WORKCAMPS IN FRANCE

In 2008 OIKOS organises in collaboration with JEUNESSE ET RECONSTRUCTION, a local non-profit organisation, several workcamps in France.

The fee of participation (including the annual membership-card of OIKOS) is:
200,00 Euro for 2 weeks
220,00,Euro for 3 weeks
and has to be paid when applying for a camp. 
 

Aims and objectives:

Jeunesse et Reconstruction is a youth organisation, whose aim is to favour and promote international youth exchanges, through the means of voluntary service, regardless of social, racial or religious background to develop personal commitment in a group or individual activity.

Conditions for participation in our workcamps :

• age limit : 18 to 30 years old (except social camps : 20 to 30 years old)

• common languages used in the camps : English/French or French/English depending on the composition of the groups

• French speaking camps : some camps are declared French speaking, to promote the use of French language, and to give a possibility to the volunteers to practice French. Social camps are also indicated as French-speaking because knowledge of French is compulsory.

Work: Supervised by a volunteer from the village, you will consolidate the walls of the 16th century church and of the former market hall (changed into a chapel now). Furthermore, you will rebuild a stonewall situated in front of the Church. This historical site also has a 15th century Castle and the centre of the village dates from the medieval period.

Location: Altitude 200 m. 150 inhabitants. The peaceful little village of Flamarens is perched at the top of a hill. The village and its history was revived thanks to the initiative of the association of the “Friends of Flamarens” who started the restoration of the village, which used to be in ruins. The village is on the Way of St James of Compostela; thus many pilgrims walk through it during summertime. Possible free time activities: beautiful hikes and cycling tours, local cullinary specialities tasting, visits to historical sites of Miradoux, Lectoure, Condom. Nearest cities: Valence d’Agen (15 km), Agen (30 km), Toulouse (80 km). T

Language: French and English

Accommodation: You will be hosted at a villager’s house, in dormitory style, kitchen and sanitary facilities are available. This accommodation is usually meant for the pilgrims of the Way of St James of Compostela (Santiago de Compostela).

Work: The volunteers will carry out various tasks in connection with the renovation of the access to the church: clean a stone staircase, restore crumbled part, paint the edges. Then the volunteers will clear and restore a site containing of a traditional washing place, a drinker and a small fountain. Finally, volunteers will reopen a footpath leading to the cascade of Saillant : clearing, replacing of stones, marking of the trail.

Location: The municipality of Saint Priest des Champs is located in the heart of Combrailles. It is a hilly area consisting of moorland, groves, forests and ponds. Near towns: Clermont-Ferrand (45 km), Vichy (45 km). Animations possible on the spot: welcome drink offered by the council with representatives of associations, involvement amongst local associations (Youth Club, holiday committees, sports associations,…) , visit of a pottery workshop: the Potteries of lacost, meals prepared by the international group to thank the town. Discovery of the surroundings: discovery of the territory of Combrailles.

Language: French and English

Accommodation: Under tents, near the dressing rooms of the stadium. Average altitude is 900 m (please bring warm clothes).

Work: Rehabilitation of urban furniture in a socially disadvantaged area, in Clermont Ferrand. The work will mainly consist in painting and repairing common areas of public housing. You will work with local youth (often quite difficult) in the heart of sensitive areas: motivation needed.!

Location: Clermont-Ferrand is the prefecture of the department of Puy-de-Dome and capital of the Auvergne region. Partly for historical reasons, the city is often called Clermont. The modern city was born of a union of two separate cities, Clairmont and Montferrand imposed by Louis XIII and confirmed under Louis XV. While Montferrand was founded in the early twelfth century by the Counts of Auvergne, on the model of Southwest towns, Clairmont is much older, as it existed in ancient times. The oldest mention of the existence of Clairmont appears in the work of Strabo, in the early first century. Clermont is located in the Massif Central, at 410 metres above sea level. To the west, the city is dominated by basaltic plateau (900m on average) with the chain of Puys, the largest chain of volcanoes (extinguished) in Europe, including the Puy de Dome, the most famous volcano. To the east of the metropolitan area reaches the plain of Limagne, with river Allier. The city is both a point of contact between the plain Limagne and Mountains of Domes. A large part of the city occupies a volcanic hill called the central plateau. It is, in fact, the edge of the crater, one hundred fifty six thousand years old. It is approximately 1,5 km in diameter and has been filled by the alluvium of the Tiretaine, small river running through the city. Clermont is also built on the edge of the valley of Allier. The city has developed around this central plateau on which stands the cathedral, extending to the east in the plain, and to a lesser extent, on the hillsides to the west. Activities planned: - Welcome drink offered by the group Job’Agglo with representatives of local associations, exchanges with sports and cultural associations, exchanges with associations developing actions towards youth, where the volunteers will develop themes sur as inter-cultural, citizenship, meal prepared by the International group. – In town : pedestrian street, Cathedral… - Visit the various museums: the Museum of Art, museum Lecoq, museum Bargouin… - Sports Activities - Discovery of the Puy de Dome – Visit of Vulcania. TERMINAL: Clermont Ferrand

Language: French

Accommodation: In an apartment. Altitude : about 800 meters (please bring warm clothes).

Work: Supervised by a team of professionnals from the “Environment” services, who will sensitise you on the issues of river preservation and hiking paths maintenance, you will participate in the preservation of a river and in the maintenance of a hiking path: clearing the overgrowth, pruning and cutting of trees, laying out of the banks, and little construction work. The aim is to prevent floods, clean the river up and furthermore to open a new hiking path on the banks of the “Canal du Midi”. The group of volunteers will work in 2 teams. Important: please bring suitable and strong shoes, the ground can be slippery (ex: hiking shoes).

Location: The urban community of the Sicoval is spread over 36 towns and villages at the south-east of Toulouse. It includes some of the most dynamic cities of the region (Ramonville, Labège, or Castanet for example) but also offers the peacefulness of a coutryside landscape, in a region of large cereal fields crossed by the famous “Canal du Midi” (a canal that goes from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean; a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The public transports facilities give a quite good access to the city of Toulouse and its surroundings. Possible free time activities: hiking and cycling tours, visits of typical villages or to the city of Toulouse and its suroundings, cultural activities (cinema, concerts, theatre, etc).

Language: French and English

Accommodation: You will be accomodated in one of the towns of the urban community, under tents or in a community building (not yet fixed at this date).

Work: You will participate in agricultural work, planting and harvesting; removing of weeds, animation of activities with children, maintenance of the buildings, the installation of folds for animals in the pinewood in front of the house. As the farm also functions as pedagogical farm, with hosting of visitors, you may (if you wish) participate in preperation of meals for visitors (restaurant is open to the public every day).

Location: Located a few kilometres from the center of the village of Trets en Provence, the farm is in the middle of the vines, in front of the Sainte Victoire (a preserved mountain). Trests has a population of 12 000 inhabitants, with a shopping area. Nearest towns: Marseille (30 minutes), Aix en provence (25 minutes). Acces by bus. TERMINAL: GARDANNE

Language: French and English

Accommodation: The access to the farm, outsite and inside, is open. The kitchen and dining room are free for use. Volunteers are accommodated in a confortable room with 4 beds, general space available being quite reduced. All facilities are available. Active members of the association live in the house (3 persons permanantly). All meals are Shared with volunteers and permanent team. Nb : homestay type requires effort from everyone. Access to internet and internt phone in the house. There is a cinema, a swimming pool and a library in Trets where books can be borrowed, with internet acces (however, the farm is isolated from the village centre, at 4 km).Bring some games for the evenings.

Notes: Minimum age : 20. NB : there is no campleader; volunteers work under supervision of the active members of the association. Group is composed of 4 volunteers only. Volunteers should be interested in contributing to the developement of the project; to work at different tasks according to the needs; be ready to share one room with other volunteers, respect the rules of homestay and common «family type» living, be ready to do agricultural work and work with farm animals.           

Work: With a municipal employee, you will work on the restoration of former train station, removing of former plaster and replastering according to traditionnal methods.

Location: At the heart of the “Drôme des Collines”, between Vercors and Coteaux Ardéchois, between Romans and Tain l’Hermitage and 20 km north of Valence, you will find Clérieux, a farmers’ village, that also had a rich industrial past with its grinding and its factory of fabrics. Its medieval past has left ramparts and a castle. Today, this dynamic town of 2,000 inhabitants, who participate in many associations’activities enjoys a huge demographic growth. Possible free time activities (you can organize them, at your expenses, with the coordinator): excursion to Romans with a visit of the shoe museum and of the old town; discover the towns of St Donat sur l’Herbasse, Hauterives (the “Facteur Cheval” palace), Tain l’Hermitage (cooperative cellar, chocolate factory), of St Marcellin, of St Antoine l’Abbaye en Isère; sport (hikes, football, swimming), lake of Chambos; excursion to discover the Vercors; meeting with other workcamps.

Language: French

Accommodation: In a municipal building.

Work: Under the supervision of the municipal services, you will work at opening a new path situated on the river bank (the Lot river). The aim is to create an area where the local population and the many tourists of this region can relax in the midst of a remarquable natural environment. Your work will consist in clearing the bush and overgroth, installing sign-posts, excavation work to stabilise the path and finally the construction of wooden units for physical excercise. On the 1st day of the camp, the “River Festival” will inaugurate the workcamp which will be presented to the local population. You have to be present for this occasion!

Location: Altitude : 180 m. Prayssac is ideally located in the heart of the touristic Quercy region, on the banks of the river Lot, in one of its wonderful meanders, right in the heart of the Cahors vineyards. Possibles free time activities: amazing and preserved nature to discover, hikes, visits to wine-making farms, visits to castles, colourful markets, visits to the city of Cahors.

Language: French and English

Accommodation: You will be hosted in the municipal stadium building, in a dormitory style accommodation. The kitchen and sanitary facilities are located in the “club house” buliding.

Work: Cleaning and clearing the brushwoods in different points of the castle park : pigeon house, former aviary, wash house…and the opening of a botanical path will be the main tasks to do. Be careful, the work project can evolve before the summer and thus the work may include masonry work.

Location: Fontanès is a rural village of 620 inhabitants, located in the « monts du Lyonnais » area, 20km from St Etienne. It is a region of mid mountain, the landscapes are hilly and the slopes are generally steeply. The fact that it is located next to the Natural Park of Pilat is also a great asset for that village. Possible free time activities : visits of St Etienne (museum of mines, museum of Arts and Industry, park of Montaud…), discovery of the city of Firminy (Biggest site of Le Corbusier in Europe). Visits of Lyon, trekking in the Park of Pilat. Sport activities : football, trekking, tennis, swimming pool. TERMINAL: St Etienne Chateaucreux

Language: French and English

Accommodation: In a castle annex.

Work: Guided by two or three inhabitants, you will participate in the restoration of stairs and walls around the stadium, according to traditional methods.

Location: Located at the south of the “Monts du Beaujolais”, at 40 kms from Lyon, Pommiers is part of the most important places for Beaujolais wine growing. The municipality is also attentive to preserve its historical heritage. Possible free time activities : visit of Lyon and Villefranche sur Saône. Discover of vineyards activity: visits of explotations and cellars. Walks-discovers in the valley of Azergue, the “Monts du Beaujolais” or the “Dombes”. Visit of medieval villages such as Oingt, Châtillon d’Azergues, or Anse. Swimming at the lake of Villefranche. Sport: foot, hikes, tennis, swimming... Participation in the festivities of July 14. TERMINAL: Villefranche-sur Saône

Language: French and English

Accommodation: In the changing rooms of the football ground.

Work:  Reding of the painting in the municipal stadium: cleaning and brushing of the walls, preparation and painting. Creation of the pedagogical pond: digging of the ground (0.80 m deep), preparation of the banks, planting of

Location: Espinasse-Vozelle is a rural village of 700 inhabitants in the heart of the Limagne Bourbonnaise region, which is part of the grouping of towns of Vichy. The village is located in the western end of this territory. Espinasse-Vozelle has a primary school which hosts each year approximately 70 pupils. The municipality wishes to preserve this school and the life that it brings to the village. The local council is caring for the children but also for the teenagers of the village. The project of a youth centre will be carried out before summer. This will allow to establish links between local teenagers and the international volunteers. Close towns : Vichy (10 kms). Jeunesse et Reconstruction will organise one visit during the workcamp. Possible free time activities in Espinasse: welcoming drink, Exchanges and meetings with the young people by the means of the youth centre, Participation in the festival of 14th July, meetings with the club of Edlerly people, excursion in the neighbourhoods with the inhabitants, football with the local club, international meal, visit of the church.

Language: French and English

Accommodation: In the multi-purpose hall in the village. Altitude: 300 m. No shops in the village; shops in Vichy (10 kms).

Work: You will share the life and activities of the Emmaus community of La Villedieu du Temple, where 60 companions live permanently, organised around the collection and sale of second-hand articles. You will do the same work as the companions: collection of objects donated to the community (furniture, clothes, household equipment), sorting out, repairing and recycling of those objects, public sale in the community shops. Above all, open-mindedness beyond discriminations and intercultural exchange will be central in the work. The community is self-sufficient and does not accept public funding. The principles of collective responsibility, sharing, and active participation are central for Emmaüs, and they regularly call out to the public authorities on issues of housing and of social exclusion.

Location: La Villedieu du Temple is situated at about 10 km west of the town of Montauban, and 1 hour drive from the city of Toulouse, in a rural region of cereal production. The community is located 3km from the village of La Villedieu du Temple; it is a small hamlet in itself. Your leisure activities will be organized with the companions: theme parties, visits to Montauban, Toulouse and Moissac, canoeing and a lot of differents sports.

Language: French and English

Accommodation: You will be accommodated in the community buildings, in a dormitory style accommodation. Showers and toilets are available there. The meals will be taken with the community members and you will have to participate in the daily housework duties. Important note: consumption of alcohol and drugs is forbidden at the community as a mark of respect and solidarity towards those who struggle against alcohol and drug addiction problems. Any violent and/or intolerant behaviour is not acceptable.

Work: Under the supervision of a communal employee, you will take part in the restauration of some small walls in the centre of the village, using traditionnal methods. Thus, it will be mainly masonry and stonework.

Location: Located in the Rhône department, close to the cities of Villefranche sur Saône and Lyon, Marcy is a village of approximatively 600 inhabitants, at the very heart of the country of «golden» stones («pierres dorées») and of Beaujolais (French famous wine).  Possible free time activities: visit of Lyon and Villefranche sur Saône. Discover of vineyards activity: visits of explotations and cellars. Walks-discovers in the valley of Azergue, the “Monts du Beaujolais” or the “Dombes”. Visit of medieval villages such as Oingt, Châtillon d’Azergues, or Anse. Swimming at the lake of Villefranche. Sport: foot, hikes, tennis, swimming. TERMINAL: Villefranche-sur Saône

Language: French and English

Accommodation: In a seasonal worker building.

Work: That restauration is a project on which international workcamps have been working for a few years with the teenagers of the MJC (House of Youth and Culture) and with the volunteers of an organization specialized in old building protection.In 2006 and 2007, clearing and cleaning work were done by international volunteers, as well as the starting of the restauration work on the walls. You will work on the restauration of the building (masonry) with the help of a professional mason, specialized in traditionnal methods.

Location: Located 10 km south of Valence, in the Drôme department, Etoile (4 500 inhabitants) is a town which overhangs the Rhône valley. Its village, at the heart of an enclosure of the 15th century, reveals an architectural heritage of quality: church, apparent-stone houses, chapel and castle. As for its countryside, it is characterized by very diversified landscapes (edge of river – Rhône and Véore -, agricultural and fruit-bearing zones, hills and woods). Possible free time activities (you can organize them, at your charges, with the coordinator): discover of Crest (visit of the Tower and abseiling, old town, night activities) and of various sites of the Drôme valley such as Die (old town and cooperative cellar), Saillans (magnanerie), Aouste (oil mill)...; visit of the towns of Valence, Montélimar (museum of the miniature and manufacture of nougat), Romans (the shoe museum); excursion to discover the Vercors; sport: rides, swimming, canoe (Drôme); lake festival at Etoile.

Language: French and English

Accommodation: In the a chapel (“les Pénitents Blancs”), regional office of Jeunesse et Reconstruction.

Work: You will participate in the cleaning of retaining walls: clearing of the vegetation,