📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Located near the natural river Allier, Pont du Château is a town that wishes to bring nature into the city through sustainable management of natural areas. Former terraced gardens are gradually being redeveloped and managed as ecological gardens by international volunteers. Your task on this project will be to reconstruct the walls that border the terraces. This international workcamp will let you discover its medieval town. Local celebrations, meals with the inhabitants and the discovery of the region will be on your schedule, as well as the party organized at the end of the workcamp!
💼 What the programme involves
For eleven years now, every summer, international volunteers have been restoring Pont-du-Chateau stone terraced gardens. The aim of the site is an ecological place for walking, relaxing and discovering the landscape. You too can participate in this project!
This summer the objective is ambitious! The challenge: rebuilt a low wall of dry-stone and restore the damaged parts of outer stones wall located on the upper part of the terraces. The coating is falling off and there are cracks in the walls. Your work will consist in reinforcing walls and making it look more appealing. Working alongside a technical instructor, you will learn traditional building techniques using lime mortar and apply a natural coating. You will also discover the technique of dry-stone construction. The work will take place in an area rich in natural resources, not far from Allier River.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will be accompanied by two camp leaders throughout your stay. You will sleep at the local site in individual tent set up in the grass at the rugby stadium. You will have your meals in the football club, which offers a large living space in a calm place near the river. The group will be sharing the different tasks of collective life together. The budget will be allocated to the group and you will participate in the preparation of dishes using healthy products from the market and local producers. The entire stadium will be available to you and closed to the public.
📍 About the location
Pont-du-Chateau is a lively little town which overlooks the river Allier. The town is proud of its natural surroundings and the area is great for walking. The castle is in the heart of the town and offers a remarkable view over the agglomeration of Clermont-Ferrand city and the Auvergne volcanoes. This charming market town, full of tiny alleyways, timber-framed houses and remarkable buildings is awaiting its visitors with wonderful surprises. You will be welcomed by local organizations who will offer you activities to do during your leisure time: for example, kayaking, hiking, swimming, learning how to play game with balls called “petanque”, team sport, etc. Clermont-Ferrand, the capital of the region, is only 15km away and can be reached by train. You will be able to enjoy the town's summery energy.
ℹ️ Additional information
Please bring good shoes for work, working clothes, your swimsuit and a sleeping bag. You can also bring recipes from your home country/region, musical instruments and games. You will get around Pont-du-Chateau on foot and by car or minibus on time.
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
