STONE TERRACED GARDENS
France
Renovation
Renovation
Fixed dates
About the project
STONE TERRACED GARDENS
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Located near the natural river Allier, Pont du Chateau 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 twelve 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!
Currently, the town council built three belvederes, the largest of which is located on an old stone terrace at the top of the site. It offers a panoramic view of the river, the volcanoes and the mountain of Sancy. The objective of this summer's workcamp is to participate in the embellishment of this belvedere. You will repair the cracks and consolidate the stone walls. You will learn how to apply lime coating to the walls. You will also participate in the restoration of a small dry stone wall. The work will be varied!
You'll spend about 30 hours a week on this site. Working alongside a technical instructor, you will learn traditional building techniques. 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 be accommodated on the site of the “Cameleon”, the cultural space of Pont-du-Château, located 15 minutes on foot from the workcamp. You will sleep in individual tent set up in the grass. Changing rooms and sanitary facilities are in the “Cameleon”; collective life and kitchen under a large tent reserved for your group. Wifi available in the site. Hand washing of laundry.
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.
📍 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 the popular ball game called “petanque”, team sport, etc. Clermont-Ferrand, the capital of the region, is only 15km away and can be reached by train or by bus. You will be able to enjoy the town's summery energy.
⚠️ 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 happen on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and will then be reimbursed once back in their home country.
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.
For more information have a look at: https://www.pontduchateau.fr/
and https://www.clermontauvergnetourisme.com
Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.
Sign in to apply📷 Project photos
STONE TERRACED GARDENS
STONE TERRACED GARDENS
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📅 Available sessions
CONCF-031
29/06/2022 → 13/07/2022
Volunteers registered
0 / 13
♂ 0/6
♀ 0/7
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
18–99 years old
Solidarity donation
0.00
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
63430 Pont-du-Château, France
France
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Euro Member Countries (EUR / €)
Timezone
Central European Standard Time
Local time: 21:06 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
Collective
🗣️ Languages spoken
English
French