Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
24 Nov 2025
Reply rate
70.8 %
Usually responds within 6 days
Feedback
3
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Details
Description
Hello. I live in La Rochelle, a pretty old town on the Atlantic coast of La Rochelle. I have a lovely newly renovated (almost!) house with a very large garden and pond. It feels like living in the countryside in a town - a special place. I am British, but have lived in France for over 20 years and speak English, French and some Italian. I have two boys who are abroad for studies and I work for a communications agency, mainly from home. I love playing tennis, Pilates, cycling and of course gardening. I am looking for general help with the garden which has been neglected for years. It is in a natural protected zone so has the potential to be lovely, but I need some extra hands!! There is a studio in my house which sleeps 2 and has a kitchenette and bathroom. My house is 10 minutes by bike (20 minutes walk) to the old port and centre of town - there are bikes here for you to use as well as occasionally use of my car. I also have a well-behaved cat. I need help at any time of the year - ideally two people sharing the studio. La Rochelle has a small airport and regular trains to Paris and Bordeaux. The town is also connected by bridge to the ile de Re, which is a delightful place for cycling and beaches.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
General Maintenance
Animal Care
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travellers would benefit from an English-French cultural exchange and experience of living in a French town. Travellers will also experience garden creation and care of protected places. Travellers would also learn French and / or English.
Help
General help in the garden including clearing branches, planting, weeding and mowing. Also some help to make a vegetable and herb garden and construct a shed. Also general help in the house (eg putting up pictures) and occasionally feeding the cat. Drivers licence if possible. No specific skills needed except a love of gardens. No fixed help schedule - I am flexible.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Italian: Intermediate
Accommodation
Studio (first floor) in house with double bed, small living area, kitchenette and bathroom (shower / WC) with WiFi as well as share of all of the main house facilities.
What else ...
Lots to do! La Rochelle has a year-round programme of cultural activities. It is a lovely old city with an old port and a new marina. It is ideally suited to people who like boats, water sports and cycling. There are 3 small islands nearby to visit which are lovely for cycling and beaches. It is 2 hours from Bordeaux and 2.5 hours from Brittany. By train, it is 2.5 hours from Paris. There is an airport with regular flights to Paris, London and Lyon year-long and other destinations in the summer.
There are also opportunities to take French language courses. La Rochelle has a university, many sports facilities and cultural centres.
There are two bikes available for your use as well as occasional use of my car. Opportunity to go sailing.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (2)
The garden is beautiful and I was delighted to be able to help restore it to the magnificent garden it is. The diversity in it is amazing. As is the beautiful city of La Rochelle which surrounds the place.
Thanks once again, Moira for having me… read more
Moira
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
The garden is beautiful and I was delighted to be able to help restore it to the magnificent garden it is. The diversity in it is amazing. As is the beautiful city of La Rochelle which surrounds the place.
Thanks once again, Moira for having me… read more
Moira
