Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
3 Oct 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
39
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
Smallholding in central France, there's a huge garden to tend, woods to manage and animals to tend. The garden is organic, so plenty of weeding required! Also some building work is going on, so if you're handy with a saw, screwdriver and a paintbrush, even better! At present we are trying to restore the woods to their natural state.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Farming
Sustainability
Vegetarian or vegan
Plant care
Books
Music
Gardening
Writing
Yoga / Wellness
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Many of our workawayers have really enjoyed learning how to cook vegetarian food.
Help
There is plenty of weeding and general gardening to be done, hedges to tend, and general maintenance of the fields and forest. If you have building skills - even better! If you enjoy cooking, even better yet!
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Spanish: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
We speak English and French, and Janita is learning Italian. She also used to be fluent in Hindi.
Accommodation
Your own room in converted outhouse (summer) or the house (winter). Good vegetarian organic cooking. And we like to play board games in the evening....
What else ...
We are situated near Vichy and the Bourbonnaise mountains, and not too far from the volcanoes. However there is no public transport in our immediate vicinity.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
There is room for a campervan here.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Indian Runner Ducks
Host ref number: 25944561214d
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+12
Feedback (19)
14 Oct 2025
Left by Workawayer (fevekiara) for host
We had a really good time at Janita and Petes farm, they’re both really inspiring people and we would love to come back some day!
Their farm is bigger than we expected, they have a very nice garden, loads of land, sheeps, ducks, a dog and lots of cats (we especially fell in love with one of the kittens). We we were doing a lot of gardening,… read more
Their farm is bigger than we expected, they have a very nice garden, loads of land, sheeps, ducks, a dog and lots of cats (we especially fell in love with one of the kittens). We we were doing a lot of gardening,… read more
8 Sep 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (fevekiara)
Kiara and Mareika were great fun and very helpful. They worked well and we are very happy they chose to stay with us! They can come back whenever they want :)
(Excellent
)
8 Sep 2025
Left by Workawayer (Alistair & Raksanun) for host
Janita and Pete are wonderful to stay with. They have a serene small holding, with excellent organic food (the tomatoes, oh my goodness…) and lovely after dinner chats, games and music. There are lots of varied jobs to do, so it never gets boring. Very worth being on the top of any Workawayer’s list!
8 Sep 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Alistair & Raksanun)
Ali and Punch did everything we asked of them and Punch never had to be asked to do the washing up! They were great fun and very open to new experiences. We wish them all the best in their lives !
(Excellent
)
23 Jun 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Paolo)
Paolo has been a great help and always with a smile. He did not only do what we asked but offered his help whenever there was a lull. We like him a lot and hope he'll return sometime!
(Excellent
)
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+12
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.8)
14 Oct 2025
Left by Workawayer (fevekiara) for host
We had a really good time at Janita and Petes farm, they’re both really inspiring people and we would love to come back some day!
Their farm is bigger than we expected, they have a very nice garden, loads of land, sheeps, ducks, a dog and lots of cats (we especially fell in love with one of the kittens). We we were doing a lot of gardening,… read more
Their farm is bigger than we expected, they have a very nice garden, loads of land, sheeps, ducks, a dog and lots of cats (we especially fell in love with one of the kittens). We we were doing a lot of gardening,… read more
8 Sep 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (fevekiara)
Kiara and Mareika were great fun and very helpful. They worked well and we are very happy they chose to stay with us! They can come back whenever they want :)
(Excellent)
8 Sep 2025
Left by Workawayer (Alistair & Raksanun) for host
Janita and Pete are wonderful to stay with. They have a serene small holding, with excellent organic food (the tomatoes, oh my goodness…) and lovely after dinner chats, games and music. There are lots of varied jobs to do, so it never gets boring. Very worth being on the top of any Workawayer’s list!
8 Sep 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Alistair & Raksanun)
Ali and Punch did everything we asked of them and Punch never had to be asked to do the washing up! They were great fun and very open to new experiences. We wish them all the best in their lives !
(Excellent)
23 Jun 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Paolo)
Paolo has been a great help and always with a smile. He did not only do what we asked but offered his help whenever there was a lull. We like him a lot and hope he'll return sometime!
(Excellent)
4 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Talia)
It was a short stay but we had great fun. Megan and Talia are very entertaining and made some delicious meals. They will always be welcome to visit with us.
(Excellent)
20 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Luis Felipe)
Luis is an excellent helper, he is always happy to do whatever is required and made us some very nice meals as well. He is probably the hardest worker we've ever had from Workaway!
He is good company and a board games freak - we like that! So if Luis proposes to come to your place, do not hesitate to say YES!
Muchas gracias, Luis, y buen viaje.… read more
He is good company and a board games freak - we like that! So if Luis proposes to come to your place, do not hesitate to say YES!
Muchas gracias, Luis, y buen viaje.… read more
(Excellent)
18 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Luis Felipe) for host
This experience it's going to be unforgettable for me. I spent a month and so and from the beginning was different than others places that I have visited, Janita and Pete know how to let you feel in home, I could enjoy the peaceful of the countryside and the hard (but very fun for me) working in a farm. Thanks you for everything guys, I'm going to… read more
18 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Beverley) for host
My stay with Janita and Pete was very special. I loved spending time weeding and planting in the garden and making and sharing vegetarian meals. I was also lucky enough to coincide with cherry and raspberry season which was pure delight. Janita and Pete are both genuinely good, kind people and ask wonderful questions. We had many stimulating… read more
18 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Beverley)
Beverley is very helpful and pleasant company too! She is a proficient weeder (particularly welcome in June, when weeds attempt and often do take control) and also a splendid cook. She is good at seeing what's needed and at getting it done and is a really beautiful humane being. We will miss her very much!
(Excellent)
1 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Mattia) for host
I stayed there for 2 weeks, i really enjoyed the time in this beautiful place!
I really liked playing table games and I had a lot of laughs!
The only "negative" thing is that you're not near the city and there are no public transport, so is not that easy to reach the city center.
I'll miss you, hope you'll have good times there. Bye 👋
I really liked playing table games and I had a lot of laughs!
The only "negative" thing is that you're not near the city and there are no public transport, so is not that easy to reach the city center.
I'll miss you, hope you'll have good times there. Bye 👋
1 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Mattia)
Mattia was very helpful and we had lots of laughs. A very likeable person, and now a skilled Settlers of Catan player! We wish him all the best in his travels and his future.
(Very good)
20 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Mark & Nazreena)
Thank you Mark and Nazreena for all your help and the tasty meals you cooked. We miss you already and evenings will not be the same without you to share our games table! You are always welcome here - as friends of course! Good luck with all your plans and may your lives be filled with joy and good health.
(Excellent)
19 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Mark & Nazreena) for host
We throughly enjoyed our stay with Janita and Pete and their lovely animals at their home in the countryside. They are both such friendly, welcoming, intelligent and interesting people and we really enjoyed our conversations with them. The food they both made was delicious and plentiful. Janita also cooked us a really nice Indian meal for lunch.… read more
27 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Alex & Kevin) for host
We where two weeks at Janita's and Pete's little palace. We are not vegetarian but the food was really nice. We would recommend all kind of eaters to go there. It was a great time. Thank you Pete and Janita !!! Keep doing the good work!!
4 Jul 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Frederic & Lise)
Fred is a very pleasant, friendly and resourceful person, and a great help in the garden. We really enjoyed his stay with us and are very happy with all the help he gave. He can come back anytime!
(Excellent)
19 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Vilbjørg) for host
I had a wonderful time at Janita and Pete’s and their beautiful farm. They and their family are incredibly nice, welcoming and interesting people. Working in the garden and painting window sills was de-stressing and enjoyable, as was the evenings with boardgames. From the several interesting conversations, I also learned more about French and… read more
22 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Vilbjørg)
Vilbjorg is a very pleasant person to host, and very helpful. And she learns VERY quickly - we taught her some board games and she beat us every time right from the start! We can thoroughly recommend her and wish her well in all she does.
(Very good)
5 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Kelly & Kasha) for host
Our stay with Janita & Pete was full of great experiences. We loved experiencing their simple but always busy way of life. Their farm house is located in the beautiful countryside of the Auvernge region, which we enjoyed exploring. We loved all their animals; ducks, chickens, cats, and Jess their dog with infinite energy. We learned many new… read more
28 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Kelly & Kasha)
Kasha and Kelly were really helpful, willing and friendly, and they can come back anytime! We can fully recommend them as they are skilled and efficient.
(Excellent)
28 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Mackenzie & Christopher)
Chris and Mackenzie were very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed their stay with us! :o)
(Very good)
5 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (annaraffa) for host
We spent 10 mainly rainy days in start of June at Janita and Pete's beautiful place. On one good day we went to get wood with the tractor, one day we put in windows, the rest of the time worked in the garden, weeding, cutting bamboo or covering potato plants. Even thought we were unlucky with the weather (and our host got colds), we had a good… read more
5 Jun 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (annaraffa)
Anne-Catherine and Raffael have been a great help - despite the heavy rain. And they are good company; we've enjoyed hosting them and wish them all the best for the future.
(Very good)
25 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Nora) for host
My stay with Janita & Pete was absolutely wonderful! They were so sweet, relaxed, and caring and made me feel very welcome and at home. I enjoyed cleaning and reorganising their cellar and cute greenhouse very much, but their company and energy was what made being there so amazing. Add to that Jess the dog, the two ducks and a pile of cats and… read more
23 Aug 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Nora)
Nora is amazing - she does every task to 150%, is always cheerful and we missed her so much when she went! She will always be welcome here :-) :-) :-)
(Excellent)
25 Oct 2015
Left by Workawayer (Julia & Olga) for host
We stayed with Janita in her lovely and peaceful place in the Auvergne and it was a wonderful time. It was a pleasure to help doing some weeding in the garden and digging out onions and potatoes. and drinking tea in the evening while playing board games. Janita is a lovely host a very interesting and kind person.
10 Jul 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Judy)
Thanks for all the help - it's great to be able to see the garden again! Have installed your dry toilet and it's great! A new experience for folk.
(Excellent)
9 Jul 2015
Left by Workawayer (Judy) for host
Janita is a brilliant host, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. She is a fantastic cook and taught us how great being a vegetarian can be! Thank you for having us :) we will miss the beautiful scenery, your wonderful animals and evenings spent playing board games.
23 Mar 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Tomas & Eliska)
Delightful people and very helpful. They were great fun and Tomas is a handy mechanic while Eliska is a great cook!
(Excellent)
23 Mar 2015
Left by Workawayer (Tomas & Eliska) for host
Well, it was perfect!! Janita is very interesting and kind, she creates a nice quiet atmosphere around her. We love that. The place is beatiful, peacefull and very easy-going. We really have enjoyed our stay and the work which we were doing here, it was a pleasure to help here. We wish Janita all the best!
1 Jan 2015
Left by Workawayer (Carole ) for host
Hello togehther
A bit late but i will do it know :)
My second experience with workaway was on this very beautiful
farm last april.
I had two absolutly perfects weeks with pete an janita. Also the two daughters were very lovely, helpful and we had a lot of fun together. Every day was very different with little works in the garden, kitchen… read more
A bit late but i will do it know :)
My second experience with workaway was on this very beautiful
farm last april.
I had two absolutly perfects weeks with pete an janita. Also the two daughters were very lovely, helpful and we had a lot of fun together. Every day was very different with little works in the garden, kitchen… read more
15 Oct 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Joanna)
We really enjoyed your stay Jo, and look forward to seeing you again. :)
(Excellent)
6 Oct 2014
Left by Workawayer (Joanna) for host
Fantastic people, fantastic location, fantastic food! Had a brilliant two weeks, learned loads about loads of things and thoroughly enjoyed my stay. Thank you Janita and Pete xx
23 Nov 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Iolani)
Works both ways - we really appreciated your help, and the happy attitude you brought to it! It was a good three weeks, and you were far and away the best Workawayers we've had to date! Safe and happy journeys to you both!
(Excellent)
16 Nov 2013
Left by Workawayer (Iolani) for host
We had such a great time, in the 3 short weeks we spend out on Pete and Janita's beautiful farm! They took us around the country side on some adventures, showed us around the neighboring towns, and played TONS of games in the evenings.and they were so helpful!
Great food! Great fun! Great learning experiences! All in all, best first workaway we… read more
Great food! Great fun! Great learning experiences! All in all, best first workaway we… read more
4 Aug 2013
Left by Workawayer (Jaqueline) for host
My experience with Janita, Pete and Sam was wonderful!
Janita picked Jule and me up in La Palisse with a sudden "Willkommen" :-) Très chaleureuse! I immediately recognized she is a very interesting person. The type of work was gardening and mostly weeding, between their potatoes, onions, strawberries etc. Unfortunately I fell ill the second day,… read more
Janita picked Jule and me up in La Palisse with a sudden "Willkommen" :-) Très chaleureuse! I immediately recognized she is a very interesting person. The type of work was gardening and mostly weeding, between their potatoes, onions, strawberries etc. Unfortunately I fell ill the second day,… read more
4 Apr 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (lhybel)
Very helpful, and what would I have done with all the apples without you? Thanks for all your help!
(Excellent)
13 Feb 2013
Left by Workawayer (IndiaNovember) for host
Ian and I had such a fantastic time with Pete and Janita at their farm... we had a variety of jobs to do and we learnt some new skills and also lots about 'green living'! We were made to feel part of the family and will definitely be keeping in touch with our new friends!
6 Sep 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (IndiaNovember)
(Excellent)
