volontariato internazionale, antirazzismo, pace, diritti
Code:CONCF-1301-ESC
Where:ISTRES
Number of volunteers:11
Language:English
Extra-Fee:0
Age:18-30
Get involved in the restoration of the Saint-Étienne chapel, a real jewel of Istres' heritage! The Saint-Étienne chapel still has a soul that compels all Istres residents to love it. You can't help but adore it! You'll be helping to build an open-air theatre using traditional techniques (dry stone) adjacent to the Saint-Étienne chapel: three stone tiers to seat the future audience for events hosted in this corner of paradise. This traditional technique gives a very attractive finish. This project is part of an overall project to restore the chapel, which has been led by the "Saint-Étienne Renaissance" association for a number of years. Simple yet ambitious, the aim of the association's 20-year project is to bring this exceptional site back to life. The aim is to enhance this natural area, offering a unique view over Provence, the town of Istres and the Berre and Olivier lakes, while restoring this monument steeped in history. We are delighted to welcome two young adults with mental disabilities, accompanied by their educator, for the duration of the project. The NGO "UNAPEI", Concordia's partner, works for the inclusion of its public through original initiatives. Our mission for this project: achieving diversity of the public, caring, building an incredible group cohesion and creating unforgettable experiences. A common goal for all: get out of your comfort zone!
Very active in the mobilisation of its youth and open to the world, the town of Istres, through the “Maison du Citoyen”, is organising its second workcamp in partnership with Concordia around its Saint-Etienne chapel. Built at an altitude of 116 metres on a hill called Volturno, the chapel overlooks the Berre and Olivier lagunas and a sector to which it has given its name: the Saint-Etienne district. It can be reached thanks to the well-named "Chemin de Saint-Etienne", from where you have a breathtaking view over the Provence Lagunas.
Istres is a town in the south of France located in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, 60 km northwest of Marseille. Surrounded by the Berre and Olivier lagunas, on the edge of the Crau plateau, near the beaches, the Alpilles and the Camargue, Istres’ inhabitants enjoy an exceptional living environment. Local festivals and the discovery of the region will punctuate your stay. Another Concordia volunteer work camp is organised at the same time in the neighbouring town of Port-de-Bouc. You will have the opportunity to meet this second group of Concordia’s volunteers during the off-work activities!
The Résidence Lionel Trompette will welcome you for the duration of your stay. This is permanent accommodation: three small houses with individual beds and a communal outdoor terrace area. The sanitary facilities are in a heated building. You will share the various collective tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the staff and you will help with the shopping and meal preparation, giving priority to healthy, local produce.
Foreigners belonging to the European Union must bring with them a personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and everybody must, in any case, bring their insurance certificate. If health issues arise on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and will then be reimbursed once back in their home country. This project is supported by the program European Solidarity Corps (ESC) for young people between 18 and 30 years. It is open to all volunteers that fit the ESC criteria. The participation to the ESC volunteering teams is subjects to several principles and conditions, presented on the ESC webpage: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity/mission_en - volunteers do not have to pay any fee (not sending, nor participation fee) to attend the project and will receive a financial support for their travel, according to a maximum amount established in accordance with their travel distance and upon the presentation of original tickets; - volunteers need to enrol in the PASS, the ESC Portal; then Concordia France will organise their matching, on the online system, with the volunteering project; - volunteers will receive pocket money, calculated on basis of 6€/day, once they arrive on the project in France; - volunteers will have to complete a participation report, submitted online through the portal.
The meeting-point is set at the ISTRES train station at the end of the afternoon on the 20/04. The exact time of the meeting will be communicated with the infosheet, sent at the latest 4 weeks before the beginning of the work. From the Saint-Charles train station in MARSEILLE, regional trains leave regularly for ISTRES train station. The journey lasts about 1 hour and a half. The trains are open to booking about 4 months before the departure dates, accessible on the following website: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/
Please bring good shoes, working clothes and a swimsuit for the courageous ones! As nights can be quite cold, remember also to bring warm clothes and a warm sleeping bag. Depending on the expected weather, do not forget to bring stuff to protect yourself from the sun (sunscreen, hat, etc.).You can also bring traditional recipes from your home country/region, an instrument of music and games. On the last day (04/05), the departure time is usually set in the morning.
Code:SJ02
Where:Coly-Saint Amand
Number of volunteers:8
Language:English
Extra-Fee:0
Age:18+
Mornings will be devoted to renovating the association's premises. On the programme, you'll be repainting the interiors of this recently renovated building and helping to make it a warm and welcoming place. You'll also be lending a hand with the overall project for this third place Ecocycle, a collective space for sharing, through its shared gardens and participatory workshops.
Nestled in the hollow of a green valley, the town of St Amand de Coly is located in the heart of the Périgord Noir, a territory rich in history! Composed of two former municipalities that decided to join forces to form one. The town is home to the Ecocycle association, a third place that is developing a participatory activity project in Saint Amand de Coly and the surrounding area. These activities are strongly influenced by concerns about climate change. You will help the association and its volunteers to prepare the building to welcome its members. You'll discover the local people's sense of welcome and the charm of the countryside and heritage, as you work with the other volunteers to organise your programme of activities.
Coly - St Amand is located in Périgord Noir, 10 km from the caves of Lascaux, between Périgueux and Brive. Leisure activities: Site visits, nature activities, you will build your own entertainment program with the leaders and the other participants. We favour a discovery of the territory and these actors over consumption activities.
You will be welcomed at the Vieux logis de Saint Amand. Sleeping accommodation in rooms of 2 to 3 people. Meals will be cooked and eaten collectively, so you can take it in turns to prepare some tasty dishes, so come along with your own recipes.
You will have to take a train to Condat-Le Lardin (2 hours from Bordeaux and 4 hours from Toulouse). The leaders will meet you at Condat-Le Lardin train station in the end of the afternoon.
Code:SJ03
Where:Fouras-les-Bains
Number of volunteers:12
Language:English
Extra-Fee:0
Age:18+
For 8 mornings of 6 hours each, you will be working on the restoration of a new part of the north facade of the redoubt, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Your job will be to remove the vegetation from the facade and the coping, before removing the pointing and repointing with lime mortar. Other traditional masonry work is planned, such as repairing the stone coping and stone cutting. You will also be taking part in workshops to raise awareness of interculturality and sustainable development.
In an idyllic setting overlooking Fort Boyard, the workcamp will involve restoring the redoubt as well as intercultural sharing between locals and volunteers in peacebuilding. Located at the mouth of the Charente, the Fouras peninsula is home to 3 harbours and 5 beaches on the Atlantic coast. The municipality of Fouras-les-Bains and the Maison des Bateleurs - Solidarités Jeunesses association have decided to renew their partnership in order to continue the restoration work on the Aiguille redoubt (fortress), said to be the largest in France.
Fouras-les-Bains (17450), Charente-Maritime, 20 km from La Rochelle Leisure activities: You can enjoy a wide range of water-based activities, such as fishing and sailing with the local clubs. The beach, seaside bike rides, beach volleyball and other surprises are all there for you to discover. You can also visit museums and towns such as La Rochelle and Rochefort. The highlights of your stay will be getting to know the locals, who will be eagerly awaiting your arrival, especially at the table for an international meal.
Group accommodation in tents at the Fouras *** campsite (swimming pool, multi-sports area, WIFI, snack bar...). You must bring your own warm duvet and pillow. Bicycles are available for use around town. Food will be provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner (you will have a food budget that the leaders will manage and communicate with you throughout the workcamp). Meals will be prepared in turn by you, especially for lunch and dinner, while respecting environmental values and local resources, as well as everyone's culture (hot and cold dishes as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes will be prepared).
We will meet you at Camping « Le Cadoret » in Fouras at 3pm. From Bordeaux airport, you will have to take a shuttle to Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station and then a train to Rochefort train station. There, you will take the bus (line J) to Cadoret stop which is close to the camping.
Code:SJ/ESC11
Where:Serres
Number of volunteers:10
Language:English
Extra-Fee:0
Age:18-30
The "sentier des Moines" (monks' path) winds along the hillside below the chapel; it is supported by dry stone retaining walls and has a stone-covered path, called a "calade" in southeast France. This year, it is a portion of the alley of Fusains which joins the path of the Monks. The goal is to rehabilitate the alley in dry stone in order to restore its initial aspect. The following work will be undertaken : fishing and sorting of stones, earthwork and construction of the calade according to the very precise technique of dry stone construction (theoretical and practical contribution). The workcamp will be supervised by a professional in dry stone construction techniques. A daily work of 6 hours is planned, the organization of the days will be discussed and decided by the group of participants.
Come and discover one of the small perched towns in the South of France, Serres in the Alps, which offers a magnificent panorama of the medium mountain range of the Baronnies Provençales ! The town, leaning against the Pignolette rock, is made up of small shady medieval streets and covered and sloping passages in which it is good to stroll. At the top of this village and at the bend in the monks' path, is the chapel of Notre Dame de Bon Secours, which overlooks the Buëch valley. This building was erected in 1730 and blessed in 1732. Partly dug into the rock, it marries the hillside, on the presumed site of the former chapel of the castle of Serres.
Serres (05700) is a small town in the South of France, nestled between the Alps and the Provence (30 km North of Sisteron, 140 km South of Grenoble). Leisure activities: You can discover many major sites in the south of the Hautes-Alpes: Aujour mountain and Clausonne abbey, Saint-Genis mountain, the Méouge gorges, Orpierre site, the Riou lake where you can practice many sports activities (climbing, mountain biking, hiking, swimming in lakes and rivers).
You will be accommodated in individual tents next to the municipal gymnasium of the small town (1km from the workcamp site, walking distance). A team of animators will be present to accompany you in the organization of the collective life: planning of the household tasks, elaboration of the menus and preparation of the meals in turn (vegetarian, vegan and other specific diets possible), organization of the leisure activities and the outings. The purchase of local products is widely favored. Bring a mattress, a warm sleeping bag and a pillow.
Access to Serres train station via Valence TGV, Valence ville, Grenoble, Marseille Saint-Charles and Aix en Provence train stations. The meeting point will be at 3:30 or 7:30 pm. The camp leaders will drive you to the place of accommodation.
Code:ANEC03
Where:La Bourboule
Number of volunteers:7
Language:English
Extra-Fee:250 EUR
Age:18+
Tu seras immergé.e dans les équipes salariées et bénévoles locaux·ales qui font vivre le festival depuis 22 ans. Avant le début du festival, tu prendras part à l'installation. Pendant, tu participeras activement à son succès (accueil et information du public, aide à la logistique à l'organisation, entrées des séances, aide en régie etc...). Le rythme de ce chantier est intense parce qu'il y a toujours des choses à faire mais tu pourras bien évidemment assister à des projections ! Durant le festival, tu seras accompagné·e de bénévoles locaux. Connaître quelques mots en français serait un plus, mais pas un frein à ta participation! Après le festival, tu aideras à faire le bilan, le rangement et la désinstallation du site puis ce sera le moment de dire au revoir aux bénévoles avec qui tu auras passé des moments uniques ! You will be immersed in the local staff and volunteers who have been making the festival happen for 22 years. Before the festival starts, you will take part in the installation. During the festival, you will actively participate in its success (welcoming and informing the public, helping with the logistics of the organisation, entering the sessions, helping with the management, etc.). The rythm of this workcamp is intense because there are always things to do but you will of course be able to attend screenings! During the festival you will be accompanied by local volunteers. Knowing a few words in French would be a plus, but not a hindrance to your participation! After the festival, you will help with the debriefing, the tidying up and the uninstallation of the site and then it will be time to say goodbye to the volunteers with whom you will have spent some unique moments.
Le Festival Plein la Bobine est un Festival International de court métrage jeunes publics (3-16 ans) mais qui s'adresse à toutes les générations confondues ! Le Festival accueille des chantiers de bénévoles depuis plus de 7 ans ! Cette année, nous allons célébrer la 22ème édition du festival avec la thématique ""Bande à part : amitiés et groupes de copains"". Il aura lieu du 28 mai au 7 juin prochain en itinérance entre deux villes : La Bourboule et Issoire, toutes deux au coeur du Parc Naturel des Volcans d'Auvergne. Vous aurez ainsi l'occasion de découvrir ces villes et de rencontrer leurs habitant·e·s au cours des projections dans plusieurs lieux culturels. Tu veux découvrir l'envers du décor d'un festival de cinéma ? Tu es prêt·e à t'engager pour faire de cet évènement une réussite? Tu as envie de soutenir une association locale et de collaborer avec les bénévoles du coin ? Alors ce chantier est fait pour toi! Passionné de cinéma ou pas, viens soutenir et découvrir le Festival Plein la Bobine : Site internet : www.pleinlabobine.com Facebook : Festival Plein la Bobine The Festival Plein la Bobine is an international short film festival for young audiences (3-16 years old) but it is open to all generations! The Festival has been hosting volunteer work camps for over 7 years! This year, we will celebrate the 22nd edition of the festival with the theme ""Bande à part : friendship and friends circles"". It will take place from May the 28th to June the 7th, travelling between two towns: La Bourboule and Issoire, both in the heart of the Parc Naturel des Volcans d'Auvergne. You will have the opportunity to discover these towns and meet their inhabitants during screenings in several cultural venues. Do you want to discover the backstage of a film festival? Are you ready to get involved to make this event a success? Do you want to support a local association and work with local volunteers? Then this workcamp is for you! Whether you are a film fan or not, come and support and discover the Festival Plein la Bobine: Website: www.pleinlabobine.com Facebook : Festival Plein la Bobine
Le Festival, et les différents lieux de projections vous permettront de découvrir les villes de la Bourboule et d'Issoire. Elles se situent à 45 et 30 minutes de Clermont-Ferrand. La région est riche de son patrimoine historique, et de ses magnifiques espaces naturels. Les animateur·ice·s prépareront des jeux et activités, mais tu seras invité·e à créer et proposer tes propres animations ! Fais appel à ta créativité ! L'organisation du festival reste le cœur du projet, et beaucoup d'activités seront liées à la rencontre des bénévoles locaux·ales. The Festival, and the various places of projections will allow you to discover the cities of La Bourboule and Issoire. They are located 45 and 30 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand. The region is rich of its historical heritage, and of its magnificent natural spaces. The animators will prepare games and activities, but you will be invited to create and propose your own animations! Use your creativity! The organization of the festival remains the heart of the project, and many activities will be linked to the meeting of local volunteers.
Hébergement en dur : - à la Bourboule, dans des appartements spécialement loués pour les bénévoles, comprenant des chambres avec des lits dortoirs (4 par chambre) avec cuisine et coin salon. -à Issoire,: dans les bungalows du camping municipal accueillant 6 personnes par chalet. Nourriture : avant, pendant et après le festival, vous serez nourris comme les bénévoles locaux : soit un système de catering, soit des tickets repas pour manger dehors les midis et/ou les soirs. In La Bourboule, in apartments specially rented for volunteers, with rooms with dormitory beds (4 per rooms) with kitchen and living area. In Issoire : in the bungalows of the municipal campground accommodating 6 persons/cottage. Food: before, during and after the festival you will be fed like the local volunteers: either a system of catering, or meal tickets to eat outside midday and/or in the evening
no access for wheelchairs
La Bourboule railway station
Code:SJ12
Where:Abbaye de Clausonne
Number of volunteers:12
Language:English
Extra-Fee:0
Age:18-90
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This year, we'll be continuing work on the stonework in the old sheepfold, so that in a few years' time it can be used as a cooking area, a tool shed, etc. You’ll also be working on the enhancement of the site and the old hamlet of la Péguière. All with the help of masons who will be on hand to pass on their skills! Mind you, it's a real workout for the arms and legs! The work involves 30 hours a week.
Take part in the valorisation of a historic site at the heart of idyllic mountain landscapes! Join us and come discover l’Abbaye de Clausonne and its natural environment at 1140 meters of altitude! It is in the 12th century that the Abbaye took shape. After multiple periods of deconstruction and reconstruction over the centuries, it became in the 20th an agricultural building, which was abandoned in the 1950s. It is in 1994 that the Abbaye of Clausonne association was created to conserve the vestiges of this exceptional architecture on an exceptional site. Since then, the association has wanted to make this place a ground of discovery, learning and knowledge.
The Abbey of Clausonne, 5km from the village of Le Saix (05400), is 15km away from the Veynes. Once or twice a week, we organise with our vehicles some racing trips! Leisure activities: Evenings and weekends are free for activities that you choose to organise together. You will be in an exceptional setting to discover the pleasures of mountain hiking, its rivers, its lakes, the farmers and producers markets, the festive nights organized in surrounding villages. In group, you will decide activities and discovery outings that you wish to set up. The reception center usually organizes one musical evening per week with homemade wood-fired pizzas.
You will be accommodated in individual tents on the Faï farm site. Dry toilets, a kitchen and showers will be available. A barnum will be set up and will be your common space under cover. There is no Wi-Fi, but you will meet people from all over the world! This center is a 30 minutes’ walk from the Abbey. You will cook by turn, so that we can taste several specialties! Here, we are careful about what we eat and aim to reduce our impact on the planet. We try to eat a maximum of local products and we eat meat twice a week. The daily life is organized together: organization of the menus (vegetarian, vegan and other specific diets possible), shopping, activities, etc. Bring a mattress, a good sleeping bag (the nights can be cold) and a pillow. To be adapted to your needs.
You will get to Veynes Dévoluy train station via Valence TGV, Valence ville, Grenoble, Marseille Saint-Charles train stations. Let’s meet at the Veynes Dévoluy train station between between 4 and 6 p.m. Precise meeting times will be given on the route map (plan to arrive late afternoon, early evening).
Code:CONCF-3101
Where:LUZ-SAINT-SAUVEUR
Number of volunteers:14
Language:English
Extra-Fee:0
Age:18+
From Luz-Saint-Sauveur, the Pyrenees Mountains are all yours. All the best hiking sites, peaks and highlands are easily accessible. Here, you will find the freedom to breathe freely, move, broaden your horizons and enjoy! Luz-Saint-Sauveur was a thermal hub for the noble and wealthy throughout the 1800s : the medicinal bathing sites attracted emperors, artists, intellectuals and more. Amongst the historical figures that often visited Luz was the French emperor Napoleon III (grandson of Napoleon Bonaparte) who had fallen in love with the town and surrounding mountains, he encouraged the development of the village throughout the 1860s. Today Luz probably has the best-conserved heritage from that era in France and elsewhere. The great writer Victor Hugo described Luz as a “charming old town… beautifully situated in a deep triangular valley… When the miquelets (Catalan militia men) and Spanish smugglers arrived from Aragon … they saw a great light… They named this town light, or Luz.” Your job will consist of the requalification of an old amphitheater nearby the post office. You will learn the art of masonry and revegetation techniques, to enhance the space and make it accessible for everyone. Throughout your whole stay, you will be accompanied by camp leaders, one being a technical facilitator who will teach you and help you master the techniques of traditional masonry.
The municipality has been developing a large project to restore its local heritage, especially through international workcamps. For over 6 years the volunteers of Concordia and from the whole world have been renovating old streets, washhouses, fountains, and hiking trails.
Luz Saint Sauveur is in the Hautes-Pyrenees County, south-west of France near the pilgrimage city of Lourdes. It is close to the most beautiful natural sites of the Pyrenees Mountains: Midi Peak, Gavarnie Valley, Bridge of Spain, Neouvielle Natural Park, Pyrenees National Park (with many highland lakes). The beauty and diversity of this county presents a great historical, architectural and environmental interest.
You will be accommodated in an individual tent, with access to toilets, shower and kitchen. The group will be sharing the cleaning chores and preparing meals together. The budget will be allocated to the group leader and you will participate in the grocery shopping and in the preparation of meals, prioritizing products from the market and local producers. Please bring your sleeping bag and mat. You will wash your clothes and other items manually. Wifi is not available, French volunteers can share their internet connections via a hotspot.
The meeting point is set at the LUZ-SAINT-SAUVEUR - tourist office bus station, on the 7th of June at 6 PM. Once you reach LOURDES train station (direct trains from PARIS, TOULOUSE, and BORDEAUX), take the bus n°965 to LUZ-SAINT-SAUVEUR (about 30 minutes). From PARIS, you can reach LOURDES from the Montparnasse train station. LUZ-SAINT-SAUVEUR is also accessible by the night train for those who would like to try it! The trains are open to booking about 4 months before the departure dates, accessible on the following website: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/ If you are coming first by plane, remember that you will need some time to commute from the airport to the train station, therefore we recommend that you arrive early enough for you not to rush and have a stress free travel. If possible, please consider using low-carbon transportation (train and bus rather than airplane) for a sustainable international workcamp.
Bring working clothes, gloves, and closed shoes. Bring a warm sleeping bag, as nights might be cold due to the altitude and we may also sleep in the mountains if we organizing outings. To enjoy the mountains, bring your trekking shoes. For the brave ones who want to take a dip in the river, bring your swimming suit. A sunscreen is also recommended for the ones with sensitive skins. Feel free to bring activities from home such as photos, games, musical instruments, etc. Foreigners from the European Union must bring their personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and all participants must bring their insurance certificate. If health issues arise during the program, volunteers will need to cover all costs; they will be reimbursed upon their return to their home country. The last day (28/06) is dedicated to the departure, which is usually set in the morning.
Code:SJ06
Where:Fouras-les-Bains
Number of volunteers:12
Language:English
Extra-Fee:0
Age:18+
For 8 mornings of 6 hours each, you will be working on the restoration of a new part of the north facade of the redoubt, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Your job will be to remove the vegetation from the facade and the coping, before removing the pointing and repointing with lime mortar. Other traditional masonry work is planned, such as repairing the stone coping and stone cutting. You will also be taking part in workshops to raise awareness of interculturality and sustainable development.
In an idyllic setting overlooking Fort Boyard, the workcamp will involve restoring the redoubt as well as intercultural sharing between locals and volunteers in peacebuilding. Located at the mouth of the Charente, the Fouras peninsula is home to 3 harbours and 5 beaches on the Atlantic coast. The municipality of Fouras-les-Bains and the Maison des Bateleurs - Solidarités Jeunesses association have decided to renew their partnership in order to continue the restoration work on the Aiguille redoubt (fortress), said to be the largest in France.
Fouras-les-Bains (17450), Charente-Maritime, 20 km from La Rochelle Leisure activities: You can enjoy a wide range of water-based activities, such as fishing and sailing with the local clubs. The beach, seaside bike rides, beach volleyball and other surprises are all there for you to discover. You can also visit museums and towns such as La Rochelle and Rochefort. The highlights of your stay will be getting to know the locals, who will be eagerly awaiting your arrival, especially at the table for an international meal.
Group accommodation in tents at the Fouras *** campsite (swimming pool, multi-sports area, WIFI, snack bar...). You must bring your own warm duvet and pillow. Bicycles are available for use around town. Food will be provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner (you will have a food budget that the leaders will manage and communicate with you throughout the workcamp). Meals will be prepared in turn by you, especially for lunch and dinner, while respecting environmental values and local resources, as well as everyone's culture (hot and cold dishes as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes will be prepared).
We will meet you at Camping « Le Cadoret » in Fouras at 3pm. From Bordeaux airport, you will have to take a shuttle to Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station and then a train to Rochefort train station. There, you will take the bus (line J) to Cadoret stop which is close to the camping.
Code:CONCF-3310
Where:BIDART
Number of volunteers:14
Language:English
Extra-Fee:0
Age:18+
Come and restore the old wash-house on Erretegia beach, on the Basque coast in Bidart! Together, you'll clean up the area to bring back the wash house walls, make them more solid and recreate the water circuit upstream and downstream of the wash house with stone channels. You will be accompanied by a technical guide who will show you traditional techniques.
The worksite is located in the Erretegia cirque, a beach on the Basque coast. It is an area classified as a Sensitive Natural Area, surrounded by cliffs. It can be reached on foot (350m walk) or by bike. It's also part of the coastal path, surrounded by magnificent vegetation. From the washhouse, you'll have a breathtaking view of the ocean. You'll be taking part in the work being carried out by the département to preserve this site, so it's a great opportunity to discover more about the local flora and fauna, as well as learning more about how to preserve the coastline.
Bidart is a commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region of the Basque Country. It is known in Basque as "Bidarte", which means "at the crossroads". It stretches for almost five kilometers along the Atlantic coastline, and its seafront is characterized by long, deeply folded cliffs overlooking several beaches. Bordering Biarritz, it lies twenty-five kilometers north of the Franco-Spanish border. Throughout your stay, you'll have the chance to discover many of the region's tourist sites, try your hand at surfing and go hiking.
You will be accommodated in individual tents, with sanitary facilities, a kitchen and a communal living room where you will enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. You will share the various collective tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the leaders, and you will help with the shopping and meal preparation, giving priority to healthy, local produce. WIFI available, laundry done by hand. Together, you'll help organise community life (cleaning, activities, etc.) and take turns preparing meals using locally sourced produce. We want to encourage vegetarian eating with local, seasonal produce, while respecting participants' diets and discovering local cuisines together.
Foreigners belonging to the European Union must bring with them a personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and everybody must, in any case, bring their insurance certificate. If health issues arise on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and will then be reimbursed once back in their home country.
The meeting point is at BIARRITZ SNCF station on 12/06 in the late afternoon. The exact meeting time will be communicated with the route map, sent out no later than 4 weeks before the start of the project. Several direct trains (about one per hour) leave PARIS for BIARRITZ. The journey takes about 4 hours.
Bring a sleeping bag, a thick mattress, work clothes, walking and work shoes, warm clothing and rain gear, a torch, a swimming costume and sun cream. If you'd like to share a little of your culture (recipes, traditional stories, unusual objects, music...), don't hesitate to take a little bit of your country or region in your rucksack.
Code:CONCF-7201
Where:GOUFFERN-EN-AUGE
Number of volunteers:12
Language:English
Extra-Fee:0
Age:18+
In the heart of the “Pays du Haras”, in the department of Orne, come and discover the Bourg-Saint-Leonard, a 12th-century castle, classified as a Historic Monument in 1942. On the domain, you can find the castle, an orangery, stables, caretaker's lodgings, a garden and orchard, a park and a 400-hectare forest. The Chinese boudoir and library were restored over several months. The commune of Gouffern en Auge has embarked on a vast project to restore the various parts of the estate over several years. This project is being monitored and coordinated by architects of historical monuments. You will continue the restoration of the wall, staking the mortar and repointing with a lime mortar (a masonry technique used with old buildings). You will be accompanied by skilled guides throughout the project to help you learn these techniques step by step!
This is the third year of the partnership with the commune of Gouffern-en-Auge. The council wishes to revitalise the commune by hosting a volunteer work camp, to set up an international and intercultural project for the inhabitants, and to promote the local heritage. The castle of Bourg-Saint-Leonard is open to visitors during the summer. In an English-style park surrounded by a 400-hectare forest, the castle, with its orangery and stables, is a showcase of 18th-century furniture. The Chinese boudoir and the library have been restored over several months and are open to the public.
Gouffern en Auge is a new commune, created by a merger of 14 communes. It is located in the department of Orne in the Normandy region. This work camp is an opportunity to take full advantage of the exceptional and prestigious setting of the castle and to immerse oneself in Norman culture: culinary specialities, hiking, discover the local heritage, visits of the castle of Chambois (the commune where you will be accommodated) and the national stud farm (Haras National du Pin 5 km away), activities and entertainment with the local inhabitants. For more information: https://www.ornetourisme.com/visites-loisirs/chateau-du-bourg-saint-leonard/ and https://www.gouffernenauge.fr/chateau-du-bourg-saint-leonard/
You will be staying close to the Château du Bourg Saint Léonard. This means you can easily walk to the site each day. The accommodation will be in individual tents (bring your own sleeping bag and warm duvet). The kitchen and living area, as well as showers and toilets, will be close to the camp. You'll be able to enjoy the view of the castle as you go about your daily life. Volunteers will be able to share their internet connection (no WIFI), and laundry will be done by hand. You'll share collective tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the leaders, and you'll help with shopping and meal preparation, giving priority to healthy, local produce, and exchanging recipes if you wish.
Foreigners belonging to the European Union must bring with them a personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and everybody must, in any case, bring their insurance certificate. If health issues happen on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and then be reimbursed once back in their home country.
The meeting point is scheduled at Argentan Train Station at the end of the afternoon of the first day. On the last day (02/07), the departure time is usually set in the morning. From Paris, you can take the train from Gare Montparnasse, regular departures are scheduled throughout the day. The journey takes about 2 hours. If you are coming first by plane, remember that you will need some time to commute from the airport to the train station, therefore we recommend that you arrive early enough for you not to rush and have a stress free travel. The exact meeting time will be given with the infosheet which will be sent at least 4 weeks before the start of the workcamp. If possible, please consider using low-carbon transportation (train and bus rather than aeroplane) for a sustainable international workcamp. For more information about trains: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/
Please bring gardening gloves, good shoes for working and working clothes. As the nights can be quite cold, remember also to bring warm clothes. Don’t forget to bring a camping mat, a sleeping bag for cold weather (comfort temperature 5 degrees): nights can be really cold in Normandy. Don’t hesitate to bring traditional things from your country/region, photos, games, music instruments, etc.
Lunaria - Associazione di Promozione Sociale
Via Buonarroti 51, 00185 - ROMA
+39 06 88 41 880
+39 06 84 24 2 487
+39 06 88 41 859
CF 96192500583
P.Iva 06139821000
Lunaria ha ottenuto nel 2021 i label di organizzazione accreditata nell'ambito dei programmi Erasmus+ e Corpo Europeo di Solidarietà. E' stata premiata come Best Practice europea nel 2015 e nel 2017 per i progetti di Capacity Building con paesi partner. Né la Commissione Europea né le le sue Agenzie sono responsabili del contenuto del sito dell'associazione.