Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
4 Jul 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
38
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
Hello
We are a couple ( In our sixties ) living around Aix en Provence ( 12 kms) and Marseille ( 45 kms ) , The sea is about 1h from our house .We are based in a small village Vauvenargues in the beautiful country side with beautiful walks , cycling tracks in the forest ,relax and calm atmosphere. Vauvenargues is located in the National Nature Reserve of Sainte-Victoire . We would like to offer somebody accomodations and food in exchange for light help. One of our daugther lives in Ireland and our main motivation is to improve our spoken english . We have two bikes and the workwayers can use them . We have a young dog Ulysse and a cat Stella.Ulysse is a very big dog but very kind .
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Discovering the Provençal heritage , the Calanques of Marseille , Marseille city and Aix en provence , Mountain Sainte Victoire ... Picasso Cezanne and a lot of beautiful things .
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We welcome help mainly for gardening in our organic vegetable gardens in Vauvenargues and in our family home in Marseille ( one time the week but we have to go early in the morning ) and also we need help for DIY around or in the house .
Languages spoken
French: Fluent
English: Beginner
Accommodation
An exclusive bedroom with a double bed for the workawayer , shared bathroom . We cook simple meals with local products as long as it's possible.
What else ...
Visited the town Marseille , Aix en provence , go to the sea , the beach or the Calanques of Marseille . Hiking in the Sainte Victoire mountain just close to our house .You can use the bus for go to Aix en provence , the sea and Marseille .
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
Host ref number: 562957555182
Feedback (20)
27 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Kenneth & Evelyn ) for host
We experienced a very engaging week with Dani and Gerard, and their lovable, playful dog, Ulysses. They are a warm-hearted, generous couple , with warm and genuine hospitality.
We shared our lives and stories in genuine conversations. This was an authentic cultural exchange and we learned so much about life in south France. Their home is a… read more
We shared our lives and stories in genuine conversations. This was an authentic cultural exchange and we learned so much about life in south France. Their home is a… read more
12 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Frauke)
Nous avons passé trois bonnes semaines de travail et de partage avec Marie . Elle nous a vraiment beaucoup aidé dans différentes tâches comme participer au bon déroulement d'une soirée festive , travailler au jardin le tout avec beaucoup de de volonté de bien faire sans compter ses heures. Merci Marie pour ton aide .
(Excellent
)
9 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Frauke) for host
En avril et mai 2025, j'ai passé trois semaines chez Dany et Gérard. La plupart du temps, nous avons préparé et planté le potager de Vauvenargues, près d'Aix-en-Provence, construit un système d'irrigation et tondu la prairie.
Pendant quatre jours, nous avons cultivé un jardin dans le Massif Central à travailler et à planter. De plus, Gérard se… read more
Pendant quatre jours, nous avons cultivé un jardin dans le Massif Central à travailler et à planter. De plus, Gérard se… read more
26 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Valentina)
We spent two beautiful weeks with Valentina . She was very serious about her work and helped us a lot with the insulation in our garage, buy materials in the store and also in the garden for the trees . We talked a lot, visited remarkable places in Provence together and also played a few games. In short, a very pleasant woman whom we highly… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Valentina) for host
Danny and Gerard are very, very kind and lovely hosts. I stayed at their place for 2 weeks and helped Gerard mostly in the garden and the garage. The job is not very difficult and Gerard has a lot of understanding and patience to explain and help.
We had very nice time and aperos:) together. They invited me to visit Marseille and Banon together as… read more
We had very nice time and aperos:) together. They invited me to visit Marseille and Banon together as… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
27 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Kenneth & Evelyn ) for host
We experienced a very engaging week with Dani and Gerard, and their lovable, playful dog, Ulysses. They are a warm-hearted, generous couple , with warm and genuine hospitality.
We shared our lives and stories in genuine conversations. This was an authentic cultural exchange and we learned so much about life in south France. Their home is a… read more
We shared our lives and stories in genuine conversations. This was an authentic cultural exchange and we learned so much about life in south France. Their home is a… read more
12 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Frauke)
Nous avons passé trois bonnes semaines de travail et de partage avec Marie . Elle nous a vraiment beaucoup aidé dans différentes tâches comme participer au bon déroulement d'une soirée festive , travailler au jardin le tout avec beaucoup de de volonté de bien faire sans compter ses heures. Merci Marie pour ton aide .
(Excellent)
9 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Frauke) for host
En avril et mai 2025, j'ai passé trois semaines chez Dany et Gérard. La plupart du temps, nous avons préparé et planté le potager de Vauvenargues, près d'Aix-en-Provence, construit un système d'irrigation et tondu la prairie.
Pendant quatre jours, nous avons cultivé un jardin dans le Massif Central à travailler et à planter. De plus, Gérard se… read more
Pendant quatre jours, nous avons cultivé un jardin dans le Massif Central à travailler et à planter. De plus, Gérard se… read more
26 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Valentina)
We spent two beautiful weeks with Valentina . She was very serious about her work and helped us a lot with the insulation in our garage, buy materials in the store and also in the garden for the trees . We talked a lot, visited remarkable places in Provence together and also played a few games. In short, a very pleasant woman whom we highly… read more
(Excellent)
23 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Valentina) for host
Danny and Gerard are very, very kind and lovely hosts. I stayed at their place for 2 weeks and helped Gerard mostly in the garden and the garage. The job is not very difficult and Gerard has a lot of understanding and patience to explain and help.
We had very nice time and aperos:) together. They invited me to visit Marseille and Banon together as… read more
We had very nice time and aperos:) together. They invited me to visit Marseille and Banon together as… read more
11 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon)
Ces quelques jours passés avec Simon ont été très bénéfiques sur le plan d'échange culturel et au niveau du travail . Simon est d'agréable compagnie , discret et serviable . Il nous a beaucoup aidé à réaliser différents aménagements dans notre garage et a toujours travaillé avec soin et réflexion . Même s'il n'avait pas d'expérience dans certaines… read more
(Excellent)
7 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Simon) for host
This is a perfect place for workaway if you like to stay close to nature. I stayed at Gerard and Danis house in a small mountain village for about two weeks, and I had an amazing experience. I helped Gerard with fixing various things in the garage, isolation work in the walls and small electrical tasks. Even though I had no prior knowledge about… read more
8 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Wendy)
Wendy is a surprisingly energetic workaway with whom we spent some really good, friendly, shared moments. She has a wealth of skills and experience and helped us a lot with DIY, painting and gardening ( Thank you Wendy for your delicious lemon cakes ! ). It was a real pleasure to visit with her some of the typical places of Provence, Marseille and… read more
(Excellent)
4 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Wendy) for host
what can I say? Gerard and Dany are the nicest, kindest people you could ever want to 'work'(!) with.
I spent two weeks with them, gardening at their property at home and also in the house in Marseille. Digging up potatoes (a bad crop this year!) harvesting onions and garlic before returning to their home with the 'spoils! Back home I happily was… read more
I spent two weeks with them, gardening at their property at home and also in the house in Marseille. Digging up potatoes (a bad crop this year!) harvesting onions and garlic before returning to their home with the 'spoils! Back home I happily was… read more
2 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (KAtsushi)
Nous avons passé 2 semaines avec Atsushi un garçon sérieux et très discret . Atsushi s'intèresse à la culture française et il se débrouille bien à parler le français . Il nous a aidé dans diverses tâches comme le nettoyage autour de la maison et le jardinage en préparation de plantation .
(Excellent)
29 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (KAtsushi) for host
J'ai séjourné deux semaines chez Gérard. Lui et Dani sont sympas et ils m'ont aidé à aller voir Marseille et Aix-en-Provence. En fait, je n'avais pas de bonne impression sur Marseille, mais grâce à eux, marseillais, je m'y plais !
25 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Sunja Juliana)
Nous avons passé trois semaines aux alentours de Noel 2023 en compagnie de Sunja . Un bon contact s'est établi rapidement entre nous , Sunja est une femme souriante , facile à vivre qui parle déjà très bien le français mais son but est de l'améliorer encore . Nous avons eu de très bons moments d'échange et de convivialité autour des petits apéros… read more
(Excellent)
4 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Eva)
We spent over a month with Eva in our house in Vauvenargues but the main work was done in our family home in Marseille . Eva is an incredible girl, always ready to listen and to help in any way she can. She's very dynamic, sporty and never bored! Eva is interested in everything. During her stay she integrated perfectly into our family life, and we… read more
(Excellent)
1 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Eva) for host
My stay with Dany and Gerard was great! They invited me not only into their house but also into their daily life and family. I could be a part of it all. Unplanned I stayed more then a month with them, we had such a good time together. Dany and Gérard are very generous, warm-hearted and trustworthy people.
For work I mostly helped with… read more
For work I mostly helped with… read more
26 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Frances)
Frances spent two weeks with us in June. Two weeks of happiness with a very interesting girl, always smiling and ready to help. She really got involved in a variety of jobs, not always easy in the heat. We shared good times over a drink at mealtimes and at other times of the day. We also watched a few movies and made music together. We highly… read more
(Excellent)
9 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Frances) for host
I had the best two weeks with Gerard and Dany! This was my first time doing a Workaway and I wasn't sure what to expect, but Gerard and Dany welcomed me into their home and I felt like a part of the family. In the mornings, Gerard and I would work outside and I learnt so many new things that I have never had the opportunity to do before like… read more
23 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Luciano José)
We spent about three wonderful weeks with Luciano in late December and early January. Luciano is a real artist and a very good musician who had a lot of patience with me to teach me how to play the gypsy guitar. We shared a lot of good moments around music, playing, singing and listening. He is totally invested in the work of gardening in our… read more
(Excellent)
20 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Luciano José) for host
Dany and Gérard are two angels. I've been travelling non stop for almost 5 years in so many countries and I can tell you that you don't find people like them very often. Any adjectives will fall short to explain how good my experience of volunteering at their place was.
I stayed 3 weeks helping them in various activities, the work was done mostly… read more
I stayed 3 weeks helping them in various activities, the work was done mostly… read more
26 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
Nous avons été très heureux d'accueillir Anna pendant 2 semaines dans notre maison à Vauvenargues . Anna est vraiment une femme formidable qui nous a beaucoup aidé dans divers travaux comme le jardinage, la coupe et le stockage du bois, toujours avec motivation et sans compter ses heures de travail. Elle a été d'une aide précieuse. Nous avons… read more
(Excellent)
24 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
I was lucky enough to spend two weeks in January with this lovely couple. They are so warm and welcoming, kind, thoughtful and generous.
My time was spend between the gardens of their houses at Vauvenargues and Marseille, where my duties varied from weeding, adding manure to vegetable beds and pruning vines to planting seeds and stacking wood 🪵. I… read more
My time was spend between the gardens of their houses at Vauvenargues and Marseille, where my duties varied from weeding, adding manure to vegetable beds and pruning vines to planting seeds and stacking wood 🪵. I… read more
14 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Wiebke)
We had a great stay with Wiwi and Laura at home. They are two very cool and easy going girls, we shared a lot of good times and discussions! They helped me to make a new ceiling in a small house with plasterboard, it was difficult and hard with a lot of dust. They are very hard working. Thank you again.
(Excellent)
9 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Wiebke) for host
I dont even know where to start: We felt so welcome and really loved our stay in Vauvenargues. I was the home-away-from-home experience we hoped for, enjoying good food and wine together, having long conversations about France, politics, music, travelling, the world...including a movie night. As I said, home away from home. Gérard was very… read more
14 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Melanny)
We spent 10 days with Melanny and we really appreciated her generosity and kindness. We shared good times and she worked a lot with me to restore and build a small house. It was difficult because the work was in Marseille and we had to leave very early in the morning because of traffic jams. She is really a hard worker.
(Excellent)
7 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Melanny) for host
I stayed 10 days ish at Gerard and Dani's place and they made feel at home with their kindness, generosity and loving ways.
I also had the chance to learn about housebuilding... On top of that, they live very close of Vauvenargues, where I went on foot couples of times, and the Nature Reserve of Sainte-Victoire, a beautiful natural park. I just… read more
I also had the chance to learn about housebuilding... On top of that, they live very close of Vauvenargues, where I went on foot couples of times, and the Nature Reserve of Sainte-Victoire, a beautiful natural park. I just… read more
13 Feb 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Zoé)
Notre séjour en compagnie de Zoé s'est révélé très agréable , Zoé est une jeune fille très facile à vivre toujours souriante , dynamique et nous avons échangé de très bons moments de discussion , musique et loisirs ( et apéros !) . Elle s'est bien impliquée dans le travail qui concernait la rénovation d'un petit habitat , toujours disponible et… read more
(Excellent)
9 Feb 2022
Left by Workawayer (Zoé) for host
Un séjour merveilleux.
Dany et Gérard sont un couple aussi adorable qu'intéressant. Nous avons partagé tellement de choses en trois semaines. Je suis venue dans l'optique d'apprendre tout ce qui touche à la construction d'une maison et je n'ai pas été déçue. Nous avons fait le bardage en bois de la maison qu'ielle construisent, mis une gouttière.… read more
Dany et Gérard sont un couple aussi adorable qu'intéressant. Nous avons partagé tellement de choses en trois semaines. Je suis venue dans l'optique d'apprendre tout ce qui touche à la construction d'une maison et je n'ai pas été déçue. Nous avons fait le bardage en bois de la maison qu'ielle construisent, mis une gouttière.… read more
5 Jan 2022
Left by Workawayer (Yael) for host
I stayed with Gérard and Dany for two weeks and had a wonderful time. They immediately made me feel taken care of and like a part of their family. Vauvenargues is a beautiful and peaceful village in the mountains and I was able to do day trips to the nearby destinations (Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, Avignon) and even do some local hiking.… read more
20 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Emily)
We spent two very pleasant weeks rich in exchange.Emily is a hard worker, she helped us a lot in the garden to prepare and plant the vegetables for the next spring, it was cold and we left early in the morning. Always ready to help . She took a lot of initiatives for prepare the meals ( big thanks for the creps and pizza at my birthday ! ) and… read more
(Excellent)
14 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Emily) for host
I had a wonderful experience with Gérard and Dany. The work was not too difficult or strenuous and clearly explained. We weeded several beds, built low tunnels, and planted garlic, onions, shallots and beans.
I had a lot of free time as well, and Gérard and Dany are very keen to help you take advantage of your stay, see the area and local sites,… read more
I had a lot of free time as well, and Gérard and Dany are very keen to help you take advantage of your stay, see the area and local sites,… read more
3 Oct 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Kamelia)
Nous avons passé deux semaines merveilleuses avec Kamelia . Elle est très agréable et très facile à vivre , toujours souriante . Elle a su s'adapter rapidement et nous avons eu plaisir de partager de bons moments de discussions et autres comme regarder de vieux films marseillais ensemble . Elle a travaillé avec beaucoup de volonté et de plaisir ,… read more
(Excellent)
30 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Kamelia) for host
I spent two amazing weeks with Gérard and Dany!
They are both so kind and generous, and I felt immediately very welcomed at their place.
I had a lot of fun working in the garden with Gérard. Although I didn't have previous experience in gardening, he explained and showed me everything patiently and it actually felt more like helping a friend out,… read more
They are both so kind and generous, and I felt immediately very welcomed at their place.
I had a lot of fun working in the garden with Gérard. Although I didn't have previous experience in gardening, he explained and showed me everything patiently and it actually felt more like helping a friend out,… read more
11 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicholas & Amy)
Amy and Nico are a nice couple , we welcomed both during 2 weeks . Their valued help allowed me to progress in the work like gardening and clean a old small house before restore . They are really hard working , very conscientious and they have integrated very well into our family life . We have shared a lot of good time , good discussions and good… read more
(Excellent)
4 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Nicholas & Amy) for host
We stayed for two weeks with Gerard and Dany, in their beautiful home north of Marseille. From the moment we arrived we were welcomed as part of the family! we were included in mealtimes (including apéro of pastis and crisps on their sunny terrace!) and met their friends and family, but also given space and independence, and advice on where to go… read more
26 Apr 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Aske Ohrt)
Aske is a pleasant and hardworking boy with a lot of gardening skills already.He is very autonomous, very organized and has brought a lot to the work. We had good moments of exchange, for the preparation of the meals , dessert and he is also a good musician .
(Excellent)
25 Apr 2021
Left by Workawayer (Aske Ohrt) for host
To stay at Gérard and Danis place was amazing! Their kindness and peacefulness makes the place even more pleasant.
I really liked the work in the garden together with Gérard, where there always was new and interesting task to do.
To experiment with dessert with Dani was very funny, and we did manage to make a very nice tiramisu!
My stay was… read more
I really liked the work in the garden together with Gérard, where there always was new and interesting task to do.
To experiment with dessert with Dani was very funny, and we did manage to make a very nice tiramisu!
My stay was… read more
26 Jan 2021
Left by Workawayer (Kaz_Ana) for host
To our delight our paths crossed with Daniela and Gérard. We received an abundance of nourishment and care from them. Gérard, Ana and I worked in the garden as a team for only around 3 hours per day, and it was enjoyable. The location is suitable if you have a car. We had a lot of free time to explore the local areas and plenty of time to… read more
26 Jan 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Kaz_Ana)
Sarah and Anna are two wonderful women. We had an unforgettable stay together. They are very nice, always happy and very hardworking. We chatted a lot and exchanged, unfortunately for us the language was difficult ( we have improved a lot our english with them).They were very patient to make the most of this exchange. The most difficult thing is… read more
(Excellent)
8 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Dawn & Oliver) for host
We stayed with Gerard and Dani for a week's workaway and they were amazing hosts. Gerard was patient in teaching us new skills and allowed us to practice them. Dani was a great cook and introduced us to some French dishes we hadn't tried. They both treated us like part of the family, including us in family meals and opening their home to us. We… read more
