Van Gogh's friend: House in Arles

Hello volunteer!

My name is Kim and I am looking for some help to maintain my house and shop in the center of Arles: that will include housekeeping, house repairs, painting, gardening, etc.

I am happy to provide you with a single bed or a double bed in a mezzanine room which may be shared in an independent apartment. The apartment is a part of the complex, on site where you will be working most of the time, or you will be working in the shop in the city center.

I would really appreciate if you stayed a minimum of 2-3 weeks, in order to have more flexibility with the schedule, to create a good connection and friendship with me, and explore the south of France!

Arles, is known to be the little Roma of France, with stunning architecture, culture, and art scene. Arles is very central in the south of France and it is easy to travel by bus and train around to other cities (les Baux de Provence, Saint Rémy de Provence, Pont du Gard, Avignon, Nimes, Orange, Montpellier, Marseille) or the beach! After all, it was also Van Gogh's favorite place to stay and paint for a reason…

I love to exchange culture, experiences, languages, and a nice time in this beautiful part of France. Looking for an independent volunteer, I am very busy most of the time taking care of the house and the shop. The complex has 3 apartments that require a lot of maintenance, and there is always something new to do! The work can be physical - you can be cleaning, painting, helping with repairs and more. But don't hesitate to ask for breaks in-between. I will greatly appreciate your help, as it is a lot of work to maintain on my own! Please don’t arrive too late or at night last time would be 7pm.

All experiences

Help us at Arles, La Provence - La Camargue

Building & Repairing Gardening Painting & Decorating

Bouches-du-Rhône, France

Reviews

4.5
(23 reviews)23

Staff & Host

4.5

Hours & Tasks

4.5

Hostel

4.5

Learning & Fun

4.5

Peru

1

Unfortunately, I couldn’t complete this experience. During my trip, an accident on the highway and another driver canceling caused a long delay. I informed the host every step of the way. At night, while looking for another car, she told me to come the next morning, so I stayed in a hotel that night. The next day, when I arrived, she didn’t receive me and i was left without accommodationn. I contacted worldpackers for support. I came from far away. I had to figure out where to stay, it was a sad experiencience I hope this feedback helps improve communication and empathy with future volunteers

2 months ago

Nguyen replied

I had suggested that we meet at 8 PM after I finished work, but I did not receive a response from you. You subsequently canceled the volunteering without informing me. I regret that you do not understand my unavailability during working hours, as I am currently at work.
It’s unfortunate that you decided to leave a negative review before really getting to know your host.

Italy

5

Kim is really a warm, friendly and caring person, I can say we connected 😊 The work was very varied, I helped her to clean the B&B and do check-ins, to manage the photo gallery and other some small household tasks. It was mostly indipendent, and it was easy to discuss expectations with her. I was lucky to have a small and nice apartment all for me, which I really enjoyed (but the accomodation may change). I liked Arles and I have the chance to visit lots of places in Provence. I would recommend the experience to anyone who wants flexible, independent work and to discover the local culture.

2 months ago

Nguyen replied

Thank you Marina, you are so lovely and nice! Enjoy Marseille and see you soon 🥰

China

5

The days in Arles were very meaningful. I helped Kim renovate the garden and old house in the apartment, and Kim was also very enthusiastic to help and support me. Of course, there are also many interesting activities in Arles, such as exhibitions, etc.

4 months ago

Nguyen replied

I was so happy to be with you! So helpful, generous and so cute! Take care! 🥰

Sweden

1

Arles is lovely, but I can’t recommend this volunteering experience. I arrived in a heatwave, and the mostly physically demanding workload in the Airbnb and art studio felt a bit much in the nearly 40 degree heat. It was hard to discuss expectations with Kim, and I honestly felt a bit used as free labor. Overall the workload did not feel like a fair trade for what you get in return. The apartment also needed repairs, and midweek i was told 4 more (non-volunteer) guests were coming, without enough keys or space for all of us. I left within a week as I didn’t feel comfortable staying.

5 months ago

Nguyen replied

It s my first bad experience after one week she left to see a friend in Lyon she didn't want to work and then blame me. She didn't want to share the appartment with 3 ex other volonteers-guests who love to meet me again unfortunately I had to treat with a lyer. She just see problems everywhere, such a shame!

Spain

5

I absolutely loved my time here in Arles. Regarding the work, it's easy and the time of work it's respected. Regarding Kim, I am so happy to have met her, we spent a lot of time together outside of work, she made me feel like family!!! Also, the town it's so lively and International, I got to improve not only my English but also my French, I would recommend this to anyone who wants to immerse completely in french culture!!

6 months ago

Nguyen replied

Miss you Valentina, I was so happy and lucky to be with you, one month felt like one week next to you, you are so lifely and caring, you also are so intelligent! You are in your home overhere!!

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