📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Join us in the heart of the provençale Baronnies, in a stunning setting surrounded by mountains at the site of the abandoned village Saint Cyrice ! A 12th century church is all that remains of this village, and enthousiastes have taken on the job of restoring and showcasing it. Situated at the top of a hill, the view from the church is magnificent.
The principal aims of this workcamp is to upgrade the former main road of the village, to remove the original stone floor located in the square of the church, and to create a supporting wall at the entrance of the site. These works will enhance this site which is frequented by tourists.
In addition to the restoration of local heritage, this operation made it possible to (re) demonstrate to elected officials and inhabitants the interests and challenges of this technique for the restoration and creation of structures: management of runoff water, creation of a biodiversity zone, use of local resources, performance in terms of longevity, assets in the context of landscaping and enhancement of natural sites, interest in the tourism enhancement of certain sites, etc.
💼 What the programme involves
These last two years, this site welcomed multiple workcamps : a 2 week long international workcamp and a workcamp open to residents. These workcamps were tasked with 3 different jobs : the removal of the former village\'s main road, the creation of a stone wall at the entrance of the site, and the removal of the dry-stone floor located in the church\'s square. This first year allowed the issues related to dry-stone as well as the site to be highlighted in front of elected officials, residents, and tourists. This year, we will continue the work undertaken last year and will be supervised by a professional in dry-stone masonry. A day's work is expected to last 6 hours, and the organisation of the days will be discussed and decided on by the group of participants. This workcamp is a good opportunity to discover a traditional construction technique whose only required materials are stones cleared from fields intended for agriculture, or those that are recovered from former buildings.
🏠 Accommodation on site
we will be living at the « Les Catoyes » campsite in tents, a dozen kilometers away from the workcamp site. A facilitating team will be present to help with the organisation of collective life during the two weeks of the camp : planning housekeeping tasks, developing menus and preparing meals alternately, organizing recreational activities and outings etc. The purchase of local products will be prioritized, and everyone will come with their own ideas, talents, and tips and tricks to help prepare meals.
📍 About the location
The land of sunshine and amazing flavors, the provençale Baronnies massif is a good living personified where we can enjoy outdoor activities in the heart of nature while also just lounging around ! Rich in natural heritage with agriculture adapted to the mediterranean climate within the mountains, the provençale Baronnies are known for their aromatic and medicinal plants : wild thyme, rosemary, lavender. In close proximity to Etoile Saint Cyrice, we’ll be able to discover numerous sites : the Sisteron citadel, the priory of Saint André de Rosans, Saint-Genis mountain...Orpierre is also an amazing site for rock climbing and the provençale Baronnies are full of varied hiking trails and spots where we can enjoy the surrounding rivers.