📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Come to discover Mendionde, a small village between the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and the Pyrenees mountains. For lovers of the Basque culture! Mendionde is a town rich in history in the deep Basque countryside. The town undertook the renovation of the Garro Castle, built in the 13th century and symbol of independence of the Navarre region. Concordia has worked on the walls and stairs of the castle in the past. Work resumes this year and you can explore this beautiful village in the heart of Basque country, meet the people and experience local traditions through dances, games and nature hiking.
💼 What the programme involves
You will continue the restoration started last summer on the exterior walls of the castle esplanade. You will consolidate stone walls via traditional masonry techniques (tapping, stitching, grouting). You may also intervene in the interiors of the castle (cleaning, painting and various repairs).
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will stay in a typical Basque house in the heart of the village. Sleeping on mattresses on the floor in shared rooms (bring your sleeping bag). You will share the various collective tasks and prepare meals as a group. A budget will be allocated by the animators and you will participate in grocery shopping and meal preparation, emphasizing on healthy and local products.
📍 About the location
Mendionde is a town of about 800 people at the foot of the mountains of the Pyrenees, not far from the Spanish border. During weekends you may be able to visit the village of Saint Pee sur Nivelle, the cities of Bayonne and Biarritz and swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
⚠️ Requirements
Bring clothes, gloves and work shoes, a raincoat, hiking shoes and a swimsuit. The nights can be cool; so take warm clothes and a good sleeping bag. You can also take recipes from your country, musical instruments and games.
Foreigners belonging to the European Union must bring with them a personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and everybody must, in any case, bring their insurance certificate. If health issues happen on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and then be reimbursed once back in their home country.
ℹ️ Additional information
Meeting point:
Cambo Les Bains train station.
Closest airport:
Toulouse or Bordeaux