CASTLE IN THE STARS

Name: CASTLE IN THE STARS
Start: 2024-07-12
End: 2024-07-26
Location: Givors, France

France Renovation Renovation Fixed dates

About the project

CASTLE IN THE STARS

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

This is the second collaboration between the town of Givors and Concordia. This project is the cornerstone of a partnership that we hope to build over time, with many more projects to come around the restoration of the Château Saint-Gérald. The town of Givors is keen to promote its heritage as a whole, and is mobilising its Cultural Affairs department to work specifically with an architect on this project. Links with local residents, particularly young people, will be developed with local associations.

💼 What the programme involves

Come and discover the Château Saint-Gérald, overlooking the Rhône valley from the heights of Givors, and help restore it! The castle was built in the 13th century and then destroyed during the religious wars in 1591 by the duke of Lesdiguières. The ruins were rediscovered in 1974 during the demolition of Vieux Givors and the construction of the Etoiles de Renaudie, a remarkable piece of architecture that has been awarded the "20th Century Heritage" label. On the hill of Saint-Gérald, the modern and the ancient coexist as a reminder of the rich history of this area just a few kilometres away from Lyon and Saint-Etienne. On this second project, you will be continuing the work to make the site safer by carrying out a variety of tasks (clearing undergrowth, restoring low walls, rehabilitating paths and landscaping), which will help to showcase the ruins of the castle and encourage local people to rediscover it.

🏠 Accommodation on site

You will be accommodated in a charming flat lent by the partner, in the heart of the town of Givors and very close to the site. The rooms will be set up for 3 to 4 people. You will have sanitary facilities accessible in your room. Others will be accessible upstairs. You will be able to do your laundry by hand. Together, you will help to organise community life (cleaning, activities, etc.) and prepare meals (in a fully equipped kitchen), taking it in turns, using locally sourced products (market three times a week at the bottom of the building). Our aim is to encourage vegetarian eating using local, seasonal produce, while respecting participants' diets, and to discover local cuisine together. The accommodation is close to public buildings with Wi-Fi access.

📍 About the location

The town of Givors (population 20,000) is located in the Lyon conurbation, some twenty kilometres from the city (easily accessible by public transport). Nearby, the towns of Vienne (with its Gallo-Roman sites) and Saint-Etienne (capital of design) complete the numerous opportunities for visits in the region. Crossed by the Viarhôna (cycle path from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea), Givors also offers some great walks combining urban areas with natural spaces (orchards, gardens, etc.). The Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat and the Monts du Lyonnais are also close by for walks through magnificent landscapes.

⚠️ Requirements

Foreigners belonging to the European Union must bring with them a personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and everybody must, in any case, bring their insurance certificate. If health issues happen on the project, volunteers will have to pay for them personally, and will then be reimbursed once back in their home country.

ℹ️ Additional information

Remember to take closed clothes and shoes for the work that are resistant to dirt. You will be sleeping in individual beds: remember to take a sleeping bag as well as a fitted sheet and pillowcase. And don't forget waterproof clothing for your walks, sun protection (hats, glasses, sunscreen, etc.), a water bottle and your swimming costume for swimming (pools, water sports centres, etc.). If you'd like to share a little of your culture (cooking recipes, traditional stories, unusual objects...), don't hesitate to pack a little piece of your country or region in your backpack and a small Bluetooth speaker to share your favourite playlist ! On the last day (26/07), the departure time is usually set in the morning.

Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.