Help with gardening in Houlgate, Fance

France
Last activity : 5 Oct 2026

Profile information

Host rating

100 %
Last replied

5 Oct 2026
Reply rate

100.0 %

Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback

8
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: No minimum

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What's this?

Details

Description

We are a retired couple (63 years-old). We live in a very nice villa (typical of the french coast - 19th century). We have been renovating it for the past 5 five years and there is still some work to do (mainly decoration). We live a active life, travelling around France and visiting friends. Alain really enjoys gardening and working outside. Joelle is a very good cook (traditional french cooking). We have a dog (crystal).
Types of help and learning opportunities

Light gardening

Creative DIY projects

Light maintenance

Help around the house
Projects involving children

This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help

Help mainly with gardening (vegetable and flowers and pruning) and help with cleaning the house. Also, help with cutting wood.
Languages spoken

English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Accommodation

Beadroom with private bathroom In our house
What else ...

We live in Houlgate a nice little town at the sea side, near Caen (35 min by car/bus), Lisieux (35 min), Deauville (15 min) and Rouen (1h). Our house is 10 min walking from the beach.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?

More than two

Host ref number: 846824461485

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Feedback (7)

5 Sep 2023

Left by Workawayer (Alexey) for host

I’ve spent 3 wonderful weeks in Normandy with Alain/Joelle, their granddaughter Amber and their lovely dog Selene. I had a problem with a host before I was supposed to visit them, so Alain and Joelle let me come earlier so I’m very thankful for that.
Generally, they are very kind and generous people. Alain took me with him and his friends … read more

(Excellent )

14 Dec 2018

Left by Workawayer (Vera) for host

I was the luckiest person in the world to stay with Alan and Joelle. I had told them before I was in France to study for a French exam and they made sure I studied very hard! We discussed different political and societal topics over dinner each day, which was a lot of fun because Alan likes to play the "devil's advocate". Nobody has corrected me … read more

(Excellent )

25 Oct 2017

Left by Workawayer (Ken & Kathy) for host

Alain and Joelle have perfected the art of living, and it was one of the greatest experiences of our lives to spend time with them. Joelle's traditional Norman cooking reminds me of the feast scene from the film Babette's Feast -- transcendent!

We spent lovely evenings enjoying Alain and Joelle's company and conversation, and they welcomed us … read more

(Excellent )

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5 Sep 2023

Left by Workawayer (Alexey) for host

(Excellent)

14 Dec 2018

Left by Workawayer (Vera) for host

(Excellent)

25 Oct 2017

Left by Workawayer (Ken & Kathy) for host

(Excellent)

8 Sep 2017

Left by Workawayer (Bart) for host

This was an excellent experience! Such lively and fun and welcoming and generous people! You can't beat it! (Be sure to go mullet fishing with them while you are there. It's ENORMOUSLY good fun!) Really, I cannot recommend them enthusiastically enough. Thanks again, Alain and Joelle, and here's to seeing you again in the future!

(Excellent)

27 Sep 2016

Left by host for Workawayer (reeviloo)

Nous avons passé de très bons moments avec Tobias. Sa culture, son écoute, ses reparties ont enrichi nos conversations. Tobias est patient et volontaire. Les travaux que nous lui avons proposé nous ont donné toute satisfaction : Il a mis du cœur a les réaliser avec soin et minutie. Très discret mais aussi curieux de partager notre quotidien, … read more

(Excellent)

27 Jun 2016

Left by Workawayer (reeviloo) for host

To put it it very simple: lovely place, lovely Hosts, lovely garden, lovely beaches etc. I had a great and inspiring time with Joelle and Alain!

(Excellent)

25 Sep 2016

Left by Workawayer (olgaandrei) for host

We spent a great time with Alain, Joelle and Crystal! They are very nice, friendly and intelligent people. We always had a great dishes from Joelle and smart and pleasant conversations at a dinner. We've tried a plenty of traditional Normandie home-made food and knew a lot about this region and France in general. The accommodation in the house is … read more

(Excellent)

9 Apr 2016

Left by Workawayer (Renan & Marilia) for host

What a lovely time we spent with Alain and Joelle! This retired couple is simply the type of grandparents that everyone wants to have. Superfriendly, intelligent, kind, talkative and VERY GREAT cook. We fell like in a five michelin stars restaurant every night, without exception! They introduced us a lot of the french cuisine, and we really … read more

(Excellent)

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Help with gardening in Houlgate, Fance

Profile information

Host rating

Last replied

Reply rate

Feedback

Email verified

Country info

Badges (2)

Find your perfect host

Availability

Details

Description

Types of help and learning opportunities

Projects involving children

Help

Languages spoken

Accommodation

What else ...

A little more information

How many Workawayers can stay?

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback (7)

Photos

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback