📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Discover the history of the Silk through this workcamp in the heart of Saint Barthélemy de Séchilienne, a village which heritage tells you the secrets of a production that is still considered to be the wealth of the region.
Being the real hub of silk since the Renaissance, the city of Lyon owes a part of the fame of its industry to the work realized in the Romanche Valley, where the first power stations allowed the weaving manufacturers to be supplied in energy. Come and participate in the first workcamp in the municipality of Saint Barthélemy de Séchilienne, aiming at giving value to the site of one of the earliest power stations fed by the hydraulic force of torrents and streams.
💼 What the programme involves
To get access to the power station, you will need to clear the area from invasive plants. You will also clean the low part of the canal to facilitate water flow and work to highlight old pylons, made remarkable by their riveted metal structure. On the site there are also some stone walls that need to be rebuilt.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will be accommodated under tents placed on the municipal stadium. Bring a warm sleeping bag (the nights may be quite chilly). The kitchen, the toilets, the showers and a space for group activities will be provided in the changing room of the stadium.
You will prepare meals in turns out of products bought on site. 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
The community of Saint Barthélemy de Séchilienne has an incredible history! You can rely on Gilles, the mayor of the village, to paint it for you in colorful details. If you are a fan of history, geology or environment, this workcamp was made for you. Situated on the outskirts of the city of Grenoble, Saint Barthélemy de Séchilienne is on the verge of a suburban area and a mountainous zone boasting many ski stations, for example, the station of l’Alpe d’Huez. You will have the opportunity to discover the territory through numerous hiking paths and through the practice of various outdoor activities (swimming, mountain bikes…). Grenoble is only 40 minutes away. There you will discover one of the most important cities of the Alpes and a model of environmental development.
ℹ️ Additional information
To be able to work, bring suitable gloves, as well as shoes and clothes that you won’t mind getting dirty. Take with you a warm sleeping bag and warm clothes (and a mat if you need it). Do not forget about sun protection (a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen…) and bring your swimsuit for bathing! Hiking in the mountains will require sturdy hiking shoes. You will work under supervision of our technical leader who, together with the municipality, will guarantee your safety on the site.
Group leisure activities will be programmed together with our camp leaders taking into account your suggestions! You will take collective decisions related to visits and activities during your stay. 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.