Live & Work in France: An opportunity in Southwest France

A New Life
9 hours ago
3 min read

If you’ve been dreaming of a new life in France, but wondering how to make it financially viable, this could be exactly the kind of opportunity that turns that dream into reality.

A rare and exciting position has become available at Château Bel Air Estate, offering a lifestyle move, an income, and a ready-made setup in one of France’s most desirable regions.

A Unique Opportunity at Château Bel Air

Set in the beautiful countryside of Faugueyrolles, between Bordeaux and Bergerac, Château Bel Air is a stunning 16th/17th-century estate complete with vineyards and gîtes.

This is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle opportunity for a couple looking to relocate to France and immerse themselves in rural French living while earning an income.

What’s on Offer

The owners are seeking an active, reliable couple to take on a caretaker role with a varied and rewarding workload.

Responsibilities include:

Maintaining the château buildings and surrounding grounds
Garden and general estate upkeep
Managing and running the on-site gîtes (holiday rentals)
Supporting the owner in developing and growing the business

In return, you’ll receive:

On-site living accommodation
A vehicle for business use (private use negotiable)
Remuneration based on experience
The chance to be part of an evolving hospitality and vineyard business

Who Would This Suit?

This role is ideal for a couple who:

Are practical, hands-on, and physically fit
Enjoy working outdoors and taking initiative
Are friendly and adaptable
Have a good level of common sense (essential for rural life!)
Have at least one partner with a driving licence
Have some level of French language skills (a big advantage, though not essential to start)

If you’ve ever considered running a gîte business in France, this is an incredible way to gain experience without starting from scratch.

Why This Is a Great “Move to France” Opportunity

One of the biggest challenges when relocating to France is creating a sustainable income. This opportunity removes that hurdle by offering:

Immediate accommodation
A defined role with income
Involvement in an existing business
A pathway to learn and potentially grow within the operation

In short, it’s a ready-made lifestyle and financial setup, which is rare to find.

Visa Requirements: What You Need to Know

If you’re not already a French or EU citizen, you’ll need the correct visa to live and work in France. (You may already be living in France with a Carte Sejour which would be fine.)

Here are the most relevant options:

1. Long-Stay Work Visa (Visa de Long Séjour – Salarié)

This is the most likely route for this role. It requires:

A formal job offer or contract
Employer sponsorship (the château owner would need to support this)
Approval from French labour authorities

This visa allows you to live and work in France legally and can lead to residency.

2. Self-Employed / Entrepreneur Visa

If elements of the role evolve into running or managing the gîte business independently, this could be another pathway. It requires:

A viable business plan
Proof of financial sustainability

A Quick Note on Brexit

Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, British applicants must go through the visa process. However, many people successfully relocate each year, especially when they have a job opportunity like this already lined up.

Life in This Region

Living between Bordeaux and Bergerac means you’ll enjoy:

World-class wine regions
Beautiful rolling countryside
A relaxed pace of life
Access to local markets, restaurants, and charming villages

It’s a part of France that consistently attracts those looking for a better lifestyle, without the crowds of the Riviera.

How to Apply

If this sounds like your kind of opportunity, you can apply directly by emailing:

anna@wgilder.co.uk, or use the form below

You’re encouraged to ask questions, and additional photos and videos of the estate are available on request.

Opportunities like this don’t come around often. For the right couple, this could be the perfect stepping stone into a new life in France, combining lifestyle, income, and experience in one package.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to make the move, this might just be it...