Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
7 Jun 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
8
Email verified
Badges (4)
Details
Description
I am an English, retired language teacher, loving a sociable laid-back life in an French village. However, now disabled, I am no longer able to cope with my small house and garden in south Vendée. I also need someone to look after my 6 feral cats when I am away - only one lives indoors. I have included a photo of my cottage in England because I have to go there sometimes and also need help there, but there are no animals. I can usually only offer one week's volunteering to a single person. However, at times when I need to go away, the stay can be longer. Help is also needed by the cat charity next door, created and run by my sister-in-law, which traps, sterilises and releases feral cats.
I would welcome help with the cats, housework, gardening, maintenance of my property in return for board, lodging, language tuition and sightseeing. I am used to having people in my house as I have hosted foreign students in the past, and have also run a B & B in UK. I cook and eat vegetarian food.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Elderly Companionship
Gardening
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
House sitting
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I can act as tourist guide (used to work for the tourist board) and can offer language tuition, English or French (used to teach languages).
Help
Would welcome general help with tidying the small garden a few hours a day. Help indoors eg spring cleaning, cooking, painting and decorating. You could have plenty of time off and I can offer language tuition. If you are cat-sitting you will be alone in the house.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Russian: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in a bedroom with shared bathroom in a village 40 minutes from la Rochelle.
No smoking in the house.
I can only accommodate one person.
What else ...
Good location if you like walking. Surrounded by many picturesque villages. There is not a lot of public transport but it is possible to get here by train/plane then bus. Local bus to Fontenay-le-Comte (12mins) and La Rochelle (40 mins).
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I have a fibre internet/television connection which works well.
Space for parking camper vans
Can only accommodate a small van because of the access. I am in the centre of the village, with a largish garden.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Feedback (4)
I had French exam to pass that was my first reason to go to France and finally I pass the exam!
Her friends are really friendly as well! I remember really funny dinners all together:) !
The work in the garden was nice and the bedroom was amazing,… read more
Photos
Feedback
I had French exam to pass that was my first reason to go to France and finally I pass the exam!
Her friends are really friendly as well! I remember really funny dinners all together:) !
The work in the garden was nice and the bedroom was amazing,… read more
