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Help out at our home in a beautiful part of Normandy, France

France
Last activity : 13 Jul 2026

Profile information

Host rating

100 %
Last replied

6 Aug 2024
Feedback

33
Facebook verified
Email verified

Country info

If you are not an EU Citizen and planning to visit France to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information please contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.

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Availability

2026

Min stay requested: at least a week

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What's this?

Details

Description

We are a friendly, lively family of four: Alison, John and two kids who have flown the nest: Ben, 21, and Maddy, 28. We have lived in Normandy for over 30 years and would be very happy to welcome you to this lovely part of France. Set in an idyllic cider apple orchard with resident barn owls, this is a great base for exploring Normandy with its D-Day sites, rolling countryside and lots more! We are really close to a local green way which goes all the way to the Mont-Saint-Michel.
We also have a second home by the seaside in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue which is currently under renovation. There would be the chance to head up the Cotentin too to spend some time there and help out with jobs like painting etc...
Vire, our nearest town, has a decent sized swimming pool, cinema, theatre and bowling alley. The local food is great and we all enjoy sitting down together in the evening for dinner or a barbecue.
Getting here couldn't be easier. The nearest train station is in Vire, about 15 minutes away and there is a regular train service from Paris.

A bientôt !
Types of help and learning opportunities

Light gardening

Creative DIY projects

Animal Care

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Help around the house

Light maintenance

House & pet sitting
Interests

Performing arts

Languages

Gardening

Cooking & food

Plant care

History

Books

Sailing / Boating

Dancing

Beach
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Workaway is a wonderful cultural exchange and a win-win for everyone involved!
Help

We are really looking for a hand around the property with some light building help for example some painting and help with the gardening including weeding and outdoor maintenance. If John and I both need to be in our home by the seaside some cat sitting would be really welcome too.
A positive attitude, self discipline and pride in getting a job done well are must. No slackers, pretty please!
On the domestic front, we expect our workawayers to muck in with the daily routine of preparing and cooking collective meals plus tidying up afterwards. There is a washing machine avaiIable for laundry.
Languages spoken

German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Accommodation

We have a detached house with two bedrooms plus bathroom with shower just for the volunteers which would suit a couple and /someone travelling by themselves. As to internet access, we have an unlimited connection.
What else ...

Chez nous is also home to several cats, so anyone coming to stay would ideally be cat friendly and enjoy a cuddle with Adolphine and Kara from time to time. As a family, we have a varied diet and it might be complicated to adapt the family cooking to suit strict vegans. Non-smokers only, please, as my husband is asthmatic.
We are also English-speakers, so this is not necessarily the best spot to brush up on your French!
As we live in an orchard and the grass can be long, hay fever sufferers might find it a bit too sneezy.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Space for parking camper vans

This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?

More than two
My animals / pets

Adolphine

She arrived during lockdown and is now part of the crew! An interesting character...

Kara

Happy little cat who likes a chat and a cuddle.

Host ref number: 588333623573

Website Safety

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback (14)

24 Sep 2022

Left by Workawayer (Magdaléna & Daniel) for host

It was absolutely amazing two weeks. We are very happy that we made a decision to go to this family. It was our first workaway, so we were a bit scared of everything, but with this family, since first day, we have been feeling absolutely comfortable. We could make a nice sightseeing on every interesting place in Normandy and Alison with John did … read more

(Excellent )

3 Aug 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Magdaléna & Daniel)

Magdaléna and Daniel are a great young couple with lots of get up and go. They got stuck into the gardening and made a big difference to the orchard. Their sunny dispositions and good command of English made them fun to have around. They got on very well with Maddy and Ben and packed in lots of activities and saw the local sights. The Czech … read more

(Excellent )

8 Jul 2022

Left by Workawayer (Lydia & Lauryn) for host

If you’re looking for the perfect workaway in France, look no further because you’ve found it right here with Alison and John in Vire. From the second we arrived, we felt more than welcomed into their home. This was our first workaway together and we could not have asked for more caring and genuine hosts to have us stay with them. John and Alison … read more

(Excellent )

21 Oct 2019

Left by Workawayer (Loup & Juliette) for host

John and Alison were delightful hosts, we spent two very nice weeks with them. We felt quickly comfortable and shared nice moments. It was an easy-going workaway, and we really look forward to see Alison and John again ! :)

(Excellent )

21 Oct 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Loup & Juliette)

Loup and Juliette were brilliant! They were really consicentious and veryworked. It was a pleasure to have them around. Lots got done and they were great company. Come back soon, please!

(Excellent )

View all 14 feedbacks

Photos

The image depicts a bedroom with a wooden bed frame, featuring a blue and yellow patterned blanket, and a window with open shutters, set against a white wall.

The image depicts a charming stone house with a grey roof, featuring two dormer windows and a patio area with a table and chairs.

The image depicts a charming stone house with a dark roof, adorned with flowers and a bench, set against a serene blue sky.

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

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)

24 Sep 2022

Left by Workawayer (Magdaléna & Daniel) for host

(Excellent)

3 Aug 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Magdaléna & Daniel)

(Excellent)

8 Jul 2022

Left by Workawayer (Lydia & Lauryn) for host

(Excellent)

21 Oct 2019

Left by Workawayer (Loup & Juliette) for host

(Excellent)

21 Oct 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Loup & Juliette)

Loup and Juliette were brilliant! They were really consicentious and veryworked. It was a pleasure to have them around. Lots got done and they were great company. Come back soon, please!

(Excellent)

30 Aug 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Mara & Steffen)

We were really happy to host Mara and Steffan who helped with all the organisation and tidying up for our daughter's 21st birthday party. They were very useful the following week with John and his furniture, getting it ready and loading and unloading stock. They also made us an excellent meal before heading off.
They were both very happy bunnies … read more

(Excellent)

5 Jun 2019

Left by Workawayer (Magnus & Hanna) for host

We spent little over 2 weeks in this beautiful countryside. There's lots to see and do around and working hours are quite flexible.
We did some weeding, restored some furniture and shutters and helped with loading and unloading the van and setting up the tables for the fairs. Start in the mornings for the fairs was early but after helping out you … read more

(Excellent)

31 May 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Magnus & Hanna)

Hanna and Magnus were fantastic workawayers and a real pleasure to have to stay. They were extremely diligent and got on with all the tasks, even the most boring, with a smile. They came at a very opportune moment as my husband is recovering from an operation on his arm and they were very helpful with his work. On a personal note, they were great … read more

(Excellent)

12 Sep 2018

Left by Workawayer (Anna & Sándor) for host

We spent three wonderful weeks with Alison, John and Ben in Normandy. We are happy that we had the chance to meet this lovely family. They helped us a lot with our travels and gave advices what and when to visit. We spent some nice evenings together, playing board games or watching great movies. We helped digging in the garden, weeding, painting … read more

(Excellent)

31 Aug 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Anna & Sándor)

Sàndor and Anna were a delightful couple and worked very hard on a variety of jobs from painting shutters, to helping John load and unload his van to digging out all the earth behind our barn. They were with us for three weeks and were polite, friendly and really helpful. They were very easy going and fitted in with our family routine. The … read more

(Excellent)

17 Aug 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Alice)

Alice joined us for a busy week and was a real help all round. Alice was a real whiz in the kitchen and has left us with some wonderful blackberry jam. We also did a car boot together and Alice's help was invaluable.
We would be very happy to recommend Alice as great company and an excellent workawayer, prepared to roll up her sleeves and get … read more

(Excellent)

14 Jul 2018

Left by Workawayer (Carla) for host

I spent two weeks with Alison and her family. John, Alison, Ben, and Maddy were all really lovely.
I helped with weeding and painting while I was there. I got on really well with everyone and was even able to see Maddy perform her EP for the first time.

P.S. You will become a football fan. Ben, John, and I watched a ton of matches and I really … read more

(Excellent)

6 Jul 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Carla)

Carla spent nearly two weeks with us and was a joy to have around. She worked hard at helping John out with some painting, weeding and general tidying up. Carla is a well organised, calm and cheerful and got on with all the family brilliantly. We wish her all the very best for her future studies and travels. It was a real bonus that she made it to … read more

(Excellent)

14 Apr 2018

Left by Workawayer (Demetra & Tanner) for host

Please see our feedback policy for more info about why this review is not displayed

(Good)

14 Apr 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Demetra & Tanner)

Please see our feedback policy for more info about why this review is not displayed

(Negative)

26 Aug 2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Yadana)

Yadana is a ray of sunshine! She is bright, interesting and very friendly. She fitted in perfectly with the general family set up. Yadana applied herself to getting on with the weeding and worked diligently whilst she was with us. She has an excellent singing voice and Maddy and her got on like a house on fire. We all loved her amazing chicken … read more

(Excellent)

22 Aug 2017

Left by Workawayer (Yadana) for host

Two weeks with this Family for me is the first and amazing workaway experience!!
Just before I left France to go back home to Burma (Myanmar), having went to stay with them made me feel like I'm already home away home.

Alison took really good care of my needs - from my personal health to what I eat, treat me with her amazing home dishes … read more

(Excellent)

23 Jul 2017

Left by Workawayer (Lynn) for host

What a wonderful family; I very much wish I could have stayed longer. Though I stayed only one week, Alison, Jon and the whole family treated me as one of their own.

Jon is so wonderful and knowledgeable about antiques, he's quite funny and a great conversationalist. Alison is incredibly sweet, helpful, and knows everything to know about the … read more

(Excellent)

22 Jul 2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Lynn)

Lyn has a jolly, sunny disposition and was a delight to have to stay. She set to weeding with gusto and learning new decoration skills with enthusiasm. Lyn loves animals and Jackson, the rabbit, has been pining for her since she left! We really hope Lyn might come back and see us next year.

(Excellent)

10 Jun 2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Andrea & Daniél)

Andrea and Daniél spent two weeks helping clear out an overgrown patch and dug trenches for a future wall. They were hardworking and conscientious and got a lot done in their time here. They fitted in easily with the normal family routine and were very friendly. The German meal they made for us was yummy and we wish them good luck on their travels … read more

(Excellent)

30 May 2017

Left by Workawayer (Andrea & Daniél) for host

It was a nice stay and we feel us very welcome there.
There are a friendly family and we love it there. We enjoyed the beautiful view from the Normandy by a cold beer with john. The work in the garden was also interesting because we learn something about gardening and would be visited them anytime again. :)

(Excellent)

21 Oct 2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Ryan)

We were delighted to welcome Ryan to stay who was a great asset during his few weeks with us. He was supremely helpful with John's work and around the house and orchard and excellent company in the evenings. We would strongly recommend Ryan and his typical American cooking!!!
Merci beaucoup

(Excellent)

7 Oct 2016

Left by Workawayer (Ryan) for host

Wonderful family that made me feel welcome from the start. I really enjoyed chatting history with John, who knows more about my area of study than I do. Alison and Ben were pleasant and engaging company as well, though I didn't get to meet their daughter, Maddy. And I hate to set expectations too high by detailing all of the ways in which they … read more

(Excellent)

11 Aug 2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Marilia)

Marilia was a delight to have to stay. She got on wonderfully with Maddy and Ben, helped out with a wide variety of tasks and fitted in fine with whatever we had planned. We would strongly recommend Marilia and wish her all the best on her travels!

(Excellent)

3 Aug 2016

Left by Workawayer (Marilia) for host

I spent one week with this friendly and welcoming family and my first workaway experience couldn't have been better! They made me feel very comfortable since the beginning, the kids are great, I had a great time with Maddy and Ben, we would watch Game of Thrones and Miranda episodes every night after supper, we would play board games and video … read more

(Excellent)

16 Nov 2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Marta & Patrick)

Our super Spanish couple, Marta and Patrick, came to stay with us for a couple of weeks with their fun friend, Juan Antonio. They were very helpful with the weeding and in the garden and keeping Ben royally entertained with board and computer games. It was a true cultural exchange as we even met Marta's father who came bearing gifts, (gracias!) … read more

(Excellent)

28 Sep 2015

Left by Workawayer (Marta & Patrick) for host

First of all: we're sorry for our late words. We felt part of the family since the first moment. Work, accommodation and food are amazing. John (I loved his Chinese noodles) and Alison (yummy bolognese spaghettis and also garlic bread) are top chefs. Spending time with Ben was a pleasure, he's our friend now. He's intelligent, funny and very … read more

(Excellent)

16 Nov 2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Ross)

It was a real pleasure to have Ross around as he is very easy going and good company. He also fitted in with our general family chaos just fine. And he quickly became John and Ben's best buddy! Ross was really helpful when John needed a hand with loading and unpacking his van for several fairs and also with the general gardening around and about. … read more

(Excellent)

29 Oct 2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Jonathan & Melissa)

Melissa and Jonathan were a delight to have stay with us for two months this summer. They worked hard at all the jobs they were given from gardening to building work. They also were extremely helpful with entertaining our 13 year old son and helping him improve his German too! All the family enjoyed having them to stay with us and they fitted in … read more

(Excellent)

7 Aug 2013

Left by Workawayer (Malin & Caleb) for host

Alison and her family welcomed us with open arms into their home and we had a great time with them. The accommodation was comfortable (having our own space was pure luxury!) and the food was tasty. Our work consisted of some gardening, helping to load the van, cleaning cars, re-organizing space and hanging out with the two kids. If you get the … read more

(Excellent)

3 Aug 2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Malin & Caleb)

Malin and Caleb were seriously hardworking and got stuck in to a variety of tasks from valeting our (seriously) grubby cars to some much needed gardening. They were also brilliant with our children, Maddy and Ben, and played tirelessly at all sorts of games from football to cluedo. My husband and I were delighted that they fitted in so seamlessly … read more

(Excellent)

29 Jul 2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Elliot)

Elliot spent just over a week with us this summer and fitted in very well with the family routine and the jobs we asked him to do. He was good with the kids and played board games with Ben and helped Maddy with her revision. He turned his hand to washing vans and gardening with equal application and saw the work right through to the end. We would … read more

(Excellent)

29 Jul 2013

Left by host for Workawayer (krozzbe)

We were delighted to have Francis to stay with us. He got on with the tasks in hand from gardening to helping John with his work and was very adaptable. He was great company for all the family, from playing board games and table football with Ben and Maddy to conversations over a beer or two with John and me.
We would strongly recommend Francis … read more

(Excellent)

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Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in France Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Europe Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Lower Normandy Family France Last minute Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in France

Help out at our home in a beautiful part of Normandy, France

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Host rating

Last replied

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Facebook verified

Email verified

Country info

Badges (4)

Find your perfect host

Availability

Details

Description

Types of help and learning opportunities

Interests

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Help

Languages spoken

Accommodation

What else ...

A little more information

Space for parking camper vans

How many Workawayers can stay?

My animals / pets

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback (14)

Photos

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback