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14 May 2026
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Description
We're a New Zealand-Australian family living on a beautiful 2.5-hectare farm in the rolling countryside of Lot-et-Garonne, in southwest France - tucked into a quiet corner where the borders of Gironde and Dordogne meet. Our farm is home to chickens, two cats, a small dog, and occasionally cows in the neighbouring field.
The nearest village is Duras, just 3km away, with a supermarket, shops, and restaurants. Bergerac is around 40 minutes by car, and Bordeaux just over an hour - so you're well placed to explore one of France's most beautiful and food-rich regions, with its medieval villages, markets, vineyards, and the Dordogne river valley on the doorstep.
There are four of us - I run a busy online business, and my husband is a writer. We have two children, aged 9 and 11. We've travelled widely and love meeting people from different backgrounds. We're interested in current affairs, the arts, music, and writing, and genuinely enjoy good conversation around the table.
During the summer months our cottages are rented to holidaymakers, so we welcome Workawayers from October through to June - the quieter seasons when the farm and the French countryside have their own particular charm.
A few things to note before applying:
- Visas: We are unable to assist with visa applications or sponsorship of any kind.
- Transport: This is a rural area and public transport is very limited. We have a bicycle available for local trips, and the nearest train station is about 20 minutes away by car. Having your own vehicle would make a real difference to your experience and ability to explore the region.
- Pets: We have our own animals on the farm and are unfortunately unable to accommodate visiting pets.
- Dietary requirements: As cooking is a central part of the exchange, we work best with people who are flexible and adventurous eaters. We'd find it difficult to accommodate strict or complex dietary restrictions, so please mention anything relevant in your application so we can assess whether we're a good fit.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Elderly Companionship
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
Interests
Cycling
Nature
Dancing
Gardening
Cooking & food
Writing
Culture
Politics / Social justice
Pets
Plant care
History
Art & design
Architecture
Photography
Animals
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We enjoy having wide-ranging discussions with people from all over the world. We speak English as a first language, and some French. We are happy to help guests with their English and would love to improve our French! The history and culture of the region we live in is a fascinating one. We live 3 kilometres from Duras and its 12th century chateau. There are many other historic towns and villages in our region, and lots of local markets and festivals.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We're looking for someone who loves to cook and is confident preparing wholesome family meals - this would be the heart of what we need. Beyond that, the work is varied and relaxed: a little light gardening when the weather allows, general tidying, and occasionally helping with a small renovation project if one is underway.
Hours are flexible, typically between three and four hours a day, leaving you with plenty of time to pursue your own interests. This makes the arrangement particularly well-suited to remote workers, writers, artists, or anyone with a creative project they'd like to dedicate time to in a peaceful and beautiful setting.
If you have your own transport, you'll be perfectly placed to explore the Lot-et-Garonne - a stunning corner of southwest France, with medieval villages, vineyards, markets, and the Dordogne just on the doorstep.
We're looking for someone self-sufficient, cheerful, and genuinely enthusiastic about food. In return, we offer a warm welcome, comfortable accommodation, and a truly lovely place to slow down and recharge.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
We are happy to help people with their English. We would like to improve our French.
Accommodation
You'll have your own self-contained cottage, completely private, with a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. We've made sure it's comfortable year-round, with electric heaters, an electric blanket on the bed, a Smart TV, and a Bluetooth speaker. There is also fast fibre optic internet throughout - ideal if you're working remotely or streaming.
Meals
We provide all food and groceries, with the exception of any specialist items you might prefer. You're very welcome to join us for the main evening meal. Breakfasts and lunches tend to be informal and independent, as I run a busy business from home.
What else ...
We live in the countryside in a lovely part of Lot-et-Garonne, right on the edge of Gironde and Dordogne. The area is made up of rolling hills, fields, forests, and pretty villages, and it’s a very peaceful place to be.
There are abundant local markets and plenty of things to do outdoors, including cycling, horse riding, canoeing, and lots of great walks. We’re just over an hour from Bordeaux, the nearest train station is about 20 minutes away, and the closest shops are only 3 kilometres from the house.
Some of our past Workawayers have been keen walkers. Having your own car is helpful but not essential, and we’re happy to lend a bicycle if needed.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have Fibre Optic internet at 1330 Mbps download and 831 Mbps upload.
Space for parking camper vans
There is a parking space for a van.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Alex
Shady
Ziggy
