Help with childcare, cleaning/organising, cooking in a historic location in Loire Valley, France

France

updated Last minute

Favourited 1669 times

Host rating
Feedback
40
Last activity
24/11/2022
Nº of Facebook friends
554
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This listing is a Last minute host. They have let us know that they are looking for help immediately as well as at other times of the year.

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Availability

2022

Min stay requested: at least 3 weeks

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What's this?

Details

Description
We're a Franco-Canadian couple, with three bilingual children 10, 7, and 2 and a sweet cat.
Our home is a family château built in the 1400s and passed from father-to-son since the 1600s. There is lots of history here and you will be walking in the footsteps of the illustrious ancestors!
We love music, movies (movie nights are always fun moments in our house), and good food and good wine (which we produce in our vineyard).
The Loire Valley is a peaceful and beautiful part of France, not too far from Paris. We relish in the intense blue and sunny skies of the summer and our house can feel like a peaceful haven, far from the outside world.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The Loire Valley is meant to have the purest accent in France. It's a great place to discover history and the amazing French way of life!
Help
Organising and cleaning skills are useful at the moment, as we're renovating several rooms in the château and also about to harvest our grapes for the season.
DIY skills are always useful.
We'd also love to welcome anyone with good SEO, social media, film editing or photography skills.
Those with cooking skills and a passion for food and wine are always welcome.
And in the summer, childcare experience is always handy!
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: Fluent
German: Intermediate
This host offers a language exchange
Our children understand and speak German. My husband can also speak Spanish and a little Italian. The language of the house is English and French.
Accommodation
We have a comfortable two bedroom guest house located in one of the buildings beside the château.
What else ...
In your off time you can explore the Loire Valley, a region of France that is rich in history and chateaux and perfect for those who love the good things in life: good food, cheeses and wines, etc.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have a good and stable internet connection for workawayers.
Space for parking camper vans
Lots of parking for vehicles.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Photos

Feedback left by and about host (40)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.5)

Cultural exchange:
(4.5)

Communication:
(4.0)

05/04/2022

Left by Workawayer (Miranda) for host

I spent 2 lovely weeks with D’Arcy and Sebastien, and I wish I could have stayed for longer! They are warm and welcoming people, and the 3 kids are astonishingly intelligent and kind. Good food and great music was provided ;) The surroundings are beautiful, great for walks or runs, and living quarters had all you could need. I have nothing but… read more

(Excellent )

09/02/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Ed)

Ed came to us for a few months at the end of 2021 and became a real member of the family. He's a lovely guy: very easy-going, interesting, able to get along with anyone, caring, lots of fun and a great chef!
We had two blissful months of his cooking and can only highly recommend him to anyone who might have the possibility of welcoming him on his… read more

(Excellent )

30/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Christoph & Renata) for host

Wieder zurück von unserer langen Reise ist es Zeit zurück zu blicken.
Wir haben auf dem Chateau einen wunderbaren Einstieg erlebt mit den Tagen der offenen Tür über die Ostertage. In Zusammenarbeit mit dem Kellermeister Michel und den anwesenden Handwerkern und Künstlern, die hier ausstellten, ergaben sich sehr interessante Begegnungen. Die dann… read more

(Very good )

07/01/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Linda)

Linda and Shannon were very welcome arrivals here! They helped us with childcare, picking up the kids, doing errands, greeting customers, some gardening. They were such a pleasure to have, always positive, full of helpful suggestions, great energy with the children, super dependable and interesting! We had many fun conversations and they were so… read more

(Excellent )

24/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Linda) for host

I had the privilege of staying in this beautiful corner of the world for 3 1/2 weeks! This was my first workaway experience and I wasn't sure what to expect but went into it willing to learn. This area of the Loire Valley is so beautiful and peaceful, filled with many castles, and this one was special due to the wine business and being located in… read more

(Excellent )

20/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Katie) for host

I really enjoyed my time working at the vineyard! They have two really sweet cats and a dog who I watched while the family was on vacation. It was exactly what I needed at the time and I’m so grateful for D’Arcy and Sebastien for welcoming me for a few weeks. They are such a lovely family and have two of the friendliest and smartest kids that I… read more

(Excellent )

17/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Carolina) for host

I spent two great months in the rolling hills of Saint Germain sur Vienne, which I will never forget. The work I did was so interesting and the people I met, guests at the chateau and wine-tasting groups, were all friendly and forthcoming. My daily chores were to clean the wine tasting room, take guests on a tour of the vineyard, do wine tastings… read more

(Excellent )

15/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Carolina)

Carolina spent a couple of months with us helping us with clients, doing tours, in the tasting room, and with different projects. She was very flexible and dedicated, generous with her time, and going above and beyond our expectations. She has great people skills and made our guests and visitors feel welcome and at ease. The fact that she speaks… read more

(Excellent )

24/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Jim) for host

I stayed with Sebastian and D’Arcy for almost three weeks and had a wonderful time helping with the chateau, the garden/yardwork, and with the winemaker Michel! They are two very kind and caring people who have a lot going on and a lot to maintain in this 400+ year old chateau. Dimitri and the two cats are always around and the two children are… read more

(Very good )

24/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Susanne) for host

I stayed with Sebastien and D'Arcy and their lovely children for two and a half weeks in March. Being probably the first volunteer to live in the outhouse this year, I found it a bit dirty and not really ready when I arrived. Their everyday life is busy and chaotic most of the time. The castle is remote and your own ride a great advantage.… read more

(Very good )

08/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Wayne & Pawn) for host

Sebastian and D'Arcy are generous and welcoming hosts. We had an amazing 1 month stay with them. Our task was trying to tame the gardens on their huge property. They were always willing to but tools and gear to get the job done. They never micro-managed us but instead sought our opinions and knowledge. They cooked us wonderful meals which were… read more

(Excellent )

13/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Emily) for host

I spent a month at the Chateau helping with wine tastings, tours, and picnics. I learned lots about wine and wine production from Sébastien and D'Arcy and the winemaker Michel. I felt very included in daily family life and was lucky to be there for some wonderful dinner parties and special events. Sébastien is an excellent cook and there was… read more

(Very good )

04/06/2017

Left by Workawayer (Maria Victoria) for host

I stayed almost two weeks with the D'Arcy and Sebastian and I enjoyed it a lot!
The tasks were very varied: helping with the tastings and tours the offered, translating some texts, gardening and helping out with the daily tasks at home when needed.
Me and other two workawayers stayed in a separate house attached to the Chateau and we shared… read more

(Excellent )

01/06/2017

Left by Workawayer (Griffin & Audrey) for host

An amazing experience at The Chateau du Petit Thouars!

We spent just over two weeks with D'arcy and Sebastion at their beautiful castle and vineyard. There was always and adventure or something fun happening, whether we were helping to set up picnics, cooking, a little bit of gardening, picking up supplies at the market, going on scenic hikes or… read more

(Excellent )

09/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (Kathleen) for host

I feel honoured and lucky to have done my first work away at the beautiful Château du Petit Thouars back in March. Both D'Arcy and Sébastien are welcoming and hospitable. The Château is located in the stunning Loire Valley. They are very close to the historical town of Chinon, as well as many other historical spots. I can't say enough nice things… read more

(Excellent )

03/05/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Katjuschka)

It was a pleasure to have Kathy's help! She was patient, enthusiastic, and always super helpful! She has an amazing work ethic and was calm and attentive, really taking the time to do things well.
We will never forget the delicious Black Forest cake she baked us and her delicious risotto! We had a great time spending time with her and she was… read more

(Excellent )

07/03/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Benjamin)

It was great having Benjamin to stay with us! He was a great worker, applying himself to some very physical tasks in the vines and around the park, very kind, open, friendly to our children and easy to be around, baking delicious treats in his down-time and very helpful at mealtimes.
We really appreciated getting to know him and hope to stay in… read more

(Excellent )

05/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Benjamin) for host

D'Arcy and Sébastian are great hosts and super friendly people. Thank you again for all the hospitality! The accomodation is just perfect and very comfortable (just the walls are a bit to thick for the wifi). The chateau and the park are impressive and the landscape in this area is beautiful. Thanks to my accident insurance I was allowed to work… read more

(Excellent )

07/02/2017

Left by Workawayer (Trang) for host

I spent more than one week with D'Arcy and Sébastien family before Christmas and it was great experience. D'arcy was so kind to introduce me to the family and showed me everything. I had my own room, had all meals with family which are so tasty, I'm so lucky to have chance to enjoy french gastronomy and culture. I can see the passion of… read more

(Excellent )

16/01/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Trang)

Trang was lots of fun to have here and the highlight of her stay was when she taught my husband how to make Vietnamese nems! Very delicious! She worked methodically in our garden and was also very kind playing with our children. Good luck Trang with all your pursuits!

(Excellent )

16/01/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Jutta)

It was a pleasure to have Jutta here for 2 weeks in December. She was very nice, easy to get along with, and was a very calm presence for our two little ones, whom she helped to take care of. She had them playing games, she was attentive to them, and our youngest son is still talking about her. Many thanks Jutta and come see us again soon!

(Excellent )

21/12/2016

Left by Workawayer (Jutta) for host

I spent 2 weeks with D'Arcy and Sebastian and I could have easily stayed for longer. The chateau is amazing and the area is very beautiful. My job was to spend the days with George (the 2 year-old) and I loved every second of it! George and Elisabeth are both incredibly cute and I was amazed how polite and well behaved they are for their age.… read more

(Excellent )

25/11/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Graeme & Brenda)

We feel very grateful to have had Brenda and Graeme stay with us! They did amazing work on the grounds and in our garden -- they mucked right in and left everything looking great!
It was a real pleasure to spend time with them as well, they were friendly and positive, it was fun hearing about their travels and they were so sweet with our… read more

(Excellent )

24/11/2016

Left by Workawayer (Graeme & Brenda) for host

We've just spent a fantastic 2 1/2 weeks with D'Arcy and Sébastien at their beautiful Chateau. The grounds are amazing and we spent most of our time doing garden maintenance, hedge trimming, weeding, mowing and leaf clearing etc. Lots and lots of leaves haha. We were given a list of jobs and left to get on with it. The accommodation we had was… read more

(Excellent )

30/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Kelly)

We feel very fortunate to have had Kelly here to stay with us. She brought an expert green thumb to our garden, which was completely overgrown, and she tended to it beautifully. When she left it looked absolutely pristine -- the transformation was incredible! She also brought a wonderfully positive attitude and we had a great time spending time… read more

(Excellent )

28/09/2016

Left by Workawayer (Kelly) for host

Thank you D'Arcy and Sébastien for such a wonderful stay. I was lucky enough to work in the garden of this beautiful estate with a view that I will never forget. The entire family were so genuine and hospitable. Oh and I can't forget to mention that Sébastien is an amazing cook! I felt like a member of the family as they invited me to join them… read more

(Excellent )

09/08/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Peter & Gail)

Gail and Peter were an absolute pleasure to have here and we are so grateful for all they did to help us over the last few weeks.
We were in desperate need to extra hands to get our vacation property in order and they came at exactly the right moment, took everything in hand, went above and beyond and worked their magic!
They were extremely… read more

(Excellent )

09/08/2016

Left by Workawayer (Peter & Gail) for host

It was an absolute pleasure to meet & work alongside, this amazing couple to help them realise a goal that has been in planning for some time.
D'Arcy and Sebastion are both wonderful, genuine people.
The experience of spending time at a wine producing chateau will stay with us and I'm sure we will return.

(Excellent )

21/12/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (David & Nina)

David and Nina were a pleasure to have this summer. They were both very kind and sweet and helped out with some great work in the farm as well as painting a room in the château. Thanks so much for your hard work and let us know when you come back to the Loire Valley!!

(Excellent )

21/12/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Kelly)

It was great to have Kelly and Zac here, they helped us during our harvest, around the farmhouse etc. and were really sweet, kind and fun to get to know. Hope you guys are enjoying your current travels and stay in touch!

(Excellent )

23/11/2015

Left by Workawayer (Kelly) for host

Last month we had a lovely stay with Sebastian and D'Arcy's family during their grape harvest time. Their Château is amazing and the guesthouse we stayed in was great! It's a decent size and we had a fully equiped kitchen to cook our own meals (stipen for our shopping).They also invited us over for a few delicious dinners and fun movie nights! So… read more

(Very good )

21/12/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Jordan)

Jordan was a great guest and it was fun to share Canadian Thanksgiving with another Canadian! He was super helpful with a variety of tasks and we're very glad we got a chance to meet him! Thanks for coming Jordan and hope you're having a great time on your travels!

(Excellent )

27/10/2015

Left by Workawayer (Jordan) for host

Sebastian and D'Arcy were great and hospitable hosts. My time at the chateau was great, as I completed various tasks, such as help with the Vendange, organizing and cleaning up there farmhouse, and yard maintenance. It was great meeting there whole family, from spending time with there 2 adorable kids, to aiding Sebastian's father at the… read more

(Excellent )

12/10/2015

Left by Workawayer (Ty & Kylie) for host

We spent a week helping D'Arcy and Sebastian on their beautiful property in the Loire Valley. They are a lovely family, however unfortunately we came at a very busy time for them so did not get to spend as much time with them as we would have liked.

There is plenty of work depending on your skills, from babysitting to renovations. Their two… read more

(Good )

10/09/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Ty & Kylie)

We were very grateful to have Ty and Kylie stay with us! Ty was a whiz at helping with lots of our electricity issues and even got some farming equipment working again! It was great to have his opinion on the general state of things too and we were lucky to have him check out a lot of the installations. Kylie was a great help looking after our… read more

(Excellent )

10/09/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Janine)

We were so lucky to catch Janine during her travels and have her come stay with us to look after our little ones. She fit right in, had a great energy and spirit, and felt like a member of the family. Our little ones loved her and we were very sad to see her go. We definitely look to staying in touch with her and hopefully having her back to visit… read more

(Excellent )

21/08/2015

Left by Workawayer (Sue & John) for host

D'Arcy & Sebastien (and their extended family) were warm and friendly hosts. They were very hospitable, and they were easy to work with. The living arrangements were ideal—charming and comfortable, while allowing for independence. The setting in the Loire Valley is absolutely lovely.
D'Arcy and Sebastien were supportive and appreciative of… read more

(Excellent )

14/08/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Sue & John)

John, Sue and Emily were a pleasure to have working on our projects! They were very thoughtful and considerate, taking the time to research different techniques, they worked incredibly well and helped us to advance on a number of fronts.
They're a lovely, interesting family and we enjoyed getting to know them as well. We highly recommend them for… read more

(Excellent )

23/07/2015

Left by Workawayer (Debs & Diggory) for host

D'Arcy and Sebastian were very welcoming, and we were lucky to arrive at the time of Sebastian's birthday, so we could join in the celebrations! The house is well equipped, and was ample size for us and the 2 children. We were their first guests, and they had not had much time to plan out the work, or get all the materials, so that was frustrating… read more

(Good )

22/07/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Debs & Diggory)

Digs and his family came to us as our first Workawayers and we found him to be very trustworthy and diligent. He helped us to advance on many fronts and we appreciated his extensive knowledge and experience.
We're very happy to recommend them highly!

(Excellent )

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