📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Situated on the verge of the Natural Regional Park of Vercors, on the edge of the Diois, the municipality of Gigors and Lozeron shelters the ruins of an old castle that you will secure in order to allow hikers to discover this breathtaking site.
On the hills of the municipality, hidden by rocks and vegetation, lie the ruins of a 12 century castle, hardly visible nowadays. Taking your time to climb a narrow winding path, you will discover a flora influenced by the Mediterranean. If you are lucky enough, you may see chamois hurtling down the mountain slopes. This little paradise is prized by hikers in search of wild nature preserved of human activities. During this workcamp you will help us securing the path that is partially crossing the ruins and being on the verge of collapsing. You will combine useful work and leisure in an exceptional place, from all points of view.
💼 What the programme involves
For this first workcamp you will work on the conservation of the ruins of the castle, on the small perimeter crossing the path usually taken by the hikers. You will be asked to make some improvements and in certain areas to clear the path in order to allow an easier access to it and to make it safer.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will be accommodated under tents on a land plot in the heart of a small hamlet. Bring a warm sleeping bag, the nights may be chilly. The kitchen, the toilets, the showers and the space for group leisure activities will be provided inside a communal hall. You can be sheltered there in case of bad weather.
You will prepare the meals in turns using the products bought on spot. We encourage the purchase of the local products as well as short circuits. Tasting of local specialties may be organized by local producers.
📍 About the location
Gigors and Lozeron is a municipality of less than 200 inhabitants. It is situated in the Drôme department, a few kilometers away from the city of Crest. It overhangs the massif of Vercors and offers you an incredible panoramic view of the Alps looming in the horizon. Fans of hiking and trekking will appreciate this workcamp which offers you an exceptional playground. There are numerous possibilities for outdoor activities and visiting of various natural sites. If you are interested in photography, you could probably immortalize some superb landscapes!
ℹ️ Additional information
For the work, remember to bring gloves, clothes and shoes which you don’t mind getting dirty. Nights may be chilly, bring a warm sleeping bag and warm clothes. Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. Do not forget sun protection as well (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen…).
Taking into account the type of works to complete, you will work on scaffoldings around the ruins. You will be working under the supervision of our technical leader who, together with the municipality, will guarantee your security on site.
Group leisure activities will be programmed together with our camp leaders taking into account your suggestions! If you would like to share a bit of your culture (cooking recipes, traditional stories, unusual objects…), do not hesitate to bring a piece of your country in your backpack!
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.