Be part of our family and help with animals and in the garden, Pays de la Loire, France

France

Favourited 303 times

Host rating
Feedback
35
Last activity
25/09/2020
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Availability

2021

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What's this?

Details

Description
We are now separated, Arnaud lives alone in the big family house, some weekeeds and on holidays our youngest child comes.

The property where we live is quite big (2 ha), in the open country, near a beautiful state forest.
There's animals (horses, chicken, rabbits, llamas, goats, pigeons, cats, salamanders), a big vege garden, but it's not a farm.
The food is healthy, mostly organic (not 100%), a lot from the garden.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Farmstay help
Help around the house
Animal Care
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
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What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
People can learn french, being part of our family life. Our region is in the loire valley : many castles, many forests. Saumur and Angers can be reached by bus.
Help
We mostly need help to :
- feed the animals in he morning
- help in the garden : weeding, preparing the beds, cleaning around the animals
- cook (but you're not expected to be THE cook)
- do the seasonal jobs (crack walnuts when it's raining, weed in spring time, water the garden in summer time, prepare the fruits to preserv them at fruits season ...)
- help Arnaud renovating the house (very very rarely) or doing some project outdoors.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
French: Fluent
Accommodation
There's a small house, nice and quiet, in front of the principal house. There's a tap in there, but no bathroom. The bathroom is in the principal house. Nothing to cook inside the small house : everything is in the big house.
We provide sheets, blankets, towels.
In winter time, we offer a room in the principal house, but there's a wood heating in the small house.
No wifi in the small house, very bad coverage for mobile phone on the property.
What else ...
You must be prepared to have some lonely time in the day, except when Arnaud is at home (what happens often now).
The place is quite remote. If you prefer the life of a city and don't like seeing almost nobody, it's maybe not for you. But if you like to walk, cycle, beeing on your own in a quiet place, it may be a good place for you.
If you like to ride bicycle, you can enjoy having trips around. The small town isn't very far.
There's also the possibility to visit Angers or Saumur (buses in Baugé).
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
4 hours/day, 5 days/week, glexible

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Feedback left by and about host (35)

27/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Elizaveta) for host

I stayed with Sandrine and her family two years ago, when I was only 19. It was a new experience for me, which has changed me a lot. I really appreciated Sandrine's generosity and understanding. The life in her house is quite organized with a good sense of order. I felt like I didn't contribute enough to her needs, especially considering how… read more

(Excellent )

02/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa & Erik)

Very nice people ! Lisa and Erik stayed two or three weeks in our family. They were really helpful, did quite hard work outdoors, helped also in the kitchen. They are responsible and reliable. As host we didn't need to give much instructions.
Thank you for all the walnuts picked and dryed, the stored wood, the nice cooking, and all you did. Thank… read more

(Excellent )

30/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (David) for host

I was very lucky that Sandrine and Arnaud welcomed me to there incredibly interesting and also very beautiful home! My only regret is that I couldn't have been with them for longer. They are a wonderful and talented family unit that work hard for what they love!
I can't see how you could get bored here as there seems so much to discover. But if… read more

(Excellent )

30/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (David)

I highly recommend David !!!!! He's really nice, happy to help, easy with everybody, openminded, strong ... Welcome any time !

(Excellent )

17/08/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Miriam)

Miriam stayed 2,5 weeks with us. She's calm and shy, but can speek easily. She looked always happy, happy to work, happy to play with my son, happy to ride or spend time on her own. She doesn't mind getting up early. In her work, she's consciencious. Good cook, good rider, nice company. Thank you !

(Excellent )

07/07/2018

Left by Workawayer (Gabrielle) for host

Mon temps ici était très spécial. Comme ma première Workawag, cette famille et leur belle maison "set the bar very high". J'ai eu beaucoup de grandes aventures, mangé de la nourriture délicieuse avec des légumes frais du jardin, et fait de beaux amis humaines et félins aussi! Merci Saundrine et famille pour toute l'aide française, les super… read more

(Excellent )

06/07/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Gabrielle)

Gabrielle stayed two weeks in our family. She's incredibly nice !!! She's talkative, interesting, easy with all the people around, very good with children, happy to help. We all recommend her ! She really wanted to do her best to help, she was a great help with haymanutention, which was physical work. She needs intructions in the garden, but does… read more

(Excellent )

12/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Anna Luisa) for host

My stay here was wonderful! The whole family is incredibly kind and friendly and they always try to make you feel included. Thanks to them I managed to improve my french a lot, though it was also really helpful that Sandrine, Matéi and Maya occasionally spoke german with me.
The work was quite easy and I had a lot of free time.
I would absolutely… read more

(Excellent )

03/04/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Anna Luisa)

I can't imagine Anna without a smile ! It was a pleasure to have her around. She finds her place, sees what needs to be done, cooks without instructions (and very tasty food !), isn't scared of hard work. She can also fill her free time. We all are very happy to have met her and hope to keep in touch.

(Excellent )

14/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Braeden) for host

I can't believe I didn't leave feedback. Better Late than never I hope.
I stayed with Arnaud and kids for 2 weeks. They had a second house for me to stay in which was in great condition and had everything I needed. Arnaud is very knowledgeable and has lots going on on the property. AND EVERYTHING WAS IN GREAT SHAPE! There is so much to explore… read more

(Excellent )

22/10/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Braeden)

Braedan stayed around two weeks at home. He was very nice, close to our little boy. He helped a lot with an other friend. He's a strong boy!
About his allergies, Braedan can cook for himself.
I recommend him!

(Excellent )

10/10/2017

Left by Workawayer (Mireille) for host

I just wanted to thank Sandrine, Arnaud, Mattei, Ange, Maya and Philemon for being such wonderful hosts. Lisa, Olivier and I felt right at home and we really enjoyed our experience with them. They are an honest, hard working, pleasant family. Their home is beautiful, the surroundings are also very beautiful and it is peaceful. The experience went… read more

(Excellent )

10/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Elisa)

Elisa stayed 3 weeks at home. She's friendly and easy, very nice to children. About the work, she needs instructions and does well what we ask, without mistake.

(Very good )

16/11/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (eric)

Eric stayed two weeks at home. He was like a member of the family very soon. He helped in many projects we had, a lot outdoors (recontruction of walls, pick apples, clean around the animals). He also helped inside (cooking and cleaning). He was a very good friend to my 6 years old son.
I recommend him!

(Excellent )

16/08/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Chiara)

Chiara stayed two weeks with us. She did every day what we asked her to. She's a friendly, healthy and clever girl, and she did well what we expected. She also played with my son (6 years old). To be a better workawayer, she could take initiatives and not wait that we tell exactly what to do, for example help to cook and clean after dinner… read more

(Very good )

13/05/2016

Left by Workawayer (Renee & Matthew) for host

Amazing...we could have stayed a year! I'm still missing them all. Sandrine and her family are very welcoming and generous in sharing their lives and lifestyle. The work is varied and independent, perfect for us. We loved the garden, Sandrine has a wonderful knowledge of plants - I'll always remember my nettle soup Sandrine! We loved all the… read more

(Excellent )

09/05/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Renee & Matthew)

Renee, Matt, Aoife, Reuben stayed two weeks with us. What a beautiful family ! We all enjoyed their stay and would have loved to keep them for ever. Renee and Matt are such good workers, especially in the garden and in the kitchen. The children are lovely. We had a wonderful time together.
Message to hosts : don't be scared of having their… read more

(Excellent )

09/03/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Eleanor & Martino )

Eleanor and Martino stayed one week with us. They're a very sweet couple, always smiling and nice.
They did a good job, helping Arnaud choping and storing wood, and other things in the garden. They were very independant in their free time.
So I can recommend them !

(Excellent )

05/03/2015

Left by Workawayer (Eleanor & Martino ) for host

Thank you so much for letting us stay with you! We had an amazing time. Sandrine and Arnaud were wonderful hosts, the kids were great, the property is steeped in history, and the work was well varied and a lot of fun. Lots of animals, which we loved, and the surrounding area is gorgeous. We also learned so much about salamanders, which Arnaud has… read more

(Excellent )

05/12/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Wai Yun)

Thank you Wai for your kindness, your constant help !
Wai did always the best, following very consciously the indications. He hadn't a lot of experience in life on a farm, but wanted to learn.
He was a nice person to talk to, very ofen and interested, nice with my joung son.
He managed to do things he never though of, not being used to… read more

(Very good )

07/10/2014

Left by Workawayer (Wai Yun) for host

I thank Sandrine and Arnaud for accommodating me for 3 weeks at their lively house, so close to nature with so much homegrown vegetable and animals. Some daily routine work involves feeding the chickens, pigeons, rabbits, cats, tortoises, sometimes the parrot, making sure that there is adequate water for them, and some cleaning around their… read more

(Excellent )

27/05/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (polly)

Polly is a perfect workawayer ! She stayed one week with us but learnt very quickly and did a very good job, that other could have done in one month.
She is very very nice, eaysy to include in the family. It was a pleasure to have her at home.
She has good knowledges with gardening and can cook very well too.
Thank you Polly. I hope you'll… read more

(Excellent )

26/05/2014

Left by Workawayer (polly) for host

I had a really nice time staying with sandrine and family! I was very happy working in the garden and cracking nuts :) I learnt alt about all the animals and was interested to learn more about bees. I liked the fact that you outlined jobs, however I still had independence.
The whole family were very welcoming and, it was nice to included in all… read more

(Excellent )

10/11/2013

Left by Workawayer (patricia) for host

Hello Sandrine and familly!!!
Thanks for make me feel as other member of the familly, for giving me a lot of freedom in all the work that I did there. The place is beautifull, the forest is perfect for walk around, ride bicycle...
I learnt about animals, garden, cook in a natural way with the products of the garden, and my french improve a… read more

(Excellent )

07/11/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (patricia)

Patricia stayed around five weeks in our busy family. She was he best workawayer we ever had (with few other at the same level:)).
She's responsible woman, easily happy, who worked more than expected. she looked after all of us !
Her help outdoors or indoors was efficient. She did everything well, without supervision and without much… read more

(Excellent )

15/06/2013

Left by Workawayer (Florence) for host

I stayed for 7 weeks with Sandrine and had an absolutely wonderful time. The area is beautiful, the work is enjoyable, and the family is welcoming, kind and patient. Thank you for having me to stay and for helping me so much with my French!

(Excellent )

30/05/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Florence)

florence stayed 6 weeks with us.
She is very easy to get on with. She has a good sense in her work. She never did something wrong, doing her job not fast but allways well. She was a great help with the animals, and worked in the garden too. she can recognize weeds and vegetable (that's not so common).
She was just perfect with the children, who… read more

(Excellent )

02/03/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Benjamin)

Benjamin is a very conscientious workawayer. Everything was very well done, we could really rely on him. He fed the animals every morning and kept the place clean.
He also helped with task he was not used to before, like looking after a small child, cooking. My children were happy to play with him.
He's a very good musician. He played the guitar… read more

(Very good )

23/02/2013

Left by Workawayer (Benjamin) for host

I stayed with Sandrine and family for almost three weeks in Feb 13. Sandrine is an experienced host who had everything a volunteer wants to know ready on arrival. The site is absolutely fascinating if you're into castles, caves and salamanders and I enjoyed staying in the cosy second house, sitting by the woodburning stove. Looking after… read more

(Excellent )

27/01/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Yoshikazu)

Yoshi stayed two weeks in our noisy family. He was a great workawayer, doing well everything we asked, being independent and responsible. I highly recommend him! He helped mostly outdoors with the animals and the garden, and also helped to look after the little boy. You're welcome again when you like!

(Excellent )

27/01/2013

Left by Workawayer (Yoshikazu) for host

It was great to volunteer here! even though I stayed just for 2 weeks, it was really nice to learn how to feed animals and about gardens, and also a lot of salamanders! I'd love to come back again here :-)

(Excellent )

03/10/2012

Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host

My first Workaway experience and it couldn't have been with a better family ! Sandrine and her family are very experienced hosts and used to explaining things etc which was very helpful. I improved my french a lot while I was there, and learnt lots of other things as well. I enjoyed the work, had a great place to stay in, great company,… read more

(Excellent )

29/08/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Annika)

Annika stayed three weeks with us. She's a reliable person, very enthousiastic, easy to talk to. She did improve her french a lot during her stay.
She helped taking care of the animals, cooking, cleaning, gardening, looking after the little boy, and every thing that we needed at this time of year (like dried fruits ...).
In her free time she was… read more

(Very good )

14/04/2012

Left by Workawayer (Gesine) for host

Sandrine and her familiy are wonderful to stay and work with. I enjoyed myself tremendously, helping out in home and garden. The little house I was living in is nicely furnished and I slept like a goddess after I got used to the cock crowing in the morning. ;) Sandrine is a very good cook and taught me lots of new, interesting recepies. The kids… read more

(Excellent )

11/04/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Gesine)

Gesine stayed 10 days with us. She was very helpful and efficient in everything we needed. She kept herself occupied without supervision and organised her work and free time. she is a great cook and baker.
she is a very positive and easy person. We would have loved to keep her much longer!
Thank you very much, Gesine. Hope we keep in… read more

(Excellent )

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