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Join us for a unique experience living in a 19th century mansion!

5.0
(12 reviews)12

The experience

Join us for a unique experience living in a 19th century mansion, or maison bourgeoise, with sweeping views of the Loire river in the heart of Blois—a royal city full of history, culture, and charm.

Volunteers become part of our team, helping to create immersive experiences so guests can nourish their soul and focus on their wellbeing by reconnecting with nature, beauty, and the creative spirit.

What you offer

24 hours of help per week

Kitchen Hand: Help prepare, finish and serve meals.

Cleaning: Help clean the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.

Housekeeping: Help with changing the bed linens and general housekeeping.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

What you get

1 day off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Get free drinks or beverages.: Drink up! Get free and tasty drinks for yourself.

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely

Dedicated Workspace: Specific space for you to work remotely

Requirements

Intermediate English or Intermediate French

Over 21 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Maison Loire offers volunteers the unique opportunity to live in a historic property in the heart of France's "Valley of the Kings," while helping guests embrace the culture of discovery and appreciation for beauty at this luxury bed & breakfast and center for culture and wellbeing.

Maison Loire is located in the heart of the Loire Valley, a region renowned for its historic castles and concentration of vineyards. The maison is perched at the top of a hill in Blois, a historic town famous for its magnificent chateau–-the residence of numerous French kings from the 13th to the 17th centuries. Within a half hour drive sit many of the region’s most famous chateaux, vineyards, and charming towns. Meanwhile, the Blois train station and city center are each a five-minute walk from the maison.

Activities & Shift

A typical day consists of helping to prepare and clean up after breakfast, then cleaning bedroom suites and preparing them for check-in. Daily tasks require carrying cleaning supplies and laundry for washing up two flights of stairs. Volunteers typically don't have to clean more than two rooms per day, so when time permits, secondary projects include gardening, polishing silver, social media management, walking the resident mini golden doodle named Siddhartha, or fetching pastries from the nearby bakery.

After the shift, volunteers and Nicolas collaborate on cooking meals together. Afternoons offer free time to explore the city and its surroundings on foot or by bike. Volunteers take one day off per week for excursions. The owner will determine the volunteer's free day each week based on the booking calendar.

Rules

Drugs are prohibited on the property.

Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas.

Outside guests are not permitted in the house without prior permission from the owners.

Volunteers are required to be home before midnight to avoid disturbing guests.

Ingredients for meals are provided, but volunteers prepare their own meals or together with owner, Nicolas.