📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Saint-Maurice-Sur-Aveyron is a rural village with a rich and surprising built heritage. In addition to the church, which stands in the heart of the village, the ruins of the Fontainejean abbey and the remains of the dungeon of the castle of "Infernat" speak about its history. The name “Aveyron“ comes from the Celtic word "avarona", which means "little river". In the village, the residents will undoubtedly share with you the history of their town and some anecdotes. You will also have the opportunity to visit Guedelon, an atypical site where craftspeople are building a new castle yet using techniques and materials from the Middle Ages!
💼 What the programme involves
Come and help with the renovation of the church of Saint-Maurice-sur-Aveyron, a small village located in the Gatinais, in the heart of nature, about two hours from Paris. Built in the 12th century, and with a portal registered as a historical monument, this church is facing problems of humidity which are damaging its walls.
Your mission (if you accept it) is to pursue the renovation of the walls by using traditional masonry techniques. In the continuity of two workcamps organized in 2021 and 2022, you will contribute to protect a monument of the local heritage and to embellish the nave, which will make the parishioners and curious people passing by very glad !
🏠 Accommodation on site
The accommodation will be located less than 15 minutes from the working area. You will sleep in individual tent on the municipal stadium field, near the locker rooms, where you will have access to sanitary facilities and showers, as well as to a kitchen. You will be able to shelter there in case of bad weather. A marquee tent will also be erected nearby for eating. A budget will be allocated to the group leaders and you will participate in the grocery shopping and in the preparation of meals, prioritising products from the market and local producers. Feel free to bring your own recipes, it's a good opportunity to share a speciality with the group. A washing machine or a laundromat will be available (it is still recommended to bring at least 2 weeks of clothes). Wifi will be available in the town hall or by using hotspots from the French volunteers and the camp leaders.
📍 About the location
Located two hours south of Paris, in a green setting between woods and bocage, you will enjoy the postcard landscapes offered by the riverbanks of the Aveyron (not to mistake with the Aveyron river in the south of France), the ford of Fontainejean and its wash houses, opening the way to a charming hamlet typical of the Gatinais country. Nature lovers, many hikes are offered to you in your free time, which is ideal to recharge your batteries peacefully. You will also have the opportunity to discover the nearby Briare canal, linking Montargis to the Loire Valley and its castles, including the Renaissance-style castle of Sully-sur-Loire.
⚠️ 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 arise on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and will then be reimbursed once back in their home country.
ℹ️ Additional information
The construction site is located in a rural area. For practical and ecological reasons, travels will be done on foot.
Remember to take gloves, clothes and shoes suitable for outdoor work. Don't forget to bring a sleeping bag and a sleeping mattress. Also remember to bring summer and raincoat, as well as your swimsuit and toiletries.
You can bring board games, a musical instrument or any other object from your country that you wish to share with the group.
