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Host rating
80 %
Last replied
22 Mar 2025
Feedback
6
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Email verified
Badges (5)
Details
Description
Bonjour! We're a British-French family looking to welcome volunteers into our home to share our daily life in the beautiful Dordogne region. We value cultural exchange and believe that living together, sharing meals, and working on simple projects creates meaningful connections.
We are Emma (40) and Andy (43), who moved from the UK to France five years ago after years of traveling and volunteering ourselves. Our multilingual household includes three children: Eve (7), Penny (6), and Celeste (3), as well as our new dog Myelle, two cats, and a rabbit. The children are always excited to meet new friends from around the world and love learning about different cultures and languages.
Cultural Exchange Opportunities:
- Experience authentic French countryside living through shared meals and local activities
- Practice English, French, and even some Spanish or Italian in our multilingual home
- Learn about sustainable living, gardening, and traditional renovation techniques
- Share your own culture, language, and cooking with our curious family
- Join us for local markets, festivals, and community events when possible
You'll have your own private space in our refurbished caravan with cooking facilities, a fridge, running water, and toilet. We typically share evening meals together, creating opportunities to exchange recipes and food traditions from your home country. We especially love when volunteers share their own cooking skills and traditional recipes with us!
During your free time (after helping 4 hours daily, 5 days weekly), the Dordogne offers incredible opportunities to explore historic villages, prehistoric sites, and beautiful natural landscapes. We're happy to suggest local spots that tourists often miss.
We've hosted volunteers from many countries. We're excited to welcome you into our home and learn from each other!
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
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Living with us provides a glimpse into everyday French countryside life. We shop at local markets, enjoy seasonal produce, and participate in community events in Lalinde when our schedule allows.
Our household speaks English and French, with Andy also knowing Spanish and some Italian. This creates a natural environment to practice language skills if you're interested.
Andy can share knowledge about plastering, rendering, and restoration techniques during renovation projects. The practical work around our property offers hands-on experience with various DIY and construction tasks.
During your free time, you can discover the Dordogne region with its medieval towns, prehistoric sites, and outdoor activities. Highlights include Sarlat town, the Lascaux caves, and the Dordogne River. We can point you toward local attractions and give local tips :)
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We welcome assistance with everyday family activities including:
- Seasonal gardening and growing our own vegetables
- Simple DIY projects around the home
- Looking after our pets
- Occasional help with the children's activities
No professional skills are required - just enthusiasm and willingness to learn! We enjoy teaching volunteers about sustainable gardening, basic home improvement, and cooking.
We welcome volunteers who are curious about French country living and interested in learning through hands-on activities. No professional experience is needed - just enthusiasm and a willingness to participate!
Learn about growing vegetables, maintaining flower beds, and creating a sustainable outdoor space. Spring and summer are particularly active gardening seasons, and you'll gain practical experience with planting, weeding, and harvesting.
Join in with simple household projects that keep our family home running smoothly. This might include labouring, basic woodwork, or helping organise spaces. Andy is happy to share his knowledge of traditional techniques.
Experience the joys and responsibilities of caring for our family pets - Myelle our dog, two cats, and two rabbits. This includes feeding, cleaning, and giving them attention and exercise.
We love learning about different countries and cultures! We appreciate when volunteers share their language, cooking, music, or traditions with our family. Our children are particularly curious about life in other countries and enjoy learning simple phrases in new languages.
The working schedule is relaxed - typically 4 hours daily, 5 days a week - leaving plenty of time for cultural exchange, exploring the region, or simply relaxing in the beautiful French countryside.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
French: Intermediate
Italian: Beginner
Accommodation
You'll stay in our refurbished caravan located on our property. The caravan provides a private space with a comfortable bed, basic kitchen, a fridge, running water, and a private toilet. Showers are available in the main house.
For lunch, we provide fresh bread, cold cuts, cheese, and salad ingredients for you to make your own sandwiches or salads.
Dinner is typically prepared by Andy, who worked as a chef before becoming a plasterer. As Emma and Eve are vegetarian, many of our evening meals are plant-based with seasonal ingredients.
You're welcome to join us for dinner, but we're equally fine if you prefer to eat in your caravan or prepare your own meals on occasion. The caravan is equipped for basic cooking, giving you flexibility with your meal schedule.
What else ...
Lalinde is within walking distance or a short drive from our home. The town has basic amenities, a weekly market, and hosts night markets during summer months. A public swimming pool is available about 20 minutes' walk from our house.
The Dordogne offers diverse activities including hiking trails, river sports, vineyard tours, and historical sites. Popular destinations include the medieval town of Sarlat, Lascaux prehistoric caves, and various châteaux throughout the region.
Lalinde has a train station and limited bus service, providing connections to larger towns. However, public transportation in rural France is not extensive. Having your own vehicle or renting one locally will give you much more freedom to explore the region properly.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Feedback (3)
Working with Andy was a great experience, his passion and culture were fundamental, because he was not just requiring help, but he always explained to us what we were doing and why.
long story short,… read more
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Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Working with Andy was a great experience, his passion and culture were fundamental, because he was not just requiring help, but he always explained to us what we were doing and why.
long story short,… read more
