WASH BACK IN TIME : RESTORING MATOUR'S WASH’HOUSES

Name: WASH BACK IN TIME : RESTORING MATOUR'S WASH’HOUSES
Start: 2025-07-25
End: 2025-08-08
Location: Matour, France

France Renovation Renovation Fixed dates

About the project

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

This year marks the beginning of a meaningful partnership between the commune of Matour and the Concordia association. Matour, deeply attached to its heritage, is a dynamic village that promotes its history through various local initiatives, notably with the association "Les Amis du Manoir", dedicated to heritage preservation and maintaining hiking trails. By partnering with Concordia, which works for solidarity, mutual learning, and intercultural exchange, the municipality is welcoming a project that goes beyond the simple material restoration of the washhouses. You will take part in a human and collective adventure, fostering exchange between volunteers from around the world and local residents. This international work camp fully aligns with the values of both partners: civic engagement, knowledge transmission, and environmental respect. It allows everyone to engage in a local project with a lasting impact while developing valuable technical and social skills. You will be at the heart of a project where heritage, culture, and commitment come together, strengthening the connection between Matour and the world!

💼 What the programme involves

Matour, a dynamic village in Saône-et-Loire, welcomes you to an international volunteer work camp. Together, we will restore two of the seven washhouses in the commune, treasures of its heritage. Led by the Concordia association and the municipality, this project aims to preserve local history while fostering intercultural exchanges. Residents and volunteers from around the world will work together to bring these emblematic sites back to life. The work will focus on renovating the roofs, with possible interventions on the framework. Conducted on scaffolding, the project will be supervised by an experienced technical leader, ensuring safety and adherence to traditional construction methods. Work will take place in the mornings, for 5 to 6 hours per day, to avoid the heat. But a work camp is also a human adventure ! Afternoons will be dedicated to activities, relaxation, or group-chosen events. Weekends will be an opportunity to explore the region and its rich heritage. By joining this project, you will help preserve cultural heritage while living an unforgettable collective and intercultural experience. Come and restore Matour's washhouses and leave your mark on the history of this welcoming village!

🏠 Accommodation on site

You will be accommodated in individual tents at the municipal stadium in Matour. The tents will be provided by Concordia, but you should bring a sleeping pad or mattress and a sleeping bag rated for 10°C comfort to ensure a pleasant night's sleep. The stadium facilities, including showers, toilets, and changing rooms, will be available to you. A small enclosed and covered space will serve as a communal area for meal preparation, dining, and organizing activities if needed. You will take part in organizing collective life (cleaning, activities, etc.) and preparing meals on a rotating basis, using locally sourced ingredients. Whenever possible, we will prioritize a vegetarian diet with seasonal local products, while respecting all dietary needs and promoting the discovery of local cuisine. There is no Wi-Fi connection or laundry service on-site. We recommend making arrangements beforehand. However, it will be possible to do small hand washes if necessary.

📍 About the location

Located in the heart of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, in the Saône-et-Loire department, Matour welcomes you to an authentic rural setting where traditions and modernity blend harmoniously. This dynamic village, proud of its rich heritage, will charm you with its picturesque streets, manor, and Maison des Patrimoines, which the municipality will be delighted to show you. About 20 km away, you can also discover Cluny, a historical and cultural landmark, along with other charming sites perfect for walks and exploration. The facilitators will organize tailored activities in close collaboration with the group, allowing you to take an active role in your stay and fully enjoy the cultural and heritage riches of the area.

⚠️ 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 on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and then be reimbursed once back in their home country.

ℹ️ Additional information

Bring gloves and work clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. Wear closed, sturdy shoes such as hiking boots to prevent injuries. Don't forget sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen) and your swimsuit to enjoy swimming (pools, water bases, etc.). For sleeping, bring a sleeping bag and a pillowcase (you can fill it with clothes to create a pillow). Also, plan to bring a backpack (in addition to your luggage), comfortable sneakers, and a pair of flip-flops. Essential accessories to pack include: a phone charger, a water bottle, a set of band-aids, a headlamp or flashlight. Friendly and social activities will be planned in collaboration with our facilitators and according to your interests. If you wish to share part of your culture (recipes, traditional stories, unique objects, music, etc.), feel free to bring a small piece of your home country or region in your backpack !

Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.