Frankreich
Vermittlungsgebühren 120 EUR
In Frankreich wurde die Workcamp - Bewegung mitbegründet und traditionellerweise gibt es die größte Auswahl an Workcamps und Anbietern. Wir arbeiten mit folgenden Organisationen zusammen (für mehr Infos auf die jeweilige Organisation klicken): Compagnons Batisseurs France (CBF)Concordia (CONC) Solidarités Jeunesses (SJ) UNAREC (U) |
Die Campsprache ist zwar meistens Englisch, da aber viele französische Teilnehmer anwesend sein werden, empfehlen wir eine Teilnahme nur mit Grundkenntnissen in Französisch!
Es gibt auch einige rein französischsprachige Camps im Angebot, dies ist in den Beschreibungen vermerkt.
Für manche Workcamps von Concordia benötigst du ein Certificate for Scaffolding Work (= Arbeiten auf einem Gerüst). Dieses kannst du hier herunterladen.
Frankreich SJ07 Clausonne Abbey 01.06.-11.06.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Clausonne abbey was built in the 12th century, a few kilometres away from the actual village of le Saix, in the south Alps of France. It is located at alt. 1100m in a very preserved and quiet environment. Throughout the centuries, the abbey was burnt, destroyed and rebuilt many times. At the beginning of the 20th century, it became the local parish. Some years later, the main part was finally transformed into a primary school. Since then, the villages around have been deserted and the abbey came to ruins. Many workcamps were organized on the spot in partnership with a local organization, ‘The Abbey of Clausonne’s friends’, in order to protect the ruins from vegetation and hard winters. The aim of the workcamps this year is to improve the access to the abbey by building a stone paved foot track. The volunteers will explore traditional techniques of masonry and old “know how” as building stone walls. This workcamp is also a good opportunity to discover the rural lifestyle, the mountains, its fauna and flora.
ACCOMMODATION: in dormitories, at the Faï international hosting center LOCATION: in the French Alps, 3 km from the little village le Saix, 30 km from Gap, 200 km from Marseille in the South of France
TERMINAL: Veynes Devoluy
Frankreich CONC 062 SAINT LOUP DU GAST 04.06.-18.06.2012 CONS/CULT 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Once upon a time, the Lupi en Scène (Lupi on stage) association organised every year theatre performances. This year, the members decided to give an intercultural dimension to these events and to host an international workcamp in order to contribute in the building of enchanting and fantasy stage sets and furniture, according to the theme of this year: tales and world music. Volunteers will have to build a fortress, study books of magic spells, plant giant mushrooms and invoke magical creatures...
WORK: Volunteers will create the stage sets with recycled materials like the paper 'mache' and woodwork.
LANGUAGE: French & English.
LOCATION: A very original project in a small village, 12Kms north from Mayenne.
ACCOMMODATION: In a shared room. Bathroom and kitchen will be at the disposal of the volunteers.
TERMINAL: At Mayenne SNCF train station. Airports: Rennes, Nantes or Paris.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Bring work gloves, hiking shoes, warm and working clothes, a good sleeping bag, a mattress, and a backpack. An overactive imagination and an inventive spirit will be necessary for this workcamp so be ready with your paint brushes!
Frankreich SJ10 VirVolt Festival 09.06.-26.06.2012 FEST/CULT 15vols (no more female)
PROJECT: For the third year in a row, Vir’Volt organization and its partners are organizing the Vir’Volt Festival (on the 23rd and 24th of June). The local, musical, intercultural and artistic events of the festival aim at stimulating the community and giving them the opportunity to join us and participate at the Festival. The motto of this third event is: “Musics of the World”. During a fortnight, volunteers will alternate between two activities: they will prepare the site to welcome visitors and the public and they will lead workshops in the studio devoted to musical creation. Volunteers will create together a musical repertory and will sing and play instruments on the stage of the Vir’Volt Festival. Through music and songs, they will promote volunteering to the local youth and the public. Last but not least, they will be in charge of welcoming the public during the festival. Volunteers will enjoy the campsite of the organization, discover the cultural and natural heritage of the region and will take part in numerous local activities and events.
ACCOMMODATION: in collective tents on Vir’Volt campsite
LOCATION: La Ferté sous Jouarre , 60 km from Paris.
REMARK: a workcamp is on no account a touristy holiday; please plan some time before/after the workcamp to visit Paris.
Frankreich U05 Grigny, Ile de France 17.06.-03.07.2012 ENVI/SOCI/RENO 8vols (no more female)
The project: The city of Grigny is happy to host you for the third time in the heart of the Saint Lazare park, which is the place of organic vegetable farming. In partnership with employees of an integration project for unemployed (specialized in learning vegetable farming) you will realise works for building an educational farm in a sustainable way.
Work: In the long term, we want to set up an educational farm in the Saint Lazare park. The volunteers will take part in this project: by building several living places for future animals (henhouses, rabbit places, bird cages). Volunteers will also be able to participate to the farming activity on the site.
Activities: On your arrival the animation team will give you many ideas of activities. Your own ideas are welcome and any suggestions will be nice! Be imaginative! We expected that you participate in the activities which are decided together with the volunteers and the campleaders. You will live an experience in a group and things are planned within the group. This year again, volunteers will participate in the local community lake celebration which gather 5000 people.
Accommodation: In tents near the educational farm located in the town of Grigny.
Location: Grigny is a town of more than 25000 inhabitants located in Essonne around 30km south of Paris
Special Requirements: This activity gathers both environmental awareness and sustainable development, and you also participate in the enhancement of a working place of a group with fewer opportunities.
Nearest big town: GRIGNY
Nearest airport: CDG Paris
Terminal: GRIGNY-CENTRE
Frankreich SJ12 Saint Menoux 18.06.-30.06.2012 RENO 6vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Saint Menoux, as many of French towns and villages, owns an old public wash-house which has been almost forgotten for ages. Therefore we propose this international project of renovation in order to refresh the old wash-house and turn it into a tourist spot for hikers and a nice place to meet for the inhabitants. The work of volunteers will include masonry, cleaning and building a new roof of the wash-house. This project has also a social objective: the volunteers will work with youngsters from a social institution (i.e. «slightly intellectually disadvantaged »). This work will consist in helping them at their daily work, as well as organising leisure activities (games, visits...). During the entire project the volunteers will be guided and will work in close cooperation with the social workers. This project will allow you to meet people from all over the world and France, to get to know better the rural lifestyle, to visit some cities nearby (e.g. Moulins and Vichy) as well as some tourist spots of this area. A van will be provided for all the duration of the project.
ACCOMMODATION: in dormitories, all the facilities available
LOCATION: Saint Menoux (Allier), 15 km from Moulins-sur-Allier
TERMINAL: Moulins-sur-Allier
Frankreich SJ79 Clausonne Abbey 18.06.-08.07.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT : Clausonne abbey was built in the 12th century, a few kilometers away from the actual village of le Saix, in the south Alps of France. It is located at alt. 1100m in a very preserved and quiet environment. Throughout the centuries, the abbey was burnt, destroyed and rebuilt several times. At the beginning of the 20th century, it had become the local parish. Some years later, the main part was finally transformed into a primary school... Each time, it had been reconstructed on rubble of the previous construction. The abbey’s original ground was never affected, and the vestiges of its first destruction, remain buried under the current paving stone. The local association, "The Friends of the Abbey of Clausonne " has the project, since a few years, of covering the abbey’s chorus. It will protect the degraded walls and especially, allow undertaking archaeological excavations within the chorus. The object of this workcamp is the realization of the skeleton’s foundations, and the implementation of the posts which will support this skeleton. This workcamp is also a good opportunity to discover the rural lifestyle, the mountains, its fauna and flora.
ACCOMMODATION : campsite, at the Faï international centre
LOCATION : 30 km from Gap, 200 km from Marseille. TERMINAL : Veynes Devoluy.
Frankreich U03 Festival "La Bouchure" 22.06.-06.07.2012 KIDS/FEST 10vols (no more female)
French speaking camp!
Festival of La Bouchure: contemporary and eclectic music in rural France!
For the 7th consecutive year, the organisation "Les Bouchures" is happy to host international volunteers to help in the implementation of an amplified music festival. The “bouchure” designates locally the field hedge because one of the characteristic of this music festival is to be located in rural area and to be touring (moving from a village to another). On the program: 4 days of music festival in 4 villages & 70 local volunteers hosting around 10 music groups and 8000 spectators!
Be ready to live on the steady rhythm of this festival, to adapt yourself to the unexpected moments of these 4 happy days. In return, the workcamp will be rich in social and cultural discoveries : the members of the local association will introduce you to the region and to their passion for the 'contemporary music'. More information on the festival website: http://www.labouchure.com
You will live in the small town of Commentry in the heart of the Bourbonnais region in the Allier department. A former mining city, which today is a pleasant place for its 7.000 inhabitants as well as for the tourists. You will find shops, parks and will go around its rich heritage linked to its industrial past... you will have walks in the surrounding area (lakes, typical villages...). Around 15km from Montluçon, in a former mining and industrial region, the town still keeps the economical and social memory of the territory. Neighbour villages, involved in the festival, will allow you to discover built and natural heritage : Huds and its roman church, Malicornes and its conservation orchard, Colombier and its legendary spring…
WORK: You will participate in the implementation of the festival (which takes place from the 27th to the 30th of June): installation and dismantling of the performance sites (fences, stalls, bar, etc.), create and install arrows for itinerary, reception of the public, management of the refreshment and food stall... Because the festival is touring, this job has to be done each day: caution, the work rhythm is heavy during the 4 festival days! Free hand will be let to the group for sensitizing young people and families to auditary risks due to high level sounds: animations, strolling performances... almost everything is allowed! A training will be proposed and material provided (earplugs...). Good ideas and creative minds are welcome!
ACCOMODATION: In the village hall converted in dormitory room - kitchen right on site and showers five minutes walking from there (sport stadium's locker room).
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: French speaking camp!
Caution! The life in this festival is often hectic and days could be long. This workcamp is different from the others! You have to be available and to know how to react facing emergency and unexpected situations. The festival is dealing with "contemporary music" (or music of our times). Bring current music that you like and/or you want share with others.
TERMINAL: Nearest airport: CFE Clermont-Ferrand, nearest train station: Commentry.
Frankreich CONC 132 LE MANS 29.06.-23.07.2012 RENO 6vols
PROJECT: Started in November 2011, the project Caravanes ECO.L.E.S is an initiative built up by young people to promote healthy food consumption in the region of Sarthe. The goal is to gather and introduce the different key actors working on healthy food (professionals, associations and volunteers) in order to enable them to meet young people and speak about their professional and personal experience. This caravan will be a huge opportunity to create new connections and debates among young people about this issue. During these working weeks, cultural visits and several activities will be organized.
LOCATION: Formerly capital of the Maine and the Perche provinces, Le Mans is located on the west of France, in the region Pays-de-la-Loire. The city is close to the Sarthe and Huisne rivers. Le Mans is a really dynamic city, where you can see museums, art festivals and events as La Nuit des Chimères.
WORK: You will participate in different renovation activities in the caravan. You will do in and out paintworks, do-it-yourself works with salvaged materials, floor redoing and awning making, etc.
LOCATION: Le Mans, in “Les Sablons” district, 10 min from the downtown.
ACCOMODATION: You will be accommodated in a shared apartment. If you have a sleeping bag, please take it with you.
TERMINAL: at the train station of Le Mans.
SPECIAL REMARK: Bring old T-shirts and pants.
Frankreich CONC 183 Lyon: Creation and performing of the “Urban Globe Trotters” show 30.06.-14.07.2012 CULT/SPORT 12vols
This is a German-French-Turkish project!
PROJECT: This will be the first cultural and sports workcamp organized in Lyon by Concordia together with “CoinCoin Productions”, a cultural and artistic association that produces the band Antiquarks. It is also an occasion for Concordia to work together with the local sports and cultural structures in order to involve local youngsters in an international project. This project implies a lot of initiative and your will be creative yourself. It will also give you the chance to meet interesting people from diverse cultures and to discover the rich heritage of Lyon.
WORK: You will participate in the creation of the “Urban Globe Trotters” show, a theatre play including artistic, musical and sportive aspects. An original and exciting show open to participants who enjoy sharing and meeting different people. During the first week you will participate in different workshops (singing, juggling and acrobatics with balls, graffiti, and dance) always supervised by professionals in order to create and prepare the show. During the second week you will be mainly occupied with the presentation of your performance, first of all during the festival “La Guill’ en Fêtes“. During this project you will have the chance to learn and to discover new things, to meet interesting people and to get in contact with the local population living next door.
LANGUAGE: English and French
LOCATION: The UNESCO city Lyon is the capital of Rhone-Alpes region and the third biggest city in France. It is situated in the Central-East of France between the Massif Central and the Alps.
ACCOMMODATION: In the “Centre International de Séjour” of Lyon.
MEETING POINT: Lyon Part Dieu train station
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: You don’t need to have special artistic competences to participate. During the workcamp you will have free access to public transport in order to facilitate you moves. DFJW-OFAJ Trinational project with France, Germany and Turkey. Bring a backpack, a sleeping-bag, sportswear and sneakers. For further information please consult the following site: www.lyon-france.com
Frankreich U45 Eglise de Daon 30.06.-22.07.2012 SOCI/RENO/DISA 12vols (no more female)
French speaking camp!
PROJECT: With people in social inclusion, works in heritage restoration on the Church in Daon.
WORK: The goal is to restore an outside part of the Church, and to create an access ramp for persons with motor disability.
ACTIVITIES: On your arrival, leaders will propose several activities; but your ideas are welcomed and everything can be discussed. So be imaginative, the Workcamp is a place for having fun! We don’t expect you to do activities on your own, you will live an experience in a group and things are planned within the group. Don't forget it!
ACCOMMODATION: You will be accommodated in a beautiful campsite, not far from the Church.
SPECIAL REMARKS: French speaking camp.
TERMINAL: CHATEAU GONTIER BAZOUGES
Frankreich SJ16 Driving path 01.07.-31.07.2012 CONS 12vols
PROJECT: The Faï international residential center organizes every year two local festivals that gather up to 400 spectators every time. The current path that the spectators use to drive to the center is quite inappropriate since they have to drive across the living area and cannot reverse. This project consists in building another path around the center that will be accessible to cars. During the project you will be able to get involved in the cultural and musical festival named “Festifaï” that we are organizing in July at the Faï center and “Café du People” in Veynes. This project offers the opportunity to meet with young people from all over the world, discover rural living, go for walks in the mountains, visit the region and share many festive moments with all the young people who stay at the Faï farm.
PARTICIPANTS: 3 groups of 4 participants from Germany, France and the third country (to be defined)
ACCOMMODATION: in tents
LOCATION: the Faï Farm, 3 km from the village of Le Saix, 30 km from Gap
TERMINAL: Veynes Dévoluy
Frankreich SJ17 Party Room Vaunières 1 02.07.-22.07.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: The village of Vaunieres welcomes young people from different backgrounds and different countries, brings them together in order to work on cultural, environmental or construction projects. There is a party room in Vaunières used for cultural events, but there is no heating system therefore it can be used only during the summer. During this project, volunteers will work on plastering walls with a Lime/Straw plaster, and on other little internal renovation works in this building such as isolation of the walls, electricity system, shelf construction and some decorations, painting of the walls in order to make this room cosy and pleasant place. During the summer Vaunières hosts many groups of people in this hamlet therefore it is ideal time to meet people from all around the world and some groups of young French people and to share the daily life tasks, hike in the mountains and do some free time activities together. Located in the middle of the Alps, it’s a good place to discover flora and fauna and mountain life. The volunteers will have the possibility as well to visit some of the tourist attractions of the area.
ACCOMMODATION: in tents (in bedrooms of 5 to 6 people for the workcamp in October)
LOCATION: Vaunières is located 7 km from the village of St Julien en Beauchêne, 40km from Gap and 200 km north from Marseille
TERMINAL: Lus la Croix Haute
Frankreich U08 Châteaugiron, Bretagne 02.07.-23.07.2012 RENO 11vols (no more male)
The project: Châteaugiron is a small, dynamic town of 5500 inhabitants which hosts for the fifth year an international workcamp. This town full of character near Rennes has preserved many elaborate, half-timbered merchant houses. The town is dominated by the high towers of its medieval castle which is a classified historic monument. There are two faces of the castle, the one of a powerful fortified castle built in the 12th century with its imposing towers, and the one of a mansion with conversion works and renovations completed up to the 18th century. A part of the castle accommodates the present-day town hall. You will be welcomed in order to continue the renovation work on the moat of the castle.
Work: You will participate in the restoration of the moat walls using traditional lime.
Activities: Leaders will suggest you several activities all along the workcamp. However, in order to fully live your workcamp, it is important for you to share activities ideas that you would like to set up. It will then be decided with the volunteers and the leaders by mutual agreement. So be imaginative! Participation to the activities is expected from you. You will live a group experience, don't forget it!
Location: A stroll through Châteaugiron will reveal the architectural treasures held by the town. Several periods are found in the town: from the castle (12th-18th century), to ancient houses in the centre and more recent buildings: the church, the covered market. The town has a rich, cultural life (cultural activities, art exhibitions, concerts…). At only 15km south east of Rennes, the capital of Brittany, it is a good place from which people can explore the forest of Brocéliande with its mysterious legends, or discover the marvels of the coast (near to Saint-Malo, the Mont St Michel, Cap Fréhel…)
Accommodation: You will sleep in tents at the municipal campsite of Châteaugiron.
Nearest big town: CHATEAUGIRON
Nearest airport: RNS Rennes - CDG Paris - ORY Paris
Terminal: RENNES
Frankreich SJ21 Corn village 04.07.-24.07.2012 RENO 15vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Corn is a wonderful small village in the middle of the Natural Park of Causses and Quercy. It is located upon a hill from which you can appreciate the view of the Célé valley. Its architecture in the hilly landscape and its numerous elements of architectural heritage attest the ancient history of the village. The work will be divided in two different missions. The first one will be in the centre of the village and will consist of the renovation of a stone shed used to stock several municipal tools. It is necessary to restore the wooden door, to build a stone wall, to put away the old rendering and make a new one with whitewash and to clean the tiles roof which is covered with moss. The second part of the work will take place next to the village, on the limestone plain land which is upon the valley. The place named Cornillou, crossed by a very busy footpath, has a well, a wash-house and a pond that need to be renovated and maintained. Therefore volunteers will have the task to cut the overgrown vegetation and arrange the pavement stones in appropriate way in order to make it more accessible and nice place for hikers to stop. During the afternoons, the volunteers will organize and participate in different workshops on photography and creative writing, which will be open for volunteers but also for local people. The idea is to make a booklet all together to mark this intercultural exchange. This workcamp is organised with Corn village and the association La Grange aux Chimères who will be in charge of accommodation, technical support and creative workshops. During the leisure time, volunteers will have the opportunity to discover the region and the Natural Park, its caves and dolmens, appreciate the protected nature and taste the local food. The historical towns and villages such as Cahors, Saint Cirq Lapopie and Figeac, the town of the Egyptologist Champollion are also very nice places to discover.
ACCOMMODATION: in tents at the camping of the association la Grange aux Chimères
LOCATION: the village of Corn 170 km North from Toulouse, 60 km from Cahors
TERMINAL: Figeac
Frankreich CONC 031 NOVACELLES 06.07.-27.07.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: The historic medieval village Issandolanges is a part of the town of Novacelles. It was built more than 1000 years ago, but has been abandoned for the last 70 years. The renovation and preservation work of the site has already started and has led to the discovery of a bread oven, a chapel, the site of a former fortified castle and a mill… For the third consecutive year the community of villages of the Arlanc district will welcome an international workcamp on this atypical site that deserves to be discovered. The exchanges with the local youth and the inhabitants promise to be rich!
WORK: In the village of Issandolanges you will continue the renovation work of the chapel. After an initial work of cleaning and sorting stones, the purpose of the workcamp will be to reconstruct the bases of the walls in order to find the initial layout of the chapel. You will also reconstruct a dry stone wall. Traditional methods of masonry will be used.
LOCATION: Situated in a small rural district, Novacelles is part of the Arlanc villages community located in the middle of the Livradois-Forez regional natural park. Around 100 km from Clermont-Ferrand and 50 km from Puy en Velay, it is a region that knows the value of its natural and architectural heritage which it wants to preserve.
ACCOMMODATION: In tents at the campground in Arlanc, there is a collective tent for the camp life.
TERMINAL: Clermont-Ferrand train station. Airport: Paris.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: The nights could be cold, bring with you warm clothes and a sleeping bag. Bring also a sleeping mat, working gloves, clothes and shoes. The workplace is far from the campsite, a van is provided for these daily trips.
Frankreich CONC 065 LAURENAN 06.07.-27.07.2012 RENO 13vols (no more female)
PROJECT: For this second international workcamp, the town of Laurenan will once more host a group of volunteers in order to develop and enrich the local living environment, and to put the local heritage in the centre of the project. This project is also about motivating the local population for volunteer work! By means of the renovation of the washhouse, the volunteers will create bonds with the local population and work together on the improvement of this historic site. You will also have the opportunity to discover traditional Breton dances during the traditional festivals (“fest noz”) that will take place in the region and participate in other activities proposed by the inhabitants.
WORK: Renovation of the roof structure of one of the washhouses; you will realize different smaller tasks in order to improve the site.
ACCOMMODATION: In tents close to the worksite.
LOCATION: Laurenan is a rural village not far from Loudéac, in the centre of Brittany, situated in a region with a rich historical heritage (Roman roads, fountains, churches, manors…).
TERMINAL: Merdrignac bus station.
SPECIAL REMARKS: You can bring your own tent if you have one. Don’t forget your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, gloves for work and warm and waterproof clothes.
Frankreich CONC 121 HOULGATE 06.07.-27.07.2012 ENVI 12vols
PROJECT: This is the second workcamp that Concordia organises with the association CPCV. Situated in Houlgate close to the beach and the city center, CPCV Normandy is a vacation centre for families, individual guests and groups. Houlgate, situated in Normandy on the Flowery Coast, is a town with a rich historical (close to the landing beaches) and natural heritage (cliffs and fauna). As the first sea resort of the Norman coast, its population increases considerably during the summer period and the town life is very dynamic at this time of the year. Currently, CPCV tries to develop a project with the objective of raising awareness about environmental questions among the visitors of the centre.
WORK: You will help promote and inform the visitors of the centre about local fauna and flora (information research, creation of boards/signs from recycled materials), construction of barriers from woven wooden slats around the organic garden; construction of furniture from recycled wood.
LOCATION: Houlgate is located in the Calvados district, about 30 km south-east from Caen, on the Norman coast.
ACCOMODATION: You will be accommodated in tents. You will cook your meals under a big tent outside. If you have a tent, you can bring it. Please bring a sleeping mat and a sleeping bag.
TERMINAL: Caen train station.
SPECIAL REMARKS: Bring suitable shoes. For more information, have a look at: www.cpcvnormandie.asso.fr; www.ville-houlgate.fr
Frankreich CONC 153 Orry la Ville 06.07.-27.07.2012 RENO 15vols (no more female)
A scaffolding certificate is required!
PROJECT: After the successful workcamps in 2011, we will continue to renovate the same church of the previous year, listed as historical monument whose oldest parts date back to the eleventh century. Orry la Ville is a big town in the south of the Oise, surrounded by forests, including Chantilly, its famous castle and its horse racing. It is not so far away from Paris. You will have a big breath of air with many exchanges already scheduled!
WORK: After the work done last year, you will continue to work on traditional masonry. You will have to stake out the exterior walls of the church nave and join them. If necessary, you will do stone cutting. You will have to do scaffolding work.
SITUATION: Orry la Ville is located in the heart of the Regional Natural Park Oise - Pays de France, close to the department of Val d'Oise and the town of Senlis. You will be at the heart of the Chantilly forest nearby its castle.
ACCOMMODATION: You will sleep in tents. The community centre will be used for the daily life.
TERMINAL: Paris airport.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: SCAFFOLDING CERTIFICATE (certificate for working at heights).
MEETING POINT: Orry la Ville train station.
Frankreich CONC 154 VERS SUR LAUNETTE 06.07.-27.07.2012 RENO 15vols (no more female)
PROJECT: This workcamp will follow the activities of the previous project in 2011. Vers sur Launette is located in the border of the forest of Chantilly and Ermenonville, right in the heart of the Regional Nature Park Oise - Pays de France. Supported by the Park, the town wants to preserve a washing place for cows nearby the small river Launette. The place is disappearing under the grass and you will have to continue to clean and renovate this building.
WORK: You will renovate an old washing-house using some traditional masonry techniques. You will be guided by François Bernard, an expert on these kinds of techniques and he’ll be very happy to teach you. SITUATION: Ver sur Launette is located in the heart of the Regional Natural Park Oise Pays de France, close to the department of Val d'Oise and the city of Ermenonville. You will be on the edge of Ermenonville forest.ACCOMMODATION: You will sleep in tents.
MEETING POINT: Plessis Belleville railway station.
Frankreich CONC 185 Sainte-Agnès 06.07.-27.07.2012 ENVI/RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Sainte-Agnès is a place composed of ten hamlets which spread on 1000m with differences in altitude. Situated on the top of the Balcons de Bellecombe, it’s a perfect place for hikers and nature lovers. This year for the 16th time in a row, the community is looking forward to greeting another international workcamp. One of the highlights of the camp will be the welcoming and open minded local population who is always happy to help you discover the region and its culture. There will be lots of things to be seen and to be done, like visiting local farms and getting to know the old-style of making bread.
WORK: As every year, you will be working together with Bernard and the technical service of Sainte-Agnès. This year you will work on the renovation of a house belonging to the community. It is mainly used to accommodate the volunteers of international workcamps. Work will include sandpapering and painting of the window shutters and little joinery and masonry works. If there is time left, you will also help people in a high mountain pasture.
LANGUAGE: English and French
LOCATION: Sainte-Agnès is situated 15 km north-east from Grenoble, in the Belledonne mountains. For nature and hike lovers!
ACCOMMODATION: You will sleep in tents next to an old house belonging to the municipality. Cooking facilities and bathrooms can be found in the house, 900 m above sea level. Be prepared to have basic living conditions.
MEETING POINT: Brignoud train station
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Ramblers and adventurers, this workcamp is for you! Bring your working gloves, good walking shoes, torch light, warm clothes and a good sleeping-bag. In the mountains, nights can be fresh. Backpack and torch light are compulsory. For further information please consult the following site: http://www.isere-tourisme.com/
Frankreich SJ23 Bocage Bourbonnais 06.07.-27.07.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: The municipality of Bocage Bourbonnais works on development of the social life of its area and active participation on a local level. That is why the municipality wishes to host an international workcamp every year in order to invite volunteers to this beautiful region, where the dynasty of “Bourbons” is born (these were kings of France in the XVIth and XIXth century). The villages of Franchesse and Louroux-Bourbonnais propose to host volunteers in one workcamp: At first in Franchesse, volunteers will build smalls walls in the city-centre, whereas in Louroux-Bourbonnais they will build a wooden shelter that will be used as storage for some materials. Both villages are used to host international workcamps. This project will allow volunteers to meet people from all over the world and France, to get to know better the rural French way of life, to visit some cities nearby (e.g. Moulins and Vichy) as well as some tourist spots of this area. A van will be at volunteers’ disposal during the workcamp.
ACCOMMODATION: in a municipality building in dormitories.
LOCATION: Franchesse et Louroux-Bourbonnais (Allier), 20-30 km from Moulins-sur-Allier
TERMINAL: Moulins-sur-Allier
Frankreich U10 Palacret, Bretagne 06.07.-27.07.2012 RENO 11vols
The project: Since 2000, the Pays de Bégard community of cities has organised numerous international workcamps with Unarec on the Palacret site and its area. These workcamps have aimed at safeguarding the territory’s built, natural and cultural heritage.
What is the Palacret site ?
The Palacret is a place bought by the Pays de Bégard community of cities to create a crossroads for local and international cultures. Their project is to develop in cooperation with local organisations and Unarec intercultural and inter-generational exchanges and to valorise territories (from local to international). The Palacret site presents numerous natural resources (rivers, fishponds), built heritage (farmhouses, mill, chapel, bread oven), industrial heritage (lattice machine for sorting out flax) and historical places (12th century commandery of the Order of Hospitallers). Recently, a resources centre, a place for cultural promotion and a welcoming accommodation place (hosting the international workcamps) have been created.
Work: You will participate to the restoration and development of the Kermaria chapel and its surroundings in the little town of Squiffiec.
Activities: On your arrival, the campleaders will inform you on the possible activities (tourism, meeting local people) in Brittany. However, you can start looking for activities on your own from now on and share your ideas with the other volunteers when you meet them. The Palacret is a place where you can organise and manage other projects, proposing meetings with local people to make them discover our country, your culture or your food!
Location: The community of villages, Le Pays de Bégard gathers seven villages between Lannion and Guingamp (the arrival station). Palacret is half an hour from these towns, in a small isolated valley, between the village of Bégard (5km from the site) which has all local shops, and the village of Saint Laurent. There is a regional office “Etudes et Chantiers” Bretagne with a permanent project team who works in all the Pays de Bégard. Volunteers are always very well hosted thanks to the involvement of the local associations and the council members. You will have the opportunity to participate in the Fest-noz (the famous Brittany festivals!) and to discover all the charms of Brittany, such as the amazing pink granite coast (Palacret is 30 km from the sea).
Accommodation: You will sleep in a newly-renovated building. You will sleep in double rooms.
Nearest big town: Bégard
Nearest airport: RNS Rennes - CDG Paris - ORY Paris
Terminal: GUINGAMP
Frankreich U11 Rêve de foin, Auvergne 06.07.-18.07.2012 FEST 9vols (no more male)
French speaking camp!
The project: The local organization "Rêve de Foin" - whose aim is to protect rural heritage and to offer activities - organises each summer the “Nuits de Rêve Festival” (dreaming nights). It is a theatre, music and dance ecofestival in the middle of the natural site of the Blanhac mills (village of Rosières). This year the team will again welcome international volunteers in order to help organizing the festival and to take part in the activities. You will be fully integrated within the life of this young and dynamic organization and you will have the opportunity to meet the artists invited.
Work: You will participate in the organisation of the festival: Clearing, setting up and dismantling of stages, reception of the public and making cakes with inhabitants are in the programme. You can also take part in lights adjustment.
Activities: You will be able to see all the shows during the festival but of course your ideas for activities are welcomed and every suggestion can be discussed. So be imaginative! We expected that you participate in the activities which are decided together with the volunteers and the campleaders. You will live an experience in a group and things are planned within the group.
Location: Great walks can be planned around the beautiful (and quite isolated) site of the Blanhac mills. The little town of Rosières (1300 inhabitants) is less than 10 km far from the camp and you can find there all facilities such as a bar, a bakery, a doctor… You can also walk along the former railway track converted into a footpath, go to swim in the surrounding lakes… all this accompanied by the volunteers ready to show you their region!
Accommodation: In tents, in a place just near the farm of the association where you can also find the toilettes.
Special Requirements: French speaking Camp. Caution! Life during a festival is often hectic and days may be long. It is a workcamp different from the others! You will have to be always available and be able to face emergency situations.
Nearest big town: ROSIERES
Nearest airport: LYS LYON-SAINT EXUPERY
Terminal: RETOURNAC
Frankreich CONC 228 ST AMBROIX 06.07.-27.07.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: This years Workcamp will be the second consecutive project with the town of St Ambroix with which we have already worked before. These projects have always been very successful so the town decided to host a new Workcamp this year. The purpose is to work on the pavement of little streets in the beautiful centre of the village. This year’s work will be the beginning of a project that might be continued for many years. The volunteers will also help with the organisation of a typical medieval festival, called in occitan “volo biou”, which means “the flying ox” in the Occitan language. We also hope that many young people from the area will be with you during this project.
WORK: The work will be to restore the “calade”, the typical cobblestone pavement you can find in the narrow streets of the village centre. This is a meticulous work. You will also help the team before and during the 2 days of the festival (help with the preparations, serve food…).
ACCOMMODATION: In tents in the village (if you have one, you may bring it).
LOCATION: You will live in the little town of St Ambroix, close to the Cévennes Gardoises mountain range, the town of Alès and the former coas mines of Southern France (http://www.ot-saintambroix.fr/). You will have the opportunity to do some sports and participate in different tourist activities.
TERMINAL: St Ambroix train station.
Frankreich CONC 194 SAINT-MARCELLIN-EN-FOREZ 1 06.07.-27.07.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT : after the collaboration between Concordia and Association Oulala in the organisation of a local cultural festival in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2011, the municipality of Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez proposes for this year the renovation of a public wash-house. Work will be done during two workcamps, offering the volunteers a valuable chance to learn interesting building and restoring techniques. The projects aims at easing the involvement of local youth in the care of public spaces in the village.
WORK: in July volunteers will start restoration works of the wash-house nearby the village, intervening on the renovation and reparation of the existing walls through simple masonry and plasterwork. During the second workcamp volunteers will complete the intervention creating and assembling a wooden frame to support the roof of the wash-house, an interesting opportunity to learn working with wood.
ACCOMMODATION: in the centre of Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez in a house owned by the municipality with bedrooms, kitchen and bathrooms.
LOCATION: Saint-Marcellin-en-Forez is a medieval village on the slopes of Monts du Forez and Massif Central, 25 km north-west from Saint-Etienne.
TERMINAL: Bonson train station
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: bring working gloves, good walking shoes, warm clothes, a good sleeping-bag and a backpack.
SPECIAL REMARKS: For more information have a look at: www.saintmarcellinenforez.fr
Frankreich CONC 131 JUVIGNY-SOUS-ANDAINE 06.07.-27.07.2012 ENVI/RENO 12vols
PROJECT: This is the first year of partnership between Concordia and the Communauté de Communes du Pays d’Andaine. Juvigny-sous-Andaine village with 1060 inhabitants is located nearby the Andaines forest and right in the middle of the Normandie-Maine regional park. It is a really attractive and dynamic area, where you will find interesting and nice historical places as the castle of Bonvouloir and its famous tower.
WORK: you’ll have to consolidate the surrounding wall of a plot meant to become a public garden, nearby the Bonvouloir tower. You will do several traditional masonry activities.
LOCATION: In the south of Normandy, village of the department of Orne.
ACCOMODATION: You will be accommodated in tents. Cooking and eating under a big tent outside. If you have tent, you can bring it. Please bring a roll mat and a sleeping bag.
TERMINAL: appointment behind the tourism office of Bagnoles de l’Orne.
SPECIAL REMARKS: Bring suitable shoes and warm clothes. You will ride a bike between your accommodation and the working place.
Frankreich SJ27 Esprels 07.07.-28.07.2012 RENO 16vols (no more female)
PROJECT: For the fourth year in a row the town of Esprels, the council and its inhabitants will host a group of volunteers to exchange and get to know each other's cultures. Around the renovation of one of the village's walls (traditional masonry), you will experience a very rich human and cultural experience. During your free time, the inhabitants will invite you to discover their area and their traditions (sport activities, diners with the inhabitants in their homes, visit to the Chapel of Ronchamps, etc)
ACCOMMODATION: in the school of the town, Bedding: camp beds
LOCATION: Esprels is located 20km from Vesoul
TERMINAL: Vesoul
Frankreich SJ28 Saint Remy 07.07.-28.07.2012 RENO 14vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Saint Remy is a small town but with a very rich heritage. You will help renovate an old wall, remains of a medieval castle, on the outskirts of the town. The wall, which is a hundred metres long and 50 centimetres high, is much damaged in several spots. You will take down the most damaged parts of the wall and then rebuilt and consolidate them. No specific skill is required. The afternoons will be dedicated to discovering the area together with the local population. The volunteers will actively participate in each stage of their stay. Collective life will allow you to experience three weeks of sharing and intercultural encounters.
ACCOMMODATION: In the community Hall.
LOCATION: the village of Saint Remy is located 20km from Vesoul
TERMINAL: Vesoul
Frankreich SJ30 Bocage Sud 07.07.-28.07.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: The region of Bocage Sud, which is 25 km away of Moulins, invites volunteers to take part in an itinerant workcamp in order to discover the area in depth. Successively, the group is going to visit the communities of Noyant-d'Allier then St Hilaire. In Noyant-d'Allier, a village marked by its important history of mining and the presence of a large Asian community, volunteers will renew some school's furniture and work on renovation of the Mine Museum. Afterwards, in St Hilaire, volunteers will work on the renovation of an old wall by using traditional masonry methods. During all the workcamp volunteers will have the technical support from the professional masons which will give the chance to volunteers learn this renovation techniques. Moreover this project will allow volunteers to meet people from all over the world and France, to get to know better the rural French way of life, to visit some cities in the area (e.g. Moulins and Vichy) as well as some tourist spots of this area. A van will be at volunteers’ disposal during the workcamp.
ACCOMMODATION: in a municipality building, dormitories
LOCATION: Noyant-d'Allier and St Hilaire (Allier), 20-30 km from Moulins-sur-Allier
TERMINAL: Moulins-sur-Allier
Frankreich SJ31 Episy 07.07.-28.07.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Because of the great success of last year’s workcamp, the people of Episy village are happy to welcome new international volunteers again! Episy is a little and nice community in the south of the French department “Seine et Marne”, which has only 517 inhabitants but remains very lively. The workcamp takes place near the marsh of Episy, which is also a protected natural reserve. The community wishes to continue the construction of a place where young and/or sporty people, hikers, inhabitants can meet and do activities together. The goal of this project is to build a friendly and inter-generational area where everybody can feel at ease. The municipality and the organization of Episy's young people, «Les Zépisiens», offer to take part in numerous projects: The creation of a fitness trail course, the improvement of the area around the municipal stadium, the construction of a technical office and of a pergola. Young people and the inhabitants from Episy will invite you to discover the local cultural and natural heritage: Fontainebleau castle, its forest, as well as the medieval city of Moret-sur-Loing. We may also organize water activities on River Loing, hiking on mountain bike and even air activities! The atmosphere is very friendly, even familial!
ACCOMMODATION: in tents in the village of Episy, all the facilities available.
LOCATION: Episy is 60km far away from Paris and 10 minutes drive from Fontainebleau.
TERMINAL: Moret-Veneux-les-Sablons
REMARK: A workcamp is on no account a touristy holiday; please manage some time before/after the workcamp to visit Paris.
Frankreich SJ33 L'Air de Rien à Torcy 07.07.-28.07.2012 ENVI 15vols (no more female)
PROJECT: It is the 3rd project organized in Torcy, in cooperation with other local organizations. Volunteers will lay out a public garden called "L'air de rien" which will be accessible to everybody. They will also organize educational activities about environmental issues there. Volunteers will work together with other volunteer workers, youth and young people who are involved in inclusion program set up by the organization. Convivial meetings and activities will be organized in the garden in order to meet and share with the locals. The Garden is very near by a farmhouse -La ferme du Couvent - which is organizing art activities, exhibitions, public discussions, throughout the year. Rhizome, an experimental and research center about fine and visual arts also set up there. Cultural excursions, exchanges, discussions and workshops will be organized by the volunteers and in cooperation with other local organizations in order to meet and share with the locals.
ACCOMMODATION: in dormitories
LOCATION: Torcy, Seine-et-Marne, 25km from Paris
TERMINAL: Torcy
REMARK: A workcamp is not a touristy holiday; please manage time before/after the workcamp to visit Paris.
Frankreich U13 Site de Crany, Lorraine 07.07.-28.07.2012 ENVI/RENO 12vols (no more female)
The project: The Crany site was set up in the Galo-Roman period and remained for a very long time a place for growing vineyards and vegetables. The place has remained uncultivated for about 60 years now.
Work: The goal is to develop a discovery-track along the terrace cultivation and to prepare the site for the future installation of a conservatory orchard in collaboration with the association “Croqueurs de pommes” (apple eater).
Activities: On your arrival, leaders will propose several activities; but your ideas are welcomed and everything can be discussed. So be imaginative, the workcamp is a place for having fun! We expected that you participate in the activities which are decided together with the volunteers and the campleaders. You will live an experience in a group and things are planned within the group.
Location: The Crany site is under very careful attention because it gathers numerous vestiges from the past and is also a shelter for protected species… You will work with several organisations very committed to protecting the site.
Accommodation: You will be accommodated in a building not far from the site.
Nearest big town: EULMONT
Nearest airport: SXB STRASBOURG
Terminal: Nancy
Frankreich U25 Moulin de Cordouen, Normandie 07.07.-28.07.2012 ENVI/SOCI 11vols (no more male)
French speaking camp
The project: This year the workcamp is about perpetuating the human dynamics and the techniques initiated in former workcamps around the place of Moulin of Cordouen. This workcamp is an unique project: because the international volunteers will be associated to another group throughout the workcamp duration: the inclusion project Nord Mayenne for unemployed people. We expect once again to contribute to the revaluation of the valley bottom of the Saint Calais of Désert, a rich natural and built heritage, gathered together culturally and socially the diverse groups in order to create the links and a different perspective with each other, this useful adventure is a great place of exchanges for all the people coming from different horizons. The link with the local population will be important especially in the preparation and the organization of the nature facilitation and of the festive evening so that everyone can meet and exchange with each!
Work: You will follow the work initiated in 2008 for the preservation of environmental surroundings of the mill. This year you will contribute in the restoration of the banks of the river Mayenne, just near the mill. Works will be organised in collaboration with the workers from a social inclusion project in order to clean a footpath. Then you will contribute to the care of a part of the hedge with a special and ecological technique.
Activities: On your arrival, leaders will propose several activities; but your ideas are welcomed and everything can be discussed. So be imaginative, the workcamp is a place for having fun! We expected that you participate in the activities which are decided together with the volunteers and the campleaders. You will live an experience in a group and things are planned within the group.
Location: You will stay in a deep and joyful countryside: the Moulin de Cordouen site belongs to the natural regional park of Normandie-Maine. Etudes et Chantiers is associated with the park to offer you a technical workcamp held to sustain biodiversity in rivers area. This project: is a new step in a larger one which consists in developing and, at the same time, preserving this down valley site. You'll share this experience with locals who are very curious to have a new international neighbourhood as it is something very unusual for them...
Accommodation: You will sleep in tents near by the mill and a kitchen place will be provided in a real building next to the camping place for meals, showers and dry toilets.
Special Requirements: French speaking camp.
Nearest big town: SAINT CALAIS DU DESERT
Nearest airport: CDG Paris
Terminal: Alençon
Frankreich U15 Brunoy, Ile de France 08.07.-28.07.2012 ENVI/RENO 12vols (no more female)
The project: Brunoy is a lovely town full of a remarkable and varied natural and historical heritage. For the second year, the town gives you the opportunity to come and participate in improvement works of the park of the House of Arts. A nice surrounding where you will discover many activities of renovation.
Work: You will participate in several works of improvement and renovation of the park: renovation and painting a barn (work with wood, small building work, cleaning); cleaning of a stone wall, repairing of wooden fences, cleaning of the undergrowth of the park and setting up of descriptive panels.
Activities: On your arrival, leaders will propose several activities; but it’s expected that everyone has an active participation in order to organise and share the activities with the group. Be imaginative! You will live an experience in a group and things are planned within the group. Don't forget it!
Location: Brunoy is a town of more than 26000 inhabitants located in Essonne. For the second time, the town rally around the project: to encourage interactions between the local young people and the volunteers by discovering their natural and historical sites.
Accommodation: The accommodation will be in a dojo (sport building) close to the parc where the work will be done. (to be confirmed)
Nearest big town: BRUNOY
Nearest airport: CDG Paris
Frankreich SJ34 Cusset 09.07.-27.07.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: For the fourth year, Cusset launches itself into the adventure of an international workcamp. This dynamic and cultural town owns a lot of useless natural water springs, not as famous as Vichy's, but as good in terms of quality. Formerly used by the inhabitants for their daily consumption, the sources are now in bad conditions. Cusset invites volunteers to clean up, renovate and maintain one of its water springs in the heart of the town. The work will consist on masonry, cleaning, and painting. This work will be an opportunity to offer this spring the “second life”, as well as to introduce volunteers to the history of Cusset. Volunteers will also have the possibility to enjoy and to know more about this region, by visiting the surroundings, attending some open-air plays and concerts, hiking in the near “Montagne bourbonnaise”, going to Clermont-Ferrand (45 mn by train).
ACCOMMODATION: in municipality building, in dormitories
LOCATION: Cusset, department of Allier, 2 km from Vichy
TERMINAL: Vichy
Frankreich SJ35 Com Agglo Moulins 09.07.-27.07.2012 RENO 6vols (no more female)
Dates to be confirmed!
PROJECT: One of the objectives of this project has a social aspect: Volunteers will work with young people from Moulins, who are currently facing difficulties in finding their professional way. The volunteers’ task will be to help them at their daily work, to share their experience as well as to organise leisure activities with them (games, visits...). These people will be supported by a social worker. This project will allow volunteers to meet people from all over the world and France, to get to know the rural lifestyle in France, to visit some cities nearby (e.g. Moulins and Vichy) as well as some touristy spots of this area. A van will be at volunteers’ disposal during the workcamp.
ACCOMMODATION: in municipality building, dormitories
LOCATION: Allier nearby Moulins-sur-Allier
TERMINAL: Moulins-sur-Allier
Frankreich U16 Colline de Sion, Lorraine 09.07.-30.07.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
The project: In the Saintois territory the horseshoe-shaped hill of Sion reaches 542 meters above sea level. It dominates the plain of Lorraine and offers an infinite panorama on the old traditional orchards. On the south side the visitor discovers the vestiges of a fort built by the count of Vaudemont. Reconstructed in 1741 the basilica of Sion celebrates the cult of Mary which is the object of pilgrimages even today. A Virgin overhangs the impressive tower of 45 meters high.
Work: The goal is to renovate a calvary and 14 crosses with building work, soft cleaning, gumming, resumption of glass inscriptions, cleaning and painting of the railings, resumption and securing of the mound behind the calvary, installation of explanatory/educational panels.
Activities: On your arrival, leaders will propose several activities; but your ideas are welcomed and everything can be discussed. So be imaginative, the workcamp is a place for having fun! We expected that you participate in the activities which are decided together with the volunteers and the campleaders. You will live an experience in a group and things are planned within the group.
Location: This site is the most visited in Meurthe et Moselle, it is the object of a quite particular attention because it shelters numerous vestiges but also protected species... You will work with numerous associations really involved in the protection and the animation of this site which can host several thousands of people in a weekend!
Accommodation: Under tents, on the site.
Nearest big town: Sion
Nearest airport: SXB STRASBOURG
Terminal: Vézelise
Frankreich CBF02 Saint Barnabé, Bretagne 09.07.-29.07.2012 RENO 11vols (no more female)
The project: For several years, the association of the Centre Brittany local authorities has been organizing international workcamps, always linked to the topic of restoration of cultural heritage. In addition to the topic the group of volunteer has always been totally integrated in the common life through the activities, excursions, meals etc. in contact with the local youths. Benefiting from this vast experience the Cideral (Community of Communes) continues to organise an international workcamp and to pursue the adventure. This year a new community will benefit.
Works: Different works around an old washhouse.
Activities: You, the volunteers curious to know the rural culture in the centre of Bretagne, curious to meet the local young and old people for living in the convivial moments: this workcamp is for YOU! A a team of leaders will accompany you for 3 weeks in order to encourage you to discover the region and the local people.
Location: Little rural commune located in the center of Bretagne, in a natural setting, in the departement of Côtes d’ Armor, 20 km from Loudéac et 30 km from the Baie de Saint-Brieuc.
Accommodation: in tents
Special Requirements: mainly English and French
Nearest big town: SAINT BARNABE
Nearest airport: Saint-Brieuc
Terminal : Josselin
Frankreich SJ77 LIME KILN - VERGEZE 09.07.-27.07.2012 RENO 15vols (no more female)
PROJECT : The group of volunteers will be hosted at the socio-cultural center of Vergèze. This center is very active and offers many activities for the local population. This year, together with the municipality, they wish to host a work camp in order to allow the locals to discover a new kind of projects and working together with both a local and international dimension.
The group will be working on the renovation of a lime kiln in the village. It will be necessary to remove some vegetation around the big oven to make it accessible, then participants will renew the grouting of the joins. In their leisure time, volunteers will participate in the life of the village (day of citizenship, july 13th, international dinner, local festival in the taurin tradition, …) and in activities organized by the center. It will be possible to visit the theatre festival in Avignon.
LOCATION : Vergèze is a small city of 4000 inhabitants. It is situated not far from the sea, on the railway between Nîmes and Montpellier, linking Atlantic and Mediterranian Coast.
ACCOMMODATION : In tents. Facilites for kitchen and sanitaries are available in the socio-cultural center of the municipality.
Frankreich CONC 066 BAINS SUR OUST II 10.07.-31.07.2012 RENO 15vols
PROJECT: The project will take place at the very centre of the town, near the church, in an ideal location for a volunteer workcamp. This project is part of the municipal policy to embellish the village square. The volunteers and the inhabitants will work side by side during this workcamp! In addition to the work, the volunteers will have the opportunity to discover the local heritage during hikes in the region and also the famous “magpie island” (l'île aux pies), as well as the Breton culture, and meet new people.
WORK: You will do traditional brickwork on the wall surrounding the church, repainting and renovation of the wall. There will be exchanges with the inhabitants on the improvement of their architectural heritage.
ACCOMMODATION: You will sleep in tents at the local camp site and have an access to the sport facilities; Meals can be taken indoors.
LANGUAGE: French & English.
LOCATION: Close to Redon, in the Ille et Vilaine district.
TERMINAL: At the train station in Redon. Airports: Rennes, Nantes or Paris.
SPECIAL REMARKS: Bring work gloves, shoes suitable for walking, warm clothes, a good sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, a back pack and a swimming suit. You can bring your tent if you have one.
Frankreich CONC 034 JENZAT 10.07.-31.07.2012 RENO 12vols
You need a SCAFFOLDING CERTIFICATE!
PROJECT: Since 1997 Concordia has been working with the community of local towns and villages in the “Bassin de Gannat” district. Many municipalities in this region have already hosted international workcamps. Most of these projects are in relation with the renovation and preservation of the local heritage. These different experiences have generated a strong interest in the local population, and the volunteers have always been warmly welcomed. This is the sixth project organized in this village.
WORK: The work will consist in renovating an old house: You will renovate the front wall and three interior walls. You will use traditional masonry techniques (taking off the old joints, use of lime mortar), coating and brushing. Some of the work will be on scaffolding. The City Hall will finish the work later in order to fit out the house.
ACCOMMODATION: In tents (bring your own sleeping mat) and in the village hall which is equipped for group life. Toilets and showers will be provided by the municipal camping.
LOCATION: Jenzat (450 inhabitants) is located 50 km north of Clermont-Ferrand and 10 km east of Gannat in the Allier district. It’s a rural region rich in historical heritage (numerous castles and Romanesque churches).
TERMINAL: Gannat train station.
SPECIAL REMARKS: SCAFFOLDING CERTIFICATE. Nights can be chilly, so bring warm clothes and sleeping bag. You will use bikes for local transportation. Bring gloves, shoes and clothes for work and good walking shoes, as well as a backpack and a swimsuit.
Frankreich CONC 035 SAINT-OURS-LES-ROCHES 10.07.-31.07.2012 RENO 12vols
PROJECT: In the heart of the mountain range “Chaîne des Puys”, Saint-Ours-les-Roches is a district composed of 13 small villages with a rich historical heritage. The purpose of this project is to restore two old wash-houses. They have become run-down in the last few years because of lack of maintenance. The work will take place in two small villages called Corail and Bouchet. Several meetings and visits are planned in order to get to know better the region and its habitants.
WORK: You will restore two wash-houses in two different small villages. You will have different tasks: some masonry work, construction with dry stones, clear the site of undergrowth, etc.
ACCOMMODATION: You will sleep in tents; toilets/ showers and kitchen are at disposal of the volunteers in a house.
LOCATION: In the Puy de Dôme department, in the heart of the Chaîne des Puys mountain range (a dormant volcanic site, unique in Europe). Puy de Dôme is located at 25km west from Clermont-Ferrand and at 20km from Volvic. This village is very close to nature.
TERMINAL: Clermont-Ferrand train station.
SPECIAL REMARKS: Bring your working gloves, hiking shoes, warm clothes, a sleeping back, a sleeping mat, a backpack and a swimsuit.
Frankreich CONC 036 Saint-Pal de Mons 10.07.-31.07.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
Scaffolding certificate needed!
PROJECT: Saint-Pal de Mons is a town situated in the Velay, a region of volcanoes and valleys. It is a great pleasure for Concordia to continue working with this town! The project consists mainly in working on the local heritage, but another objective is to open the community for intercultural exchanges. For this 2nd year, the international volunteers will work on a small isolated Romanesque chapel in a beautiful valley where pilgrims used to pass through. We hope this opportunity will contribute to exchanges between the local population and volunteers from all over the world, offering them a great possibility to discover this beautiful region.
WORK: You will continue the renovation work started last year of a Romanesque chapel of the XI century listed as a historical monument. You will be working around the chapel. Depending on the progress of the work, you may start to restore an old house close to the chapel. You will use traditional masonry techniques.
SITUATION: Saint-Pal de Mons (2000 habitants) is situated in the district of Haute-Loire in the Auvergne region, 60 km north from Puy en Velay, and about 30 km from Saint-Etienne.
ACCOMMODATION: In a big house. If you prefer to be in a tent, we can arrange accommodation in two-person tents. Bring your sleeping bag.
TERMINAL: Bas-Monistrol train station (43).
SPECIAL REMARKS: The house and the work place are quite isolated. For volunteers who love nature and long walks. The nights can be cold so please bring warm clothes. Bring your work gloves, clothes and shoes. Scaffolding certificate needed!
Frankreich CONC 067 BREAL-SOUS-MONTFORT 10.07.-24.07.2012 RENO 13vols (no more female)
PROJECT: It is the second time that the municipality of Bréal-Sous-Montfort will host an international work camp. The elected officials of the town and the participants in collective activities have a real tradition of hosting international, cultural and sports events and will aim towards developing links with the group of volunteers. You will thus have the opportunity to discover the wildlife with a fishing leader, but also to try to play the 'pétanque' game and other Breton traditional sports.
WORK: Creation of a wooden siding around the town's pétanque shed and construction of two fishing platforms accessible for people with disabilities. It will be an opportunity for the volunteers to discover woodwork and carpentry and to work with the municipal technical services.
LANGUAGE: French & English.
LOCATION: Breal-Sous-Montfort is a town of 4600 inhabitants, 18 km away from Rennes.
ACCOMMODATION: Tents for sleeping next to the sports building, and in a building for meals.
TERMINAL: at the Rennes SNCF train station. Airports : Rennes, Nantes or Paris.
SPECIAL REMARKS: bring work gloves, tracking shoes, warm clothes, a good sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, a back pack and a swim suit.
Frankreich CONC 093 MONTREUIL SOUS BOIS «URBAN BIODIVERSITY IN THE HEART OF EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP» 10.07.-25.07.2012 ENVI 16vols
PROJECT: The Beaumonts Park is a big area of 22 hectares. Half of it are natural areas with many species of fauna and flora, especially birds. This park is a treasure for the city of Montreuil and its inhabitants. During two weeks, the international volunteers will work on the maintenance and the development of the park to create social ties and to encourage the involvement of the inhabitants. You will also be able to meet local people during the international meal, an open day and a welcoming event.
WORK: Works will include the development of green spaces and finishing works in the youth centre of the city.
ACCOMMODATION: In a flat.
LOCATION: Montreuil is in the suburb of Paris and accessible by metro (underground). It is also the fourth city of Ile-de-France by its population.
TERMINAL: Montreuil metro station, Airport in Paris.
SPECIAL REMARKS: Bring working clothes, gloves and the most important a warm sleeping bag and a floor mattress.
Frankreich SJ32 La Redoute de la Butte Pinson 10.07.-31.07.2012 ENVI/RENO 15vols (no more female)
PROJECT: La Redoute de la Butte Pinson is an ancient fortification (XIX century). This building stands on the top of the hill, in the center of what may become a Regional Reserve of 110 hectares. For 7 years workcamps have contributed to the restoration and maintenance of the area. This year again, through many construction projects, clearing brushwood and masonry-work, volunteers will work on the preservation of the area and prepare it to welcome visitors during the Heritage Day in September. It will be the opportunity for the volunteers to learn about the history and culture of the fortification as well as to take part in its development. This workcamp is organized in cooperation with 4 neighbouring communities in order to involve local young people in this project and enable them to discover volunteering. Therefore local youth will come to help the volunteers and cultural outings, exchanges, discussions and workshops will be organized in order to meet each other.
ACCOMMODATION: In a municipality building, in dormitories
LOCATION: Montmagny, 15 km from Paris
TERMINAL: Groslay or Deuil-Montmagny
REMARK: A workcamp is not a touristy holiday; please manage some time before/after the workcamp to visit Paris.
Frankreich SJ36 Vendeuvre du Poitou 10.07.-31.07.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Recently the municipality of Vendeuvre has acquired the vestiges of the castle of Bonnivet. Therefore it has encouraged the council to continue with the works begun last year. According to the city hall it should be reorganized in such way that this heritage will be restored annually. Thus it can be protected and developed further. The volunteers will work on the main facade of the building by digging joints then re-jointing the stones. Works of traditional masonry, work of the lime, the stone cutting, will be taught to the volunteers. The volunteers will participate in cultural, sports and creative activities. The youth service of the municipality will organize excursions with the volunteers. The inhabitants and the local associations are looking forward to host the volunteers.
ACCOMMODATION: In a school in dormitories
LOCATION: Vienne, is about 20 km from Poitiers
TERMINAL: Poitiers
Frankreich SJ37 SJ37 Meulière & Festiv'été 10.07.-31.07.2012 RENO 15vols
PROJECT: Because of successful workcamps since 2009, people from Wissous village are really happy to welcome again new international volunteers! Wissous is a very nice community between Orly airport and Rungis international market. Each year, the community organizes a summer festival "Festiv'été" in the city center, on a place called the «Park of Ponds». Different workshops, games and activities will be organized for families and children. Volunteers will work in the Park to improve and prepare it for the Festival. It will also be the opportunity to create some contacts with the local population, and especially with the youth there. Volunteers will have to build a low stone wall and renovate an ancient well. They will learn a traditional building know-how with millstone that they will be able to teach to the local youth afterwards. Cultural activities and games will also be organized enabling volunteers to meet local inhabitants and organizations. During their leisure time, volunteers will enjoy the beautiful environment of the “Domaine de Montjean”, with its woodsy park and which is a 5 minute walk from the center.
ACCOMMODATION: in Wissous gymnasium
LOCATION: Wissous, in the North of Paris
TERMINAL: Antony
REMARK: A workcamp is not a touristy holiday; please plan some time before/after the workcamp to visit Paris.
Frankreich CONC 073 CORLAY (COTES D'ARMOR) 10.07.-24.07.2012 RENO 11vols (no more female)
PROJECT: this Workcamp takes place in Corlay, more specifically in its castle (1475-1493), which was built on the remains of a fortress from the twelfth century and destroyed in 1342 during the war. Nowadays the castle is in ruin, and some of its stones were used to repair the church. The town is now in charge of its maintenance. The volunteers, by taking part in this Workcamp, can make their contribution to this site, brimming over with history, in direct contact with the inhabitants.
WORK: the volunteers will work on the improvement of the local heritage: they will for example help to clean the wall of the castle, cut the ivy, scrape, brush and clean the fortifications stones. The work will also include brush cutting on a walking path and the restoration of the castle's balustrade.
LOCATION: in Brittany, 30 km north-west from Pontivy. http://www.infobretagne.com/corlay.htm.
ACCOMMODATION: in tents. You will take the meals in a building nearby.
LANGUAGE: French & English.
TERMINAL: at the Saint-Brieuc train station. Airports : Rennes, Nantes or Paris.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: bring working gloves, tracking shoes, warm clothes, a good sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, a back pack and a swim suit.
Frankreich CONC 074 CANCALE (ILLE ET VILAINE) 10.07.-31.07.2012 RENO 11vols (no more female)
PROJECT: you have the chance to participate in an ambitious and technical project in Cancale, a touristic town known for oyster farming. You will help with the reconstruction of the roof of a washhouse dating from 1928, in order to restore its original appearance. This work will allow you to discover the building techniques of this period, and give new life to this site.
WORK: cleaning of the brick structures; woodwork and framework, and construction of roofing.
LOCATION: in Brittany, 15 Kms from Saint-Malo, close to the seashore. You can admire the Mont St Michel from afar and walk along the coastal roads while discovering the Breton culture.
ACCOMMODATION: in tents at the town's camp site.
LANGUAGE: French & English.
TERMINAL: at Saint-Malo train station. Airports : Rennes, Nantes or Paris.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: bring working gloves, tracking shoes, warm clothes, a warm sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, a backpack and a swim suit.
SPECIAL REMARKS For seafood lovers, there will be the possibility to taste oysters and clams. Some of the work will be on a low scaffolding (scaffolding certificate required).
Frankreich CONC 098 ATHIS MONS 10.07.-31.07.2012 ENVI/RENO 15vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Valophis Habitat has three recent housing developments in Athis Mons. For the first time an international workcamp will be taking place in this city. During 3 weeks a group of young volunteers will contribute to design and improve the entrance hall and several communal spaces of an important residence hall of Athis Mons. This building is a meeting point for young students from neighbouring schools; thereby this project will develop social ties and incentive the respect of the living environment.
WORK: you will make a fresco in the entrance hall of the residence. You will clean the gardens around the building and plant threes. You will have the chance to organise several activities with and for the local community, especially on sustainable development issues.
ACCOMODATION: In a gymnasium.
LOCATION: Athis Mons, Paris suburb’s accessible by RER. The town is located in the north of the department of Essonne, 12 kilometres south from Paris.
TERMINAL: Athis Mons train station, Airport Paris.
SPECIAL REMARKS: Bring working clothes, gloves and the most important a warm sleeping bag and a floor mattress.
Frankreich SJ39 Melle 11.07.-01.08.2012 RENO 10vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Melle is a small, nice and attractive town, situated in the center of the Poitou-Charente region. Melle has an important heritage: its Romanesque churches (one is classified by UNESCO), Silver Mines from the Middle Ages and an arboretum with more than 1800 vegetation species and works of contemporary art in the city. Since 2003 the town of Melle has organized Contemporary Art Festivals, for French and International high-rated artists. The city hall possesses a bourgeois house built in 1861, which is unused, and the mayor wishes to restore it so that this house can become alive again. The volunteers will help in the first phase of work reorganizing the outer accesses: access, terrace, park, … then they will intervene on the restoration of a room of the house: works of traditional masonry. The volunteers can take advantage of numerous cultural activities of the region. Excursions will be organized (cities, the coast, tourist visits) as well as strong moments of exchange with the inhabitants. Melle is very lively during summer: concert of street, festival, market, …
ACCOMMODATION: in a school, dormitories
LOCATION: Deux-Sèvres, 60 km from the ocean between Poitiers and La Rochelle
TERMINAL: Niort
Frankreich SJ40 Slipway of Auvillar 11.07.-01.08.2012 RENO 15vols (no more female)
PROJECT: The ancient city of Auvillar located on the edge of River Garonne is known as one of the most beautiful villages of France. It's a gorgeous place to visit because of its important architectural heritage, among which a very sophisticated medieval market hall. It is also a remarkable stop on the way to Santiago de Compostela. The work will be dedicated to the restoration of the ancient slipway of the city. This place is now hidden with a thick layer of silt, sand and grass and needs cleaning. This work is meant to give back the historical and genuine appearance of the slipway with visible stones and pebbles. There will be some small building-works to do (masonry on stone walls). Two retired artisans will be there to guide you and make sure that the work is going well. You will have the opportunity to create some activities for the leisure centre of Auvillar. During the three weeks of the workcamp, there will be several local festivities as village dance or concerts. The tourist office is also organising 3 night-walks around the village. In the afternoons you will have the opportunity to hike around the surrounding footpaths and discover the many leisure time activities.
ACCOMMODATION: dormitory in the community hall
LOCATION: Auvillar, 80 km North-West from Toulouse
TERMINAL: Valence d'Agen
Frankreich SJ42 Montricoux 13.07.-02.08.2012 RENO 10vols (no more female)
PROJECT: The village of Montricoux, located at the “doors of the Aveyron's gorges” and right at the end of Massif Central, is full of wonderful pieces of architectural heritage with its castle, churches, wash-house and battlements. During the first two weeks, you will have the chance to participate to the building of a small pebble street in the heart of the village, in front of the ancient convent. You will realize this street in collaboration with the children of Maison de Arts of Nègrepelisse. You will work during the first two weeks, from Monday to Friday and you will be lead by volunteers from the village and two local artisans. The last week will be free and you will have time to discover the different villages around, to organize projects with the children of Maison des Arts and hike around numerous paths. It will also be the occasion for you to meet the local population and to exchange different aspects of your culture.
ACCOMMODATION: you will sleep in tents, all facilities available
LOCATION: Montricoux, 12 km from Caussade, 80 km North-East of Toulouse
TERMINAL: Caussade
Frankreich CONC 068 LAMBALLE 18.07.-08.08.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: The organization for the Lamballe Washhouses aims at raising awareness about the preservation of the town's heritage. The volunteers will have the opportunity to discover the numerous washhouses of Lamballe as well as its history. Volunteers will also be invited to participate in the “washhouse party” at the end of the work camp. Food, music concert and an exhibition will be on your workcamp schedule. Let yourself be charmed by the beauty of this medieval town with its numerous washhouses, where the work camp will take place.
WORK: The volunteers will work on several washhouses in the town: clearing of the area from brushwood, brickwork, repointing the walls and cleaning. They will also participate in a washhouse party that will take place at the end of the work camp.
ACCOMMODATION: In tents.
LANGUAGE: French & English.
LOCATION: Lamballe is a picturesque town in the 'Côtes d'Armor' district, 22Kms from the city of St Brieuc.
TERMINAL: at the train station in Saint-Brieuc. Airports : Rennes, Nantes or Paris.
SPECIAL REMARKS: bring work gloves, walking shoes, warm clothes, a good sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, a backpack and a swim suit.
Frankreich SJ78 Giroussens 25.07.-15.08.2012 RENO 15vols (no more female)
PROJECT: This will be the first time the community of Giroussens will be hosting a group of international volunteers. The volunteers will work on rebuilding a wash-house located on the edge of the village and give it its initial aspect. For this, the volunteers will work together to clear the vegetation around, renovate the brick wall and its three arcs that bring light into the wash-house.
Along with the locals and taking into account all the possibilities in the community, the volunteers will organise their leisure activities together. Many opportunities will be open to you such as visits to the famous “Albi” cathedral, the museum of ceramics and meeting potters from the village. There is also the parc “Jardin des Martels”, one of the most beautiful in the region. The surrounding areas also have an abundance of other museums like the museum of Goya in Castres, museum of Toulouse Lautrec but also the archeological site of Montans.
ACCOMMODATION: in tents. Food will be provided by the local school and the changing rooms in the gymnasium will be available.
LOCATION: Giroussens (81500) in the Midi-Pyrénées.
Frankreich SJ47 La Crèche 27.07.-17.08.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Extremely attached to its heritage, the municipality of La Crèche is a town which has already hosted several international workcamps. Appealing by the state of mind and the dynamism of the participants, the municipality wishes to renew this positive experience. Part of its architectural heritage, certain low walls in dry stones require a renovation today. The volunteers will thus intervene on the restoration of low walls in dry stones (stone construction without mortar). The ancestral methods and the traditional techniques as well as the environmental protection will be taught to the volunteers. The municipality and its inhabitants organize regularly local events, excursions, visits and activities that the volunteers are more than welcome to take part in, to make this workcamp a privileged moment of gatherings and intercultural exchanges.
ACCOMMODATION: dormitory in the community hall
LOCATION: Deux-Sèvres, is situated about 10 km from Niort, 75 km from the coast
TERMINAL: St Maixent l'école
Frankreich U28 Pirogue de Largouet, Bretagne 27.07.-17.08.2012 RENO/ARCH 11vols (no more male)
The project: The Port-musée (Harbour-museum) of Douarnenez has the unique particularity to offer an afloat museum, where the ships can be discovered in the exceptional landscape of the tide of Port-Rhu. In a continuous will to value actively the naval heritage the Port-Musée welcomes this summer an international volunteer workcamp in partnership with the "ADRAMAR", the Association for Naval Archaeology Research Development, and "Des Hommes et des Arbres" (People and Trees), an association promoting ancient know-how linked to wood. In an experimental archaeological approach, you will build a medieval pirogue from the XIIth century found near Vannes: the pirogue of Largouet. You will take part in workshop of naval heritage discovering, underwater archaeology and ancient know-hows. You will also support the ADRAMAR and museum team in the animation of those workshops with the young local people and the museum public. Embark on this project: full of cultural exchanges and discoveries!
Work: You will take part in the digging and the making of a wooden pirogue according to a medieval pirogue from the XIIth century, according to an experimental archaeological protocol.
Activities: Leaders will suggest you several activities all along the workcamp. However, in order to fully live your workcamp, it is important for you to share activities ideas that you would like to set up. It will then be decided with the volunteers and the leaders by mutual agreement. So be imaginative! Active participation to the group activities is expected. You will live a life group experience, don't forget it!
Location: Douarnenez, the three harbours city, has been a Mecca of the sardine fishing. It is a town situated in the bottom of the Douarnenez bay, famous for its 1001 colours. It offers at once sea landscapes and at the same time rural landscapes. Thus, many painters were charmed by the region. That is why art is present there in its various facets. The town will seduce you with the harbour’s lively atmosphere but also with the numerous related legends about the mysterious Tristan island (natural protected site). The town is famous for its Kouign Amann as well, the well-known Breton butter cake. It is a good place from which people can discover the Breton marvels such as the Pointe du Raz, the Cap Sizun, the city of Quimper, the Armorica natural reserve or and also megalithic sites.
Accommodation: You will sleep in a dormitory situated in an internship of a secondary school.
Nearest big town: Douarnenez
Nearest airport: ORY CDG Charles de Gaulle Paris - ORY Orly Paris
Terminal: Quimper
Frankreich SJ48 Garden & Wooden Games 30.07.-19.08.2012 ENVI/CONS/ART 10vols (no more female)
PROJECT: For one year the REV organization, member of Solidarités Jeunesses, has been working on a kitchen garden in the community. We are looking for volunteers to help by making it more attractive and more productive! We would like to turn it into a nice and friendly place where people can meet each other. Furthermore, we are planning to build wooden games aimed at being used by people at any age, inhabitants and others, during local festivities. Activities for volunteers will be based on manual work, such as gardening and preparing the ground and plantation for the next season, as well as construction work.
LANGUAGE: Volunteers should be ready to speak or at least to get in touch with both German and French languages, which will be the spoken languages during the workcamp.
PARTICIPANTS: 2 groups of 5 participants from Germany and France
ACCOMMODATION: dormitory in the house of the organization
LOCATION: Beauvoisin, 15 km away from Nîmes, 40 km away from Montpellier
TERMINAL: Nimes
Frankreich SJ49 Massat 31.07.-21.08.2012 ENVI/RENO 15vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Massat is a village in the heart of the Pyrenees mountains, in the middle of a wonderful landscape, surrounded by peaks and forests. The Mountains Syndicate, in charge of those natural places, would like to develop the pastoralism in this area. The main part of the workcamp will take place in the mountains where you will renovate several shepherds' hamlets. There will be some building-work to do (rebuilding the stone roofs, preserving the stone wall) and also environmental work where you will clear the undergrowth from the surroundings of the shepherd's shelters and preserve the water springs with wooden shacks. Once a week, you will go back to the village Massat to maintain several places (public garden, paths...). This workcamp is in high mountain area, you will have to behave respectfully towards the natural environment and follow security instructions that will be given to you. It is also very important to have a good pair of hiking shoes.
ACCOMMODATION: in the tents in mountains and dormitory in Massat
LOCATION: Massat, 35 km South of Foix
TERMINAL: Tarascon sur Ariège
Frankreich CONC 016 VANXAINS 2 03.08.-24.08.2012 RENO 15vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Vanxains is a little village in Dordogne department, well-known for its local flora and fauna. You can find some important swamp sites with interesting flora, ideal for nature lovers. The partnership with the village is always very advantageous for everyone: renovation of minor heritage, enriching exchanges between international volunteers and local people… Two workcamps will be hosted this year in order to carry on the restoration of the surrounding wall in green spaces which belong to the village and which are used for cultural events during summertime.
WORK: Managed by a technical leader from Concordia you will take part in the renovation of the surrounding wall. Rebuilding, removing plaster, remake the joints will be the activities on the most parts of the wall. You will also do traditional masonry works.
LOCATION: Vanxains (700 inhabitants) is situated 40 km from Périgueux. Vainxains is a small traditional village, a very charming place.
ACCOMMODATION: in a building. Be prepared to have basic collective living conditions!
LANGUAGE: French and English.
MEETING POINT: Angoulême train station.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Bring a sleeping bag, working clothes, sport shoes and warm clothes.
SPECIAL REMARKS: Work may be quite physical demanding sometimes. Be prepared to live in a small rural village with no public transportation. It is better to have a real interest in nature and hiking to apply to that workcamp!
Frankreich CONC 010 CHANCELADE 03.08.-24.08.2012 ENVI/RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Chancelade is located in the first west suburb of Périgueux. It is well-known by people fond of history for the famous man of Chancelade and the abbey Notre-Dame of Chancelade. It is a stage for pilgrims going to Compostelle. An island borders Chancelade with a coastline of 3 km from south to southwest and separates it from Marsac-sur-l'Isle village. The project developed by Concordia aims the renovation of different washhouses and promoting cultural exchanges between local people and international volunteers.
WORK: You will take part in washhouses' renovation in the village supervised by a technical leader. There will be traditional masonry work and it might be garden landscaping and clearing activities.
LANGUAGE: French and English
LOCATION: Chancelade is located 5 km from Périgueux.
ACCOMMODATION: You will sleep in tents just next to the stadium of Chancelade.
TERMINAL: Périgueux train station (SNCF).
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Bring a sleeping bag, work cloths, sport shoes, warm cloths and waterproof shoes (you might sometimes work feet under water).
Frankreich CONC 041 ALLÈGRE 03.08.-24.08.2012 RENO 12vols
Trinational workcamp OFAJ France - Germany – South Korea!
PROJECT: Allègre is a town with an important medieval heritage. Situated at an altitude of ca. 1000 meters, a castle, which is listed as a Historical Monument, dominates the village. It’s most prominent feature is a big arch from the 14th century named “La potence”. Narrow lanes and former pedestrian streets, called “charreyons” run through the town centre. During this forth workcamp with the municipality of Allègre the volunteers will renovate one of these lanes endowed with a stone pavement. Also on your workcamp schedule are different cultural local events and the discovery of the region!
WORK: You will continue the renovation work of a stone pavement on a path with large steps started last year. You will use traditional techniques to re-seal the stones and build large steps.
LOCATION: Allègre (2000 inhabitants) is located in the department of Haute-Loire in the Auvergne region. It is at about 30 km north from Le-Puy-en-Velay. The village is part of the natural park Livradois-Forez, and it has a rich natural and architectural heritage.
ACCOMMODATION: in the school building of the town. Bring your own sleeping bag.
TERMINAL: Darsac train station.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Trinational workcamp OFAJ France - Germany – South Korea. A part of the travel costs of the participants is paid for on presentation of original transports’ documents.
Bring warm clothes and a sleeping bag. Don’t forget your gloves, as well as clothes and shoes for work.
Frankreich CONC 043 ESCUROLLES 03.08.-24.08.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
You have to be able to ride a bike!
PROJECT: Concordia has been working with the community of local towns and villages in the “Bassin de Gannat” district since 1997. Many municipalities in this region have already hosted international workcamps. Most of these projects are in relation with the renovation and preservation of the local heritage, and usually generate a lot of interest and expectations among the population. Not only the work, but also the contact with the local population is really important in this project. This year’s workcamp will take place in the village of Escurolles, for the eighth year in a row. You can find many historical buildings in this small village, such as its Romanesque church dating from the 12th century.
WORK: You will restore an old fountain using traditional materials and techniques (stones, lime mortar, flat tiles ...). You will also continue the renovation of the walls of the church, which is classified as a historical monument. You will use traditional masonry techniques such as taking off the old joints, making joints with lime (mortar), coating...
LOCATION: Escurolles (650 inhabitants) is located at 50 km north from Clermont-Ferrand and 10 km east from Gannat in the Allier district. It’s a rural region with a rich historical heritage (numerous castles and Romanesque churches).
ACCOMMODATION: in two-person tents (bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat) and group life in the soccer stadium’s changing rooms.
TERMINAL: Gannat train station.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Nights can be chilly, so bring warm clothes and sleeping bag. Ensure to bring suitable gloves, clothes and shoes for work. You will use bikes for local transportation and for visits in the area around Escurolles.
Frankreich CONC 122 JUIGNE SUR SARTHE 03.08.-24.08.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
A scaffolding certificate is required!
PROJECT: This will be the 4th workcamp that Concordia organises with the village of Juigné-sur-Sarthe. This charming little medieval village dominates the Sarthe Valley. In the historical village centre you can find a church with a 12th-century bell, a priory and typical houses, occupied by weavers. The town council, proud of its heritage, has started the protection of the different sites by restoring several walls. During archaeological digs around the sites, remains of the walls dating from pre-historic times have been discovered. The cooperation with Concordia started three years ago with the objective to restore the walls at the entrance of the village and thus improve the local population’s living environment.
WORK: You will continue the restoration work of the wall (clear it of undergrowth, do some masonry work), repair the joints of the bricks by using traditional techniques (e.g. lime mortar).
ACOMMODATION: collective accommodation in the football stadium. Sanitary facilities are situated in the changing rooms. Bring a sleeping-mat and a sleeping bag.
LOCATION: In the south-west of Sarthe, between Angers and Le Mans about 45 km away from each town.
TERMINAL: Meeting-point at Sablé-sur-Sarthe train station (Gare SNCF).
SPECIAL REMARKS: Scaffolding certificate is mandatory. Bring suitable shoes.
Frankreich CONC 125 VIVOIN 03.08.-24.08.2012 RENO 30vols (no more female)
You have to be able to ride a bike!
PROJECT: it’s the first partnership with the village of Vivoin. This traditional rural village of more than 950 inhabitants is situated in the Valley of the Sarthe. You will see many archaic crosses with a red typical stone of the Pays de la Haute-Sarthe especially used in the buildings of the village. Situated in the centre of the village, the priory and the church of St Hippolyte are the main cultural elements of the village. Volunteers will restore a Romanic door of a building that will be intended to welcome pilgrims on the way to Mont-Saint-Michel and Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle.
WORK: You will restore this building and a little house with traditional masonry (lime mortar).
LOCATION: in the department of Sarthe, 30 km north from Le Mans.
ACOMMODATION: You will sleep in tents in a soccer stadium. Toilets and kitchen are on the spot. If you have tent, you can take it. Please bring a sleeping mat and a sleeping bag.
TERMINAL: Vivoin train station
SPECIAL REMARKS: bring suitable shoes. We will move by bike.
Frankreich CONC 158 TILLOLOY 03.08.-17.08.2012 RENO 15vols (no more female)
PROJECT: In 2012, it will be the 5th workcamp that Concordia organizes with Tilloloy which is very glad to host once again international volunteers and show them its history. Tilloloy is famous for being in the front line at the beginning of the World War I and has several world heritage monuments. Blaise Cendrar wrote about Tilloloy in his book “The Severed Hand”, La main coupée in French.
WORK: In anticipation of the centenary of the outbreak of the World War I, Tilloloy wishes to enhance the value and preserve the memory of the terrible battles that occurred on its lands. There is still a concrete bunker in the heart of a small wood nearby. You will have to repair some masonry units and create a small trail through the woods. In other words, clearing, masonry and history! Everything comes together to make a beautiful project.
LOCATION: Tilloloy is located close to the Oise, two steps away from the town of Roye and halfway between Compiegne and Amiens.
ACCOMMODATION: In a building.
TERMINAL: Montidier train station.
Frankreich CONC 191 Bouvesse-Quirieu 03.08.-24.08.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
You must be able to ride a bike!
PROJECT: This is the 7th year that the communities of Pays des Couleurs and the commune of Bouvesse-Quirieu organize a workcamp together with Concordia. You will contribute to the development of the medieval site of Quirieu. In addition to the technical aspect of this workcamp, you will have the opportunity to spend time with the locals, who are always happy to host you in their homeland. A workcamp made for those who want to discover the region and its inhabitants.
WORK: You will work on the improvement of the paths leading to the medieval site of Quirieu. You will clean the existing paths, removing vegetation. Afterwards, you will build low walls along the paths using a traditional method of dry stone in order to enlarge the paths and facilitate the access to the site.
LANGUAGE: English and French.
LOCATION: Located in the northeastern part of the department of Isère, the Pays des Couleurs includes 18 municipalities (around 22 000 inhabitants). Bouvesse-Quirieu has 1 285 inhabitants and overlooks the Rhone Valley and the North-Isère plain. It is situated 54 km from Chambery and 70 km far from Lyon. You will be able to discover the village of Morestel. You will discover the land of stone, between the museum of Montalieu and the traditional houses.
ACCOMMODATION: In an old school in the hamlet of Le Bayard (250 inhabitants) in Quirieu 500m from the working place.
MEETING POINT: Ambérieux-en-Bugey train station.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Do not forget your working gloves, good working and walking shoes, warm clothes, a waterproof windbreaker, a good sleeping bag, a mattress and a backpack.
Be careful: You must be able to ride a bike. For further information please consult the following site: www.bouvessequirieu.fr and www.morestel.com/x-ot-tourisme.html
Frankreich CONC 223 EMMAÜS ESCALQUENS 03.08.-17.08.2012 SOCI 13vols (no more female)
The Emmaus movement, based on the principles of solidarity and secularity, was founded in 1949 by persons from very different backgrounds, united by the will to provide help for those who suffer and are in need. Ever since, inspired by the founder Abbé Pierre, the “companions” have worked all over the world in order to help people in need, allowing them to regain their dignity, independence and security through work and mutual aid. They collect all kind of equipment (electric domestic appliances, furniture, clothes, etc), which they repair and resell. The profits are used to help the disadvantaged and to promote solidarity. www.emmaus-France.org
PROJECT: This is the 8th workcamp Concordia organises in partnership with GIVE (International Group of Emmaus Volunteers). You’ll work together with the Emmaus companions (collection, sorting and sale of the different items, reparations, cooking for a group of 30 persons, etc). You’ll share the life of the companions as well as the life of other international volunteers.
WORK: different types of sorting and cleaning work, stowage, etc.
ACCOMMODATION: in tents.
LOCATION: 15 km south-east of Toulouse in a suburban area. Visits of Toulouse possible, as well as walks in the country side.
TERMINAL: Toulouse then Escalquens train station by train.
SPECIAL REMARKS: the volunteers will have the same work hours (in the morning and afternoon) and the same free days (Sunday and Monday) as the companions.
Frankreich CONC 096 LES CLAYES SOUS BOIS 03.08.-18.08.2012 RENO 16vols (no more female)
PROJECT: For several years now, the city of Les Clayes-Sous-Bois has encouraged the participation of the local youth in different projects of general interest (local renovation projects etc.). The city now wishes to give an international dimension to these projects and receive an international group of volunteers which will interact with the young people of this city. This Workcamp will be the first international experience of the city and will prepare the local volunteers for further intercultural exchanges and maybe their participation in international projects abroad in 2013. This year, 8 young people from Les Clayes-Sous-Bois and 8 international volunteers will work together on a renovation project of public facilities.
WORK: Under the supervision of the technical camp leader, you will renovate a gymnasium (cleaning, coating, painting ...) in the city centre. In addition, you will set up activities for the inhabitants of this city, with the objective of involving and meeting the local population.
ACCOMODATION: In the gymnasium.
LOCATION: Les Clayes-Sous-Bois, 30 km from Paris and 15 km from Versailles (Villepreux Les Clayes, train station).
SPECIAL REMARKS: Bring a sleeping mat and a warm sleeping bag.
Frankreich CONC 128 SEMUR-EN-VALLON 03.08.-24.08.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Semur-en-Vallon is a village of 500 inhabitants located in a rural area with a rich historical and natural heritage. It dates from the eleventh century and the village still has a church which has been restored over the centuries but also a twelfth century castle still inhabited.
Moreover, in the middle of a forest and marshy place, you will see many old trains in a former train station with a special "scenic railway".
You will contribute to develop this local heritage and restore the wall behind the town hall.
WORK: you will continue the restoration of this wall with traditional masonry (lime mortar).
LOCATION: located in the department of Sarthe, the village is situated 45 km east from Le Mans and 15 km from la Ferté Bernard.
ACOMMODATION: under tents in a soccer stadium. Toilets and kitchen are in the stadium.
If you have a tent, you can take it. Please bring a sleeping mat and a sleeping bag.
TERMINAL: La Ferté Bernard train station.
SPECIAL REMARKS: bring suitable shoes. We will go by bike. You will also participate in the activities of a market gardener and exchange about sustainable development.
Frankreich CONC 230 CABREROLLES 03.08.-24.08.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: This will be the first partnership with the Municipality of Cabrerolles where there is an impressive heritage with a castle and various elements of the small rural heritage. The municipality has decided to work with Concordia to restore a bread oven, a project they have for many years. Volunteers will work in one of the main hamlet of the town. You will also detach and reconnect stones of the wall of the façade and rebuild the "oven" of the monument. This work takes place in a relatively small space, so part of the group will work on other elements of local heritage (walls, various arrangements ...).
ACCOMMODATION: in a collective gite
LOCATION: at thirty kilometres from Beziers, you will stay in middle of vineyards in an area that produces a wine well-known by specialists: the Faugères.
TERMINAL: Béziers then Magalas train station
SPECIAL REMARKS: You will have many opportunities to visit the region; towns such as Pezenas, Bédarieux and to take part of activities in the surrounding villages.
Frankreich SJ53 Béceleuf-Rochard 04.08.-25.08.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Béceleuf is a small village near of the “marais poitevin” (swamp from Poitou) which has already hosted several international workcamps. Rochard is an ancient farm transformed into rustic lodging by an association which hosts groups of children, walkers, campers, … In the middle of the nature, at the bank of a river, the place has a lot of charm. The technical objective of this workcamp will be the partial restoration of the roof of this lodging. Small works of traditional masonry and stone cutting will be taught by professionals of the building. The part of animation will be a key point of the project. Excursions in the region and the group dynamics with the inhabitants will be organized: visit of the swamps, astronomy, music, traditional dances. A party is planned in the village.
ACCOMMODATION: collective room in the village school
LOCATION: Deux-Sèvres, 22 km from Niort and 80 from the ocean
TERMINAL: Niort
Frankreich CBF04 Cormery, Centre 04.08.-25.08.2012 RENO 16vols
Age: 18-25 years old!
The project: After 3 successful workcamps in 2009, 2010 and 2011, the municipality wishes to host a workcamp again this summer. This year, volunteers will work in order to build wood fences, barrel vault and traditional stone benches in a natural area.
Works: traditional masonry and joinery (woodwork).
Activities: Discovery of the region and several activities are possible. Volunteers will have to get involved in the organization and the leisure time, along with the leaders and according to the budget given to the workcamp.
Location: Cormery is located in Indre-et-Loire, 250 km south from Paris and 15 km from Tours.
Accommodation: in tents.
Nearest big town: Cormery
Nearest airport: Paris
Terminal: Tours
Frankreich SJ 81 Family in Abbey of Clausonne 05.08.-11.08.2012 RENO/FAM 15vols
PROJECT : Clausonne abbey was built in the 12th century, a few kilometers away from the actual village of le Saix, in the south Alps of France. It is located at alt. 1100m in a very preserved and quiet environment. Throughout the centuries, the abbey was burnt, destroyed and rebuilt several times. At the beginning of the 20th century, it had become the local parish. Some years later, the main part was finally transformed into a primary school. For several years the local association "the Friends of the Abbey of Clausonne " organizes summer workcamps to rehabilitate the ruins. This year the association wishes to open its workcamps to families. Workcamps are a unique way to share with your children a strong moment of discovery and learning together! We propose to you, one week of holidays in family in Alps of the South: in the morning you’ll learn about various re-constructions techniques; afternoon, you’ll discover our magnificent environment: swimming, hiking, cultural visit or you’ll simply take advantage of the tranquility of the place and take time to live.
Families can apply for one, two or three weeks workcamp. One or both parents wish kids of any age can apply for this project. The kids under 8 years old will spend time with volunteers by doing different artistic, creative workshops, leisure activities while parents are going to participate in the renovation work. Older kids will be able to join the parents on the work site.
ACCOMMODATION : familiar bedroom, at the Faï international centre
LOCATION : 30 km from Gap, 200 km from Marseille
TERMINAL : Veynes Devoluy
PARTICIPATION FEE : 80 € per week per adult; 40 € per week per kid
Frankreich CBF01 Baden, Bretagne 06.08.-26.08.2012 RENO 11vols
The project: The municipality wishes to follow the project started last year with a second workcamp through a saving program of his maritime heritage. Baden has a lot of maritime low walls which are in a pathetic state and urgently needs to be renovated. An international workcamp will be organised here for the second time. The volunteers will renovate these walls using particular masonry techniques with big dry stones.
Work: Traditional masonry. Physical work: be ready to work hard!
Activities: L'anse du Dreven welcomes you in a wonderful site, feet in the sand of a little beach, hands in the stone and the spirit in holidays in the gulf of Morbihan! The city will welcome you warmly and will make you discover the cultural wealth of the region.
Location: Baden is a seaside town situated in the South of Brittany, in the Golf of Morbihan, between Vannes and Auray.
Accommodation: in tents.
Special Requirements:
- Physical workcamp
- trilateral project (french-german-serbian) in the frame of the DFJW program (partly reimbursement of travel costs of the participants)
Nearest big town: Baden
Nearest airport: Vannes
Terminal: Auray
Frankreich SJ80 Clausonne Abbey 06.08.-27.08.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT : Clausonne abbey was built in the 12th century, a few kilometers away from the actual village of le Saix, in the south Alps of France. It is located at alt. 1100m in a very preserved and quiet environment. Throughout the centuries, the abbey was burnt, destroyed and rebuilt several times. At the beginning of the 20th century, it had become the local parish. Some years later, the main part was finally transformed into a primary school... Each time, it had been reconstructed on rubble of the previous construction. The abbey’s original ground was never affected, and the vestiges of its first destruction, remain buried under the current paving stone. The local association, "The Friends of the Abbey of Clausonne " has the project, since a few years, of covering the abbey’s chorus. It will protect the degraded walls and especially, allow undertaking archaeological excavations within the chorus. The object of this workcamp is the realization of the skeleton’s foundations, and the implementation of the posts which will support this skeleton. This workcamp is also a good opportunity to discover the rural lifestyle, the mountains, its fauna and flora.
ACCOMMODATION : campsite, at the Faï international centre
LOCATION : 30 km from Gap, 200 km from Marseille. TERMINAL : Veynes Devoluy.
Frankreich CONC 071 PLOERMEL II (MORBIHAN) 08.08.-29.08.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
A scaffolding certificate is required!
PROJECT: The project consists in the renovation of the medieval town's fortifications and works in the surroundings of the church. These fortifications located in the centre of the town date back from the Middle Ages and show the glorious past of the former ducal city; like the memorable battle of the thirty Breton knights led by Jean III de Beaumanoir and English knights (1351) or the war of the League (1594). Moreover you will contribute to the beauty of the place and keep this heritage with the inhabitants of Ploërmel alive.
WORK: You will participate in several masonry tasks on the fortifications: You will replace stones, remake the joints of the walls. This work will be done according to the original frame.
LANGUAGE: French & English.
LOCATION: Ploërmel is located in the region of Morbihan, between Rennes and Lorient. It is a very old town, former refuge of the dukes of Brittany in the middle-ages and a former strong commerce location.
ACCOMMODATION: You will sleep in tents close to sports facilities. You can bring your tent if you have one.
TERMINAL: At the Ploërmel bus station. Airports: Rennes, Nantes or Paris.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Please bring work gloves, hiking shoes, warm and working clothes, a good sleeping bag, a mattress, a backpack and a swimming suit.
SPECIAL REMARKS: The work will be done on scaffoldings. SCAFFOLDING CERTIFICATE required.
Frankreich CONC 126 PARCE SUR SARTHE 08.08.-28.08.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
A scaffolding certificate is required!
PROJECT: It will be the 3rd year that Concordia has a partnership with the village. On the edge of the Sarthe River, the village of Parcé sur Sarthe presents many buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries. It was destroyed at the end of the Hundred Years’ War and rebuilt with stones from the former fortifications. The centre of the village is composed of narrow flowery lanes where you can see old buildings such as the Saint-Pierre tower, the salt storehouse, many wells and crosses of the village. If you venture out on the footpaths, you will admire the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Sarthe River. Looking around, you will spot the water mill, nestled between the stony village and the river. Just outside the village, there is the site of “Les Tourettes”: ladies used to watch from these towers their husbands hunting in the valley.
WORK: You will continue the restoration of “Les Tourettes” with traditional masonry.
LOCATION: in the south-west of Sarthe, between Angers and Le Mans. About 10 km away from Sablé, Parcé is a small lively town, where many traditional festivities take place in August.
ACCOMMODATION: You will sleep in tents on the camp-site on the edge of the river with view on the old water mill; cooking and eating under a big tent outside. If you have a tent, you can take it. Please bring a sleeping mat and a sleeping bag.
TERMINAL: Sablé-sur-Sarthe train station.
SPECIAL REMARKS: bring suitable shoes. A scaffolding certificate is mandatory. For more information, have a look at: http://www.parce-sur-sarthe.fr/
Frankreich CONC 159 NEUFCHATEL EN BRAY 08.08.-29.08.2012 RENO 15vols (no more female)
A scaffolding certificate is demanded!
PROJECT: It is the fourth time Concordia organises a workcamp in this village. The community is very keen on the protection of their heritage and desires to take an active part in the workcamps’ life by organising several activities for the volunteers. The main goal of the project is to maintain and restore St. Radegonde Chapel, situated in an industrial and commercial area. The chapel is just two steps away from a legendary spring of water. The long term purpose of the council is to create a space for meetings and exhibitions. The restoration of the St Radegonde chapel is a wide project with many others important local and national actors and will continue all year long. Concordia’s workcamp is one of the highlight of this on-going project. So be ready to meet very motivated and friendly locals.
WORK: You will do some renovation work in the St. Radegonde Chapel. You will restore the joints of the chapel using different traditional masonry materials. Some of the work will be done on scaffolding.
ACCOMMODATION: You will sleep in tents and a room will be provided for the collective life.
LOCATION: Neufchâtel in Bray is a small town situated between Rouen and Amiens in the heart of the beautiful Pays de Bray.
TERMINAL: Serqueux train station.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Scaffolding certificate demanded.
Frankreich CONC 160 Pavant 08.08.-28.08.2012 ENVI 15vols (no more female)
This is a French-speaking workcamp!
PROJECT: The rural club, a local dynamic association of Pavant - a tiny village between Chateau-Thierry and Meaux - wants to contribute in the improvement of the footpaths around the village and highlight their attractive parts. After a previous successful workcamp, the people are curious to meet you! Many exchanges with young and older people will take place. This project is run in partnership with the Federation of Rural clubs of the Aisne department.
WORK: You will improve a hiking path: You will clear the vegetation, install a resting area, design and put information signs about the local history and legends, fauna, flora, etc.
SITUATION: Pavant, a small village near Chateau-Thierry located in the center of the Champagne Appellation.
ACCOMMODATION: Living place and meals will be taken in a building, you will sleep in tents.
MEETING POINT: Nogent l'Artaud railway station
SPECIAL REMARKS: French-speaking workcamp!
Frankreich SJ 82 Family in Abbey of Clausonne 12.08.-18.08.2012 RENO/FAM 15vols
PROJECT : Clausonne abbey was built in the 12th century, a few kilometers away from the actual village of le Saix, in the south Alps of France. It is located at alt. 1100m in a very preserved and quiet environment. Throughout the centuries, the abbey was burnt, destroyed and rebuilt several times. At the beginning of the 20th century, it had become the local parish. Some years later, the main part was finally transformed into a primary school. For several years the local association "the Friends of the Abbey of Clausonne " organizes summer workcamps to rehabilitate the ruins. This year the association wishes to open its workcamps to families. Workcamps are a unique way to share with your children a strong moment of discovery and learning together! We propose to you, one week of holidays in family in Alps of the South: in the morning you’ll learn about various re-constructions techniques; afternoon, you’ll discover our magnificent environment: swimming, hiking, cultural visit or you’ll simply take advantage of the tranquility of the place and take time to live.
Families can apply for one, two or three weeks workcamp. One or both parents wish kids of any age can apply for this project. The kids under 8 years old will spend time with volunteers by doing different artistic, creative workshops, leisure activities while parents are going to participate in the renovation work. Older kids will be able to join the parents on the work site.
ACCOMMODATION : familiar bedroom, at the Faï international centre
LOCATION : 30 km from Gap, 200 km from Marseille
TERMINAL : Veynes Devoluy
PARTICIPATION FEE : 80 € per week per adult; 40 € per week per kid
Frankreich CONC 130 SAINT LÉZIN 16.08.-31.08.2012 RENO/ART 12vols (no more female)
French-speaking camp!
PROJECT: It will be the 9th year that the village of St Lézin will host an international Workcamp (http://workampstlezin.zeblog.com/), thanks to a partnership between Concordia and “Un pas de côté” (http://unpasdecote.asso.fr/), an association which offers cultural and artistic activities in the Aubance cultural centre in St Lézin. This year, you will work on the restoration of wooden landing stages in a wetland area. Each weekend, artistic activities will be organized with local organisations and the inhabitants to create together a show, which will be presented at the end of the workcamp. Food will mainly consist of regional biological products.
WORK: You will work on the restoration of the pontoons (landing stages) in the wetland area.
ACCOMODATION: You will be accommodated in tents near the village hall. Sanitary facilities are situated inside. If you have tent, you can bring it. Bring a sleeping-mat and a sleeping bag.
LOCATION: St Lézin is a little village of 700 inhabitants, situated in the Maine et Loire department, between Cholet et Angers.
TERMINAL: at Chemillé train station.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: The Workcamp language will be French. A motivation letter in French is required.
Frankreich U39 Tarascon, Midi-Pyrénées 17.08.-31.08.2012 FEST/CULT 8vols (no more female)
The project: The Commune of Tarascon sur Ariège wishes to host an international workcamp for the Festival Latino, being sure of the richness of intercultural meetings that it can bring.
Work: Volunteers will take part in an active way in the reception of the artists and with logistic organization of the festival. The Festival Tarascon Latino has existed for more than 15 years now! It proposes to discover Latin America through its culture: music, dance, food.
Activities: For the festival a participative planning will be elaborated with the person in charge of the event. You will have spare times to discover the artists in concert and to explore the cultural heritage around. You will be in charge of cleaning your accommodation place. We expected that you participate in the activities which are decided together with the volunteers and the campleaders. You will live an experience in a group and things are planned within the group.
Location: Tarascon-on-Ariège was in the centre of the Viguery of Sabarthès annexed to the county of Foix to XIème century. Built on the hillock dominating in Ariège, the castle Comtal of Tarascon-on-Ariège was one of most important defensive system of the county of Foix. www.photosariege.com
Accommodation: In a rural household
Nearest big town: TARASCON SUR ARIEGE
Nearest airport: TOULOUSE-BLAGNAC
Terminal: GARE DE TARASCON-SUR-ARIèGE
Frankreich SJ 83 Family in Abbey of Clausonne 19.08.-25.08.2012 RENO/FAM 15vols
PROJECT : Clausonne abbey was built in the 12th century, a few kilometers away from the actual village of le Saix, in the south Alps of France. It is located at alt. 1100m in a very preserved and quiet environment. Throughout the centuries, the abbey was burnt, destroyed and rebuilt several times. At the beginning of the 20th century, it had become the local parish. Some years later, the main part was finally transformed into a primary school. For several years the local association "the Friends of the Abbey of Clausonne " organizes summer workcamps to rehabilitate the ruins. This year the association wishes to open its workcamps to families. Workcamps are a unique way to share with your children a strong moment of discovery and learning together! We propose to you, one week of holidays in family in Alps of the South: in the morning you’ll learn about various re-constructions techniques; afternoon, you’ll discover our magnificent environment: swimming, hiking, cultural visit or you’ll simply take advantage of the tranquility of the place and take time to live.
Families can apply for one, two or three weeks workcamp. One or both parents wish kids of any age can apply for this project. The kids under 8 years old will spend time with volunteers by doing different artistic, creative workshops, leisure activities while parents are going to participate in the renovation work. Older kids will be able to join the parents on the work site.
ACCOMMODATION : familiar bedroom, at the Faï international centre
LOCATION : 30 km from Gap, 200 km from Marseille
TERMINAL : Veynes Devoluy
PARTICIPATION FEE : 80 € per week per adult; 40 € per week per kid
Frankreich SJ64 River and path clearing 20.08.-09.09.2012 ENVI 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: The village of Montmaur is located in the Buëch valley and is surrounded by high mountains. The people in the village are eager to preserve and improve the attractiveness of their environment. The project aims at clearing one of the rivers running through the village and the path going along the little dike. Supported by professionals from the local river management agency (SMIGIBA), the volunteers work will consist on cutting down the trees, selecting species and removing dead branches. This project is a good opportunity to discover the rural lifestyle, to visit Montmaur castle, to visit the region and take part into local cultural events. There are also many opportunities to organize hikes and treks in the mountains around.
ACCOMMODATION: in tents, all the facilities available
LOCATION: Montmaur, 6 km from Veynes, 20 km from Gap
TERMINAL: Veynes
Frankreich SJ67 Little Blue Hands Co 28.08.-17.09.2012 FEST 20vols
This project is a special project supported by the European Commission with volunteers from France, Finland, Italy and Germany.
PROJECT: From the Middle Ages to the first half of the 20th century, the city of la Ferté sous Jouarre has experienced prosperity through the extraction and manufacture of millstone that have been exported worldwide. The sudden decline of this industry has left a deep trauma. Throughout France, industrial wastelands witness these brutal economic and social changes and are sometimes converted into cultural places. Here in la Ferté sous Jouarre, it is the memory of that hard work of these people, which is also our heritage, we want to honour with a festival of street arts. All of the elements are symbolic to the past, and it is this symbolism that is passed and reinterpreted in the spirit of the festival. The « blue hands » are those of the workers who were cutting the stone and stealing pieces of the flint which penetrated the flesh. The hand can be seen as the symbol of the work but also as the symbol of giving and sharing. On September 15th 2012, the city of la Ferté sous Jouarre renew for the 4th consecutive year, the Festival of Blue Hands. With a partnership of the city of la Ferté sous Jouarre, Vir'Volt organizes a European exchange of the youth bringing together 15 to 20 participants from different countries including local youth people.
The aims of this project are:
-to discover and participate in the enhancement of the local cultural and environmental heritage
-encourage cross-cultural encounters between young Europeans and the inhabitants
-enable young people from various backgrounds to participate to a local project through the creation of concrete work and community
To do this, the project provides:
-daily workshops of artistic creations (decors, performances)
-time for discovering the environment and local history
-time for meeting and doing exchange with the inhabitants
-time for meeting professional street-art companies
-a collective restitution in the Festival on September 15th
PARTICIPANTS: 20 young people between 18 and 26 years, 5 participants per country from France, Finland (Allianssi), Italy (YAP Italia) and Germany (IBG).
ACCOMMODATION: in the yurts on the camping site of the organization
LOCATION: La Ferte sous Jouarre 60km from Paris.
TERMINAL: La Ferté-sous-Jouarre
Frankreich CONC 163 AVRICOURT 31.08.-22.09.2012 RENO 15vols (no more female)
PROJECT: This is the 13th workcamp which is organized in Avricourt. This small village of 200 inhabitants wants to preserve its little church and is glad to welcome once again international volunteers. The locals are ready to warmly host you with meals made with local vegetables, cakes and jam. Beside the work of renovation of the church of Avricourt, you will organize and participate in several activities together with the young locals from the village. The end of the workcamp will be celebrated with a concert in the church.
WORK: The work will consist on renovating the outside of the church. You will restore the joints of the north wall, to extract old joints on stone walls and make new and finally changing a few bricks as well.
ACCOMMODATION: Near the town hall. You will use the local public hall’s facilities.
LOCATION: Avricourt is located 15 km from Noyon in the north of the Oise County.
TERMINAL: Noyon train station.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Please bring a picture of yourself to add to the « Hall of Fame » of the Avricourt Workcamp, and if you are a musician feel free to come with your instrument: the Noyon Harmony is ready to invite you to play with them for the final concert in the church.
Frankreich CONC 193 Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine/ Chateau de Longpra 31.08.-21.09.2012 ENVI/RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: This will be the first time that Concordia cooperates with the association “Cercle XVIII- Chateau de Longpra”. The exceptional site of “Le Chateau de Longpra” (Longpra castle) is a national protected monument. The site includes a fortified house built in the 12th century. Today the gardens, the moats and the buildings receive more than 12000 visitors every year and several activities are organized by the association “Cercle XVIII- Chateau de Longpra”. The goal of this project is to enhance the importance of this site.
WORK: You will clean the castle’s moats; remove the invasive plants (for instance a kind of water lily) that represent a treat to the water eco-system. After cleaning, you will reinforce the moats with stones.
LANGUAGE: English and French
LOCATION: The “Chateau de Longpra” is placed in Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine an Isère community of 23000 inhabitants. The city is situated at 90 km to the South-East of Lyon, 40 km to the North of Grenoble and 35 km South-West of Chambery. This site is just next to the “Massif de la Chartreuse” and the lake “Lac de Paladru”.
ACCOMMODATION: You will sleep tents in the courtyard of the castle. Kitchen and sanitary facilities can be found in a building nearby.
MEETING POINT: Bus stop Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Bring working gloves, working clothes and shoes, warm clothes, a waterproof wind breaker, a sleeping-bag, a camping mat and your swim suit. For further information please consult the following site www.longpra.com
Frankreich SJ68 Clausonne Abbey 31.08.-10.09.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: Clausonne abbey was built in the 12th century, a few kilometres away from the actual village of le Saix, in the south Alps of France. It is located at alt. 1100m in a very preserved and quiet environment. Throughout the centuries, the abbey was burnt, destroyed and rebuilt many times. At the beginning of the 20th century, it became the local parish. Some years later, the main part was finally transformed into a primary school. Since then, the villages around have been deserted and the abbey came to ruins. Many workcamps were organized on the spot in partnership with a local organization, ‘The Abbey of Clausonne’s friends’, in order to protect the ruins from vegetation and hard winters. The aim of the workcamps this year is to improve the access to the abbey by building a stone paved foot track. The volunteers will explore traditional techniques of masonry and old “know how” as building stone walls. This workcamp is also a good opportunity to discover the rural lifestyle, the mountains, its fauna and flora.
ACCOMMODATION: in dormitories, at the Faï international hosting center
LOCATION: in the French Alps, 3 km from the little village le Saix, 30 km from Gap, 200 km from Marseille in the South of France
TERMINAL: Veynes Devoluy
Frankreich SJ69 Leucate Pond 2 03.09.-21.09.2012 ENVI 12vols
PROJECT: The Leucate Pond is a pond situated at the border to the Mediterranean Sea in south of France. It has two sources of fresh water but at the same time it is also connected to the sea by two channels. This sea-pond is maintained by different organizations such as the syndicate RIVAGE which works on the protection of this particular natural spot. The work of this workcamp will consist in removing invasive plants that threaten the balance of the pond's biotope: “the witch's claw”. Different visits and information meetings with local environmental structure officials will be organized for participants in order to discover the area and its challenges, raise awareness on this exceptional environment and the protection needs.
ACCOMMODATION: in tents on a camping site, all the facilities provided
LOCATION: Leucate village at the sea side, 40 km from Perpignan and Narbonne
TERMINAL: Leucate-La Franqui
Frankreich SJ70 Vaunières Selecting area 03.09.-23.09.2012 ENVI 12vols
PROJECT : There is a small garden at Vaunières hosting center where the organization grows different varieties of plants. In autumn 2011, the international volunteer group built a wooden shelter and a greenhouse in order to develop farming activities over the year. As the number of people staying at the center is increasing over the years, the waste management and the parking organization has to be improved. During this project, the volunteers will build a shelter to recycle the waste as well as a new parking area. This project offers the opportunity to meet young people from all over the world, discover a rural way of life, walk in the mountains, visit some tourist areas of the region and share many festive moments with all the young people who stay at Vaunières.
PARTICIPANTS: 3 groups of 4 participants from Germany, France and the third country (to be defined)
ACCOMMODATION: in bedrooms of 5 to 6 people
LOCATION: Vaunières (7 km from the village of St Julien en Beauchêne, 40km from Gap)
TERMINAL: Lus la Croix Haute
Frankreich SJ71 Montendre Castle 04.09.-25.09.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: The town of Montendre hosted every year international workcamps. This municipality of 3000 inhabitants wants to development its castle; identical heritage. The will of the municipality is to set up a tour around its castle while visiting it. This year, the volunteers will work on the ramparts of the castle. The technical objective of this construction site will be traditional works of masonry: Take off the joints from the wall, to dig the joints then to re-point in the mortar of lime in the ramparts. In regards to the animation it will aim at the exchange the cultural richness of the volunteers with the young people, the inhabitants and the associations of Montendre by proposing intercultural animations in various places (schools, castle, associations, …). You will participate in the national days of the heritage (opening of all the buildings of the heritage of France). Visits will be also planned: cities, museum, region, cellars, …
ACCOMMODATION: dormitory in the hosting center “La Maison des Bateleurs
LOCATION: Montendre, 75km from the ocean, between Bordeaux and Angoulême
TERMINAL: Montendre
Frankreich CONC 226 CAPCIR 05.09.-26.09.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: This is our first project with the “Communauté de communes” Capcir - Haut Conflent (an association of local villages) which is interested in creating a partnership with Concordia in several small villages of the Garroxtes Valley. This year’s project will focus on the hydraulic heritage in this rural area (channels, mills...). The district council also hopes that the presence of young international volunteers will bring a new energy to those (already very welcoming) villages.
WORK: The volunteers will clear the vegetation and do some construction work and masonry around various parts of the local hydraulic constructions.
ACCOMMODATION: in a village hall in a common room.
LOCATION: You will be accommodated in a municipal building in one of the villages of the valley, which is situated in a beautiful mountainous area in the Eastern Pyrenees where you can experience nature in all its facets, and which proposes a large range of outdoor activities and sports.
TERMINAL: Perpignan train station then bus.
SPECIAL REMARKS: You will stay in rural and relatively isolated villages. For more information, have a look at: http://www.capcir-pyrenees.com/
Frankreich SJ72 Ecofestibal 06.09.-26.09.2012 ENVI/CULT 15vols (no more female)
PROJECT : Citrus Association and the village of Septfonds are inviting you for this workcamp to organize the Ecofestibal. During the first part of the workcamp, you will create and install the decoration for the festival, you will also help for the general installation. The second part of the workcamp will take place at the garden of Notre Dame. There will be several upkeep works around the garden. First, you will repair the gates of the garden and renovate the fountain. Then, you will create the evacuation for this fountain by building a stone “river” and a sump. In this task, you will be lead by members of Citrus. During your free time, you will have the opportunity to visit the wonderful villages around, to go to the St Antonin Noble Val market, to go canoeing in the Aveyron's Gorges and to have a good time with the local population.
ACCOMMODATION: In tents
LOCATION: Septfondsn 90 km north of Toulouse and 5 km from Caussade
TERMINAL: Caussade
Frankreich CONC 227 PAYS DE FLORAC 07.09.-28.09.2012 RENO 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: this is the first partnership with the “Communauté de Communes du Pays de Florac” (a grouping of several villages in this area), located in the Lozère district. The area is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. There is an impressive traditional farmhouse situated in the town of Bondons, in a tourist area. The house has been abandoned for many years now. The purpose of the workcamp will be to start the renovation of this building, for example by using menhirs. A part of the farm will be turned into a guest house; other parts can be used for exhibitions or as a living place....
WORK: Volunteers will have to do some cleaning up and start the installation of plumbing, water, electricity... So that next year’s volunteers can be lodged in the farmhouse! They will also have to do some work outdoors.
ACCOMMODATION: You will stay in a building in a small village belonging to the municipality of Bondons, a few kilometres from the farm.
LOCATION: You will live in a relatively isolated area a few kilometres from Florac. You will have many opportunities to visit the area and enjoy the beautiful Lozère country side.
TERMINAL: Nîmes, then Alès train station, then by bus to Florac.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: only 1 bus per a day. So don’t miss it!
SPECIAL REMARKS: This workcamp is part of the Heritage Workcamps 2012 campaign (Patrimonito). Special workshops will be organised. For more information have a look at http://www.pays-florac.fr/public/
Frankreich U42 Iles Lavezzi, Corse 08.09.-29.09.2012 RENO 12vols
The project: Welcome in Corsica! For this first workcamp in the Larezzi Island! In a beautiful natural reserve you will renovate buildings in dry stone and restore the chapel Santa Maria di Lavezzi.
Works: Restoration and/or consolidation of low walls in dry stone; cleaning of the site and selection of stones existing in the chapel.
Activities: On your arrival the animation team will give you many ideas of activities. Your own ideas are welcome and any suggestions will be nice! Be imaginative! We expected that you participate in the activities which are decided together with the volunteers and the campleaders. You will live an experience in a group and things are planned within the group.
Location: The archipelago of Lavezzi is a natural reserve and is part of the International Sea Park Corso-Sarde. The island Lavezzi is located at the extreme south of Corsica. It covers 66ha with a maximum height of 40m. The Santa Maria di Lavezzi chapel was founded by Benedictine monks around the 7th century.
Accommodation: In an apartment
Nearest big town: Bonifacio
Nearest airport: Figari
Terminal: Bonifacio
Frankreich SJ73 Discovery footpaths, Serres 10.09.-30.09.2012 ENVI 12vols (no more female)
PROJECT: The 'Syndicate for Hiking Activities' is in charge of the promotion and renovation of the paths (mountain bike, horse riding and trekking paths) in the Buëch - a region of mountains located in the South Alps of France. This will be the third international volunteer project in partnership with this organization. The work will mainly consist of cutting the vegetation along the paths, painting signs to mark out the walks and doing some masonry work on difficult junctures of the path in order to make the walk safer. This project will take place in two different areas. It is a “travelling project” which means that the camp will move at least once during the project. Volunteers will work most of the time in the mountains and there will be plenty of time to discover beautiful views and explore wild nature. The work itself is accessible to anybody but beware that walks in the mountains will be necessary everyday to get to the work site. The volunteers can also organize sports activities, international meals with the local people and go on trips during weekends.
ACCOMMODATION: in tents
LOCATION: Serres, 30 km from Sisteron, 20 km from Veynes
TERMINAL: Serres
Frankreich SJ74 Ile d’Aix 10.09.-01.10.2012 RENO 12vols
PROJECT: The Ile d'Aix is a small island in the Atlantic Ocean which has already hosted several international workcamps. Marked by an eventful maritime past, this island is home of several places of historical significance, in particular the Fort Liédot. Only a small part of Fort Liédot is at present open to the public. This year, the touristy tour of Fort Liédot will be enlarged and developed by the volunteers. The works consist in restoring a gunboat on the heights of Fort Liédot: demolition of the collapsed wall, the location of stones and reconstruction of the wall. These works of masonry and stone cutting will be made according to traditional methods. The volunteers will organize intercultural activities with local school children. They will be able to practice various activities, such as fishing and sailing with local clubs. Visits of the region are planned: cities, museum, … The volunteers will also help the local associations to organize Heritage Days (opening of all the heritage buildings of France) as well as an event for the fortieth anniversary of the World Heritage Convention. This workcamp is part of the Patrimonito – World heritage Volunteers campaign 2012.
ACCOMMODATION: In the Fort Liédot
LOCATION: Charente-Maritime, 20km from Rochefort sur mer by boat
TERMINAL: Rochefort
Frankreich SJ75 Moussac 2 17.09.-14.12.2012 RENO 2vols (no more male)
PROJECT: This project is open for 2 volunteers. They will be integrated into the group of 6-8 long term volunteers of the association. Volunteers can join and quit the project any time, but an engagement for three weeks minimum is requested. The church in Moussac was certified as a historical monument in 1977. The community welcomes the volunteers in order to renovate this church of the 12th century and to bring international dynamics in the village. The volunteers will work inside the building: After having removed the old plaster from the walls, they will work on the floor renovation. The inhabitants of the village hope to find soon their old church 'relooked'.
ACCOMMODATION : in the hosting centre of the organization, shared rooms
LOCATION: Moussac is a beautiful small community situated 20 km distance from Nîmes and 40 km from Alès in South of France.
TERMINAL: Nimes
Frankreich LEG Pegognaga 20.09.-04.10.2012 RENO 15vols
PROJECT: The volunteers will participate at the planting of a portion of the Po Valley area. This area will be destined to become permanent forest on the way of restoring the environment to its characteristics of biodiversity. They will also assist local environmental groups and municipal authorities in other environmental projects (ringing activity for the birds census - take part and realization of a photographic marathon in the Park) maintenance in the San Lorenzo Park and in the Oasis Falconiera (maintenance of bird watching huts – arrangement of tree census).
WORK: Volunteers will be involved in the work of land preparation and planting, maintenance and participation in environmental activities of the San Lorenzo Park.
LOCATION: The camp will take place in two areas of the Po Valley. Large fields next to the river Po and other watercourses for agriculture characterize the first countryside in the valley. The second area is the San Lorenzo Park, a protected area around four lakes originated from mining properties. Part of the park, the Oasis Falconiera is designed for protection of birds and the ecosystem. The San Lorenzo Park is inside of the Roman archaeological site (second century b.c. - fourth century a.c.) in the center of which is settled a matildic parish church of San Lorenzo. Volunteers will visit historical cities, Unesco’s heritage (Sabbioneta, Mantova, San Benedetto Po) that are close.
ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation, called "Castle Hall" is attached to the premises of the Parish of San Lorenzo, located in the center of the village. This is a large room (with a capacity of 100 people) with kitchen and bathrooms.
TERMINAL: Airport “Catullo” in Verona, train station in Mantova. Local train stations: Gonzaga and Pegognaga.
Frankreich SJ76 Party Room Vaunières 3 01.10.-21.10.2012 RENO 12vols (no more male)
PROJECT: The village of Vaunieres welcomes young people from different backgrounds and different countries, brings them together in order to work on cultural, environmental or construction projects. There is a party room in Vaunières used for cultural events, but there is no heating system therefore it can be used only during the summer. During this project, volunteers will work on plastering walls with a Lime/Straw plaster, and on other little internal renovation works in this building such as isolation of the walls, electricity system, shelf construction and some decorations, painting of the walls in order to make this room cosy and pleasant place. During the summer Vaunières hosts many groups of people in this hamlet therefore it is ideal time to meet people from all around the world and some groups of young French people and to share the daily life tasks, hike in the mountains and do some free time activities together. Located in the middle of the Alps, it’s a good place to discover flora and fauna and mountain life. The volunteers will have the possibility as well to visit some of the tourist attractions of the area.
ACCOMMODATION: in tents (in bedrooms of 5 to 6 people for the workcamp in October)
LOCATION: Vaunières is located 7 km from the village of St Julien en Beauchêne, 40km from Gap and 200 km north from Marseille
TERMINAL: Lus la Croix Haute