📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
You will participate in an international workcamp in Bassoues, a fortified medieval village in the heart of the Gascogne countryside. In June 2018, the municipality of Bassoues made the former presbytery and its garden available to the association for ten years. This innovative place will become a shared space for the inhabitants and the volunteers. The presbytery has already hosted several workcamps for its renovation.
💼 What the programme involves
No way to get bored in this camp: 5 days a week, you will work in turns on the presbytery renovation and on the garden arrangement. You’ll learn how to renovate the presbytery with high quality and natural materials. You’ll learn more about other alternative approaches to gardening in harmony with the nature. You’ll participate in workshops about how to protect our planet and will have the opportunity to meet local producers and discover their production methods.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will stay in tents near the Presbytery with access to changing rooms, toilets, showers, kitchen and a big common room. You will prepare the meals in shifts and split the various chores (planning, cleaning, shopping, etc.). We will encourage the purchase of local and seasonal products.
📍 About the location
Bassoues is a small charming town in the heart of the Gascogne countryside. The village is surrounded by ramparts and brings ancient myths into reality. You’ll be awestruck by the 43-meter high, splendidly-preserved donjon at the village entrance, which dates from 1371. The entire community of Bassoues has been listed as a Historical Monument: a perfect place for nature lovers and for those eager to discover more about French culture.
Bassoues is near several aquatic activities center, very enjoyable when the sun shines.
The city of Auch is a 40 minutes drive away from Bassoues. It’s famous for its gastronomy, its cathedral and its renowned D’Artagnan statue. By visiting the night market you’ll be able to discover the gastronomy of this countryside. Welcome to Le Gers!
⚠️ Requirements
Bring working clothes and shoes (waterproof if possible, in case of rain). Bring a warm sleeping bag and a good camping mat (for sleeping in the tent); nights can be chilly and wet. Tents will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Do not hesitate to bring activities from home, such as photos, games, musical instruments, food etc. And don’t forget your swimming suit; you may need it!
Foreigners from the European Union must bring their personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and all participants must bring their insurance certificate. If health issues arise during the program, volunteers will need to cover all costs; they will be reimbursed upon their return to their home country.
