Profile information
Host rating
Not yet rated
Last replied
17 Apr 2026
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
-
ID verified
Email verified
Country info
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Bonjour!
We are Jacky & Jo, a German couple living in the rural region of Charente-Maritime (Nouvelle-Aquitaine), in a beautiful country house surrounded by vineyards, not far from Jonzac, Barbezieux and Cognac. The Gironde estuary and the Atlantic coast are also within easy reach – ideal for weekend getaways.
We run a guest house (Chambres d’hôtes), which is not part of the Workaway activities.
We lead a quiet life in the countryside, love nature, good food and down-to-earth people. For us, it’s all about exchange, collaboration and getting to know different languages and cultures.
We also have three friendly dogs who love company. Animal lovers are especially welcome!
If you’d like to tackle practical projects in the garden, learn new things and become part of our rural life, we look forward to your support and to spending a wonderful time together.
À bientôt ;-)
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
Interests
Sustainability
Pets
Culture
Van life
Self development
Plant care
Gardening
Music
DIY & crafts
Books
Cooking & food
Drawing & painting
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Winter sports
Dancing
Beach
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travelers who stay with us gain an authentic insight into everyday life in the rural Charente-Maritime region, near the village of Saint-Maigrin. Cultural exchange is central to our experience: shared time, conversations, meals, and daily routines are just as important to us as the practical tasks we undertake together.
Workawayers can learn about sustainable lifestyles and acquire basic knowledge about gardening and self-sufficiency, such as plant care, composting, and seasonal cycles. We are happy to explain how and why we do things and welcome the exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives from different cultures.
The stay also offers the opportunity to improve language skills, learn about French customs, and gain a deeper understanding of life in a rural region of France. Visits to local markets, small restaurants, and nearby wineries or cognac distilleries provide insights into regional traditions, cuisine, and village life. These visits often lead to natural encounters with locals and other travelers.
We hope that our guests will combine their stay with a deeper understanding of French rural culture, with new practical knowledge for everyday life, and with enriching personal encounters – learning through shared experiences, openness, and mutual respect.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
With us, Workaway participants help out in the private sphere of our home. The focus is on cultural exchange, learning together, and sharing everyday experiences. The tasks are light, varied, and non-commercial. No prior experience is necessary – we explain everything step by step and adapt the activities to individual interests and skills.
Workaway participants help out in the private sphere of our home.
🌱 Garden & Nature
Light garden maintenance such as weeding, mulching, watering, and tending beds and paths
Working together on small garden projects, sharing our knowledge and learning from each other. Introduction to natural gardening and simple self-sufficiency ideas
🌿 Self-Sufficient Garden Project (Learning Project)
Planning raised beds together (developing ideas, getting to know plants)
Basics of planting concepts, composting, and simple irrigation solutions
Exchanging ideas about sustainable gardening and self-sufficiency in everyday life
(No professional construction or DIY work)
🛠️ Small everyday tasks (according to interest)
Simple, easy DIY activities in a private setting, e.g. B. Assembling garden tools together
No work that replaces local professionals
🐶 Daily life with pets
Support with the daily routine of our three small dogs
(Feeding, providing water, learning short routines)
🧹 Tidying up & living together
Helping to keep shared areas tidy
No commercial cleaning tasks
⏰ Time & schedule
Approx. 4–5 hours per day, 5 days per week
2 days off per week
Flexible scheduling depending on the weather, projects, and your personal rhythm
🌍 Cultural exchange & togetherness
Spending time together is important to us: sharing meals, conversations, exchanging experiences, and learning from each other. We look forward to getting to know other ways of life, ideas, and perspectives – and in return, we share our daily life, our experiences with gardening, animals, and a conscious lifestyle.
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in your own room in the private area of our property, which has its own bathroom and toilet. We enjoy meals together: breakfast and dinner are eaten together, and for lunch you have a choice – you can prepare your own or join us. For short breaks or relaxing hours, the pool and garden are also available to you by arrangement – so you can treat yourself to a well-deserved break now and then.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Dodo and Archie (1 year)
Mix – 12.5 kg each
Dodo (left) and Archie (right) are Louis' adorable children! They are a mix of Pyrenean Shepherd, Terrier and Poodle. Due to their hunting instinct, they are very attentive and alert, but also friendly, playful and love walks and games. They are the perfect companions for volunteers who like active and alert furry friends!
Louis (10 years)
Tibetan Terrier, 11 kg
Meet Louis! A sweet and friendly Tibetan Terrier who loves cuddles, walks, and meeting new people. He’s calm at home, curious outdoors, and always happy to make new friends. Perfect little companion for volunteers looking for some furry company!
