away is rich in human adventure. We get to know new people and have interesting experiences. I have only good memories of the young people I hosted, from Germany, Italy, now Portugal, the States and
… read more the UK. Jennifer, Hannah, Beatrice, Kyle, Alessia… All great people, I am still in touch with some of them.
In my case, having this big house to maintain, I also appreciate the love they give to this particular place through their work and help ! I am so grateful.
Céline has been flexible, concentrated, meticulous. Wether for indoor or outdoor tasks. And… courageous as the weather though in May has been rough on us. We even had to warm up outside one evening with the brasero !
All the projects I gave her have been well done and helped me a lot.
Not sure removing ivy from trees was vey glamorous, but the hedge loves it; restoring two windows with this delicate light grey color was more fun and relaxing work, and they look great in their new paint.
Céline, I wish you the best, until you find the right place for you to settle ! Your fluent English is an asset and that will definitely help you in the future. I hope you reach your goals. I am sure you will !
Merci.
Nathalie
Vom Workawayer (Celine) für Host
Nathalie lives in a beautiful historical home with a wonderful garden and a river flowing by. She's very kind and sweet and I felt welcomed from the moment I arrived.
She values independence and it was quite nice to organize my days according to the tasks she gave me. I did my own schedule and I took care of my breakfast and lunch, we'd have
… read more dinner together.
She is a very busy person and you can see how hard she works. But we also shared lovely conversations when we were together. She gave me the freedom to explore and lent me a bike which I used to go mainly to Saintes (around 30min cycle) and around. I even had the opportunity to visit a neighbouring town when I went to her to one of her exhibitions of the business she runs with women from India.
I did lots of DIY which I thoroughly enjoyed and it was different from all the garden work that I was doing so far in other places. But when it was nice outside I also did some garden tasks.
I loved listening to the CDs she had at home and she has a big collection of DVDs, CDs and Records. This was a marvellous place to disconnect and re-centre, to listen to birds and just be.
Nathalie is super nice, always ready to explain anything that I had doubts about or to listen to my travel plans. She also told me some stories about her very interesting home. It was also lovely to practice my French with her!!
Overall I had a very positive and heartwarming stay in Chaniers with Nathalie. I hope to one day visit her again, and that more people get to enjoy this lovely place and person.
Lots of love to you Nathalie,
CelineDu kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Workawayer (Beatrice) für Host
A little late, but here I am!
I spent 10 wonderful days at Nathalie's and I will forever cherish the time I spent there.
I had chosen this host for the excellent reviews, the detailed description and the beautiful pictures, and I have to say it was even better than my expectations.
General info, tasks and things to see/do in the free time:
In
… read more general, life there was very relaxed and Nathalie let me manage my time as I wanted. I had to work 5 hours a day with 1 day off, as agreed before my arrival, and I could choose when to work. I could even work 15h in two days and get another day off!
My works consisted in: cleaning and painting a door, painting two walls and part of a wooden ceiling, and a little gardening. I had never painted a door before but Nathalie explained every step to me and I'd say it went well.
I decided to wake up early so that I would finish before lunch, and every afternoon I explored the countryside around the house and all the little towns I could reach by bike. The region is not known to international tourists and it's stunning, I kept saying that everything looked like a postcard ('cause it's true!).
Nathalie lend me the bike and also a kayak to paddle on the Charente, the river that flows litterally next to the house, in which I could also take a swim.
There's a lot to explore really!!
By bike I went to Saintes, Cognac and the little Salignac-sur-Charente, via the beautiful "flow-velo", a bike trail that unravels itself among immense fields and alongside the river (very romantic at sunset).
By train (the train station is in Saintes, 10min by car, and Nathalie always offered to bring me there), I went to La Rochelle (45min away, it's a jewel of a town) and Bordeaux (2h away, so many things to see and do!). Nathalie would always give me her suggestions and she encouraged me to explore and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Last but not least: the host.
Nathalie was the perfect host for me. I litterally have nothing negative to say.
Since the moment I arrived, she introduced me to the house and gave me a beautiful room. I really felt welcome, she let me my freedom and alone time but at night we would always have nice conversations, have an apéro on the patio and then go on with dinner together. I already spoke a little french and I wanted to improve, and Nathalie was always very patient and kind. She also speaks English fluently so communicating was never a problem.
What else can I say, I loved every day of my stay and I'll forever hold these memories dear :)Du kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Workawayer (Kyle) für Host
A late review, but my time with Nathalie was absolutely precious. This was my first and only Workaway experience and I loved every aspect of it! The property is massive and there is always something new to discover and be amazed by. My work was very autonomous, I got projects from Nathalie but could start and finish them whenever I chose, as long
… read more as I hit my required time Nathalie was very flexible! My projects included: cleaning up a bamboo grove/removing and disposing of dead bamboo, cutting down tree limbs, painting garden furniture, removing overgrown moss, installing new carpet, painting walls, among many smaller projects. I didn't go into this Workaway having any experience with these tasks so Nathalie was very patient in showing me the ropes. Nathalie and I had dinner with each other every weeknight which always included fresh bread, rosé, and lovely conversation about our unique cultures. She also took me to a great beach an hour away and would drop me off and pick me up at the local train station when I wanted to travel farther. If you like your alone time, this is also a perfect Workaway! I spent so many solo hours reading, walking around the local town, and sometimes just laying around taking it all in. I can't say anything but good things about this experience. Just make sure you don't leave without some of Nathalie's quilt work- she is so talented and runs an amazing small quilting business!
Nathalie, thank you for everything (especially all of the cereal you bought me). Until next time :)Du kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Weitere Bilder
Outdoor meals, tea, coffee and happy hour !
We are in a 4 houses hamlet, the village is 5 minutes away.
We cross the river and get to the river, right next to the house !
The long sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean are 1 h a day, we know the best ones, less crowds and love to go there for a long day !
Yes, there is time to RELAX & listen to the birds ! Garden is quite big !
The Charente river is ...our swimming pool !
Ah those oak shutters ....
Some still need help (sanding, painting...). So do the window frames.
Hum Hum
Working... outdoor... Could be worse ,-)
The old farm house
Now a rental cottage
Simple and beautiful
We finished repainting all the shutters fall 2016 ! It looks good !
Feedback
Dies sind zusätzliche optionale Bewertungen, wenn Mitglieder Feedback hinterlassen. Es wird die im Schnitt hinterlassene Bewertung für jede Option angezeigt.
Korrekte Angaben im Profil:
(5.0)
Kultureller Austausch:
(5.0)
Vom Host für Workawayer (Celine)
Merci encore Céline !
For your feedback, for your stay here, for your help, for our talks.
Having this new experience with Celine confirms how Work Away is rich in human adventure. We get to know new people and have interesting experiences. I have only good memories of the young people I hosted, from Germany, Italy, now Portugal, the States and
… read more the UK. Jennifer, Hannah, Beatrice, Kyle, Alessia… All great people, I am still in touch with some of them.
In my case, having this big house to maintain, I also appreciate the love they give to this particular place through their work and help ! I am so grateful.
Céline has been flexible, concentrated, meticulous. Wether for indoor or outdoor tasks. And… courageous as the weather though in May has been rough on us. We even had to warm up outside one evening with the brasero !
All the projects I gave her have been well done and helped me a lot.
Not sure removing ivy from trees was vey glamorous, but the hedge loves it; restoring two windows with this delicate light grey color was more fun and relaxing work, and they look great in their new paint.
Céline, I wish you the best, until you find the right place for you to settle ! Your fluent English is an asset and that will definitely help you in the future. I hope you reach your goals. I am sure you will !
Merci.
Nathalie
Vom Workawayer (Celine) für Host
Nathalie lives in a beautiful historical home with a wonderful garden and a river flowing by. She's very kind and sweet and I felt welcomed from the moment I arrived.
She values independence and it was quite nice to organize my days according to the tasks she gave me. I did my own schedule and I took care of my breakfast and lunch, we'd have
… read more dinner together.
She is a very busy person and you can see how hard she works. But we also shared lovely conversations when we were together. She gave me the freedom to explore and lent me a bike which I used to go mainly to Saintes (around 30min cycle) and around. I even had the opportunity to visit a neighbouring town when I went to her to one of her exhibitions of the business she runs with women from India.
I did lots of DIY which I thoroughly enjoyed and it was different from all the garden work that I was doing so far in other places. But when it was nice outside I also did some garden tasks.
I loved listening to the CDs she had at home and she has a big collection of DVDs, CDs and Records. This was a marvellous place to disconnect and re-centre, to listen to birds and just be.
Nathalie is super nice, always ready to explain anything that I had doubts about or to listen to my travel plans. She also told me some stories about her very interesting home. It was also lovely to practice my French with her!!
Overall I had a very positive and heartwarming stay in Chaniers with Nathalie. I hope to one day visit her again, and that more people get to enjoy this lovely place and person.
Lots of love to you Nathalie,
CelineDu kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Workawayer (Beatrice) für Host
A little late, but here I am!
I spent 10 wonderful days at Nathalie's and I will forever cherish the time I spent there.
I had chosen this host for the excellent reviews, the detailed description and the beautiful pictures, and I have to say it was even better than my expectations.
General info, tasks and things to see/do in the free time:
In
… read more general, life there was very relaxed and Nathalie let me manage my time as I wanted. I had to work 5 hours a day with 1 day off, as agreed before my arrival, and I could choose when to work. I could even work 15h in two days and get another day off!
My works consisted in: cleaning and painting a door, painting two walls and part of a wooden ceiling, and a little gardening. I had never painted a door before but Nathalie explained every step to me and I'd say it went well.
I decided to wake up early so that I would finish before lunch, and every afternoon I explored the countryside around the house and all the little towns I could reach by bike. The region is not known to international tourists and it's stunning, I kept saying that everything looked like a postcard ('cause it's true!).
Nathalie lend me the bike and also a kayak to paddle on the Charente, the river that flows litterally next to the house, in which I could also take a swim.
There's a lot to explore really!!
By bike I went to Saintes, Cognac and the little Salignac-sur-Charente, via the beautiful "flow-velo", a bike trail that unravels itself among immense fields and alongside the river (very romantic at sunset).
By train (the train station is in Saintes, 10min by car, and Nathalie always offered to bring me there), I went to La Rochelle (45min away, it's a jewel of a town) and Bordeaux (2h away, so many things to see and do!). Nathalie would always give me her suggestions and she encouraged me to explore and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Last but not least: the host.
Nathalie was the perfect host for me. I litterally have nothing negative to say.
Since the moment I arrived, she introduced me to the house and gave me a beautiful room. I really felt welcome, she let me my freedom and alone time but at night we would always have nice conversations, have an apéro on the patio and then go on with dinner together. I already spoke a little french and I wanted to improve, and Nathalie was always very patient and kind. She also speaks English fluently so communicating was never a problem.
What else can I say, I loved every day of my stay and I'll forever hold these memories dear :)Du kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Workawayer (Kyle) für Host
A late review, but my time with Nathalie was absolutely precious. This was my first and only Workaway experience and I loved every aspect of it! The property is massive and there is always something new to discover and be amazed by. My work was very autonomous, I got projects from Nathalie but could start and finish them whenever I chose, as long
… read more as I hit my required time Nathalie was very flexible! My projects included: cleaning up a bamboo grove/removing and disposing of dead bamboo, cutting down tree limbs, painting garden furniture, removing overgrown moss, installing new carpet, painting walls, among many smaller projects. I didn't go into this Workaway having any experience with these tasks so Nathalie was very patient in showing me the ropes. Nathalie and I had dinner with each other every weeknight which always included fresh bread, rosé, and lovely conversation about our unique cultures. She also took me to a great beach an hour away and would drop me off and pick me up at the local train station when I wanted to travel farther. If you like your alone time, this is also a perfect Workaway! I spent so many solo hours reading, walking around the local town, and sometimes just laying around taking it all in. I can't say anything but good things about this experience. Just make sure you don't leave without some of Nathalie's quilt work- she is so talented and runs an amazing small quilting business!
Nathalie, thank you for everything (especially all of the cereal you bought me). Until next time :)Du kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Host für Workawayer (Lukas)
Lukas came for 2 weeks in May, he’s been a hero weather wise as it was quite fresh for the season ! We have not been able to have meals outside in the garden once, only when we went to the beach ....
I had small projects here and there and he has been very helpful and precise helping me to maintain the house, I appreciated his global care even
… read more after a task, leaving everything neat.
His last task was to find a way to attach a hammock but unfortunately he couldn’t use it ! But he enjoyed the walks in the fields along the river and discovering the nice picturesque towns around.
His English is great, and it will definitely help him in his goal of living in another country than Germany. Looking for sun !
Good idea and good luck Lukas Et merci.
Vom Workawayer (Lukas) für Host
A little late, but here's my feedback! I spent two relaxing weeks with Nathalie. It was my second workaway and I couldn't have chosen a better one. I had my own room with a bathroom right on the beautiful Charante River. It's just so relaxing to spend some time near the river or strolling along it to the nearest village. Nathalie is a great cook
… read more and will provide you with everything you could possibly need. We had some great dinners and I met some of her families too. Due to complications with the next hosts, I was able to stay a little longer. Thank you for that Nathalie!
As to work, I could choose when to start. I like to sleep late so I took this opportunity;)
I painted some doors and the front roof, moved and removed wood and stones in the garden, painted some doors and repaired a table. I helped with various tasks that were most needed. The house is huge so there is enough to do all the time. I mostly worked until 3 p.m. and had a lot of free time to explore the area. I highly recommend visiting Saintes and Cognac. Two lively villages 15 minutes from the house.
Nathalie took me to the beach where we had a nice picnic and enjoyed some relaxing moments in the sun. She also showed me the Saturday market in Saintes and explained a lot about the city to me. Luckily I drove my own car to explore more of the area. But I'm more than sure that Nathalie would take you anywhere you want.
All in all, I can say it was a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone who likes to enjoy nature and the beautiful river. Thank you for all Nathalie!Du kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Host für Workawayer (Hannah)
It’s been a pleasure to host Hannah, I’ve been very lucky with « my two Hanna » both from Germany this summer !
Hannah did a great job on the shutters and discovered sanding and painting while listening to French podcasts or the river sounds. She’s been very careful and responsible, two pleasant values, often asking if she could help.
… read more
Otherwise, it’s been a pleasure to see her enjoying reading in the garden or having coffee and a healthy breakfast outside in the morning sun. Zen !
And most of all, I enjoyed sharing with her my favorite experiences such as l’apéro sur le dock au bord de la Charente at sunset with our basket of snacks and Rosé or our long swims down the river which I will miss as soon as fall comes ...
I also appreciated her precise help with my summer goal that was to freshen up our shutters. Done ✅ . And her very delicate attention on her last day (she’s a sensitive artist also -;)) Merci.
This is my 3rd experience with meeting Workawayers since 2012 and it’s been fun to be on the path of young students exploring life.
Vom Host für Workawayer (Hanna)
It’s been fun hosting Hanna and having her around. Very amazed by her maturity -;) and her fluency in French which she learned all by herself ! Waou.
Hanna has been cooperative, flexible with my « Mediterranean « schedule, very attentive and careful to her work - became an expert in painting shutters -;), always offered to help in the kitchen,
… read more and been very curious about our rich area which she toured with pleasure, interest and avidity, visiting Saintes, Cognac, La Rochelle, museums...
Merci Hanna, c’est un plaisir de voir tes beaux volets gris sur la façade du Logis. Et de t’avoir reçue en Charente !
Très belle continuation en Bavière.
Vom Workawayer (Hanna) für Host
I spent two amazing weeks with Nathalie!
When I arrived at the house, I was stunned by how big and beautiful it is. I had a really nice room and a bathroom all to myself. The garden is huge, there are so many different seating opportunities to relax, read or have a refreshing tea with Nathalie.
She was very welcoming and made me feel at home
… read more immediately. I could take what I want in the kitchen and she prepared amazing vegetarian salads for lunch. Since it was very hot, we usually had dinner pretty late, but I didn't mind at all - it's how it's done in the south :D
The house is perfectly located right next to the river Charente where you can go for a swim every day. Nathalie took me to Saintes, a nice little city with a lot of charme, multiple times so I could visit it's attractions. It's possible to go by bike too, she lend me one. We even went to concerts there together and on my days off, she took me to the train station when I wanted to see the cities nearby. She even took me to her yoga class and once, we did a private session in her garden!
I got to know her sister and some of her friends too, I liked having conversations with them during a nice dinner outside and it helped a lot with my French. Nathalie is very open-minded and has a lot of interesting stories to tell, for example about her work in India.
I worked 5 hours 5 days a week and could choose freely when to start. I sanded and painted the old wood shutters, which was a bit repetitive, but it has to be done by someone :D Painting can be quite fun though and I listened to music or podcasts during work.
Sadly I was sick and had a fever for 3 days, so I had to stay in bed with the most beautiful weather outside, but Nathalie was very kind and caring and always asked if I needed anything. Her delicious tea sure helped with my recovery.
Merci Nathalie pour tous, j'espère que un jour, je retournerai - peut-être avec ma meilleure amie où mon copain, si tu as besoin d'encore plus d'aide :)
HannaDu kannst nur Workawayer mit aktiver Mitgliedschaft kontaktieren.
Vom Host für Workawayer (Andrea)
It was fun having Andrea and Elizabeth with us.
They have been a great help, did a fantastic job (I think they will never ever look at a window again anywhere in the world without thinking about sanding it, fixing the holes, then the primer, then the final paint coats...;-). Also, they are great cooks and are very curious about the area and
… read more appreciative of good local food, and helped us through the various house chores.
WIt was fun visiting places with them or going for after dinner walks or bike rides.
Sweet, nice, polite, with a positive attitude!
Enjoy beautiful surroundings whilst staying ia 14th-century house in Pays de la Loire, France
Hilf mit in unserem Haus und auf unserem Bio-Bauernhof im Périgord, Dordogne, Frankreich
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Frankreich
Wenn du KEIN EU-BÜRGER bist und Frankreich besuchen möchtest, um dort zu arbeiten, zu studieren oder als Volunteer tätig zu sein, BRAUCHST DU DAS ENTSPRECHENDE VISUM. Um mehr darüber zu erfahren, solltest du dich VOR DEINER ABREISE von zu Hause an die Botschaft in deinem Land wenden.
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