THE MIDI STONES QUARRIES

CODE: CONCF- 6908

Project and work :

Immerse yourself in history by participating in the restoration of Château Saint-Gérald! Located between Lyon and Saint-Étienne, this remarkable site overlooks the Rhône Valley and is the focus of an ambitious project to make it accessible and attractive.

Built in the 13th century and destroyed in 1591 during the Wars of Religion, the château was rediscovered in 1974. Today, a local initiative aims to rehabilitate it and integrate it into a broader project to enhance the region.

This participatory worksite will help develop welcoming spaces for the public. Participants will receive guidance in learning restoration techniques.

The project will adapt to different levels of experience, combining technical work with discussions on the history and conservation of the site.

Accommodation and meals:

You will be accommodated in an apartment in the heart of Givors, not far from the worksite. The accommodation consists of shared rooms with three to four single beds. It includes sanitary facilities, some accessible directly from the rooms and others located on the floor. A common room will be available for shared meals and social moments.

Please bring a sleeping bag suitable for a comfort temperature of about ten degrees Celsius. WiFi will be available nearby. The apartment is equipped with a washing machine.

Meals will be prepared collectively in a fully equipped kitchen. Participants will take turns preparing meals, cleaning, and handling other communal tasks. The diet will be primarily vegetarian, using local, seasonal, and short-supply-chain products while respecting individual dietary needs.

Partner :

You will take part in the third collaboration between the city of Givors and Concordia, a partnership launched in 2022 to restore and promote Château Saint-Gérald. This worksite is a key step in a shared commitment to preserving local heritage through several upcoming projects.

This initiative relies on close collaboration between the city of Givors, its Cultural Affairs department, and a specialized architect working specifically on the site’s restoration. You will also help strengthen ties with local residents, particularly younger generations, through the involvement of local associations. This year, the association "Les Amis de la Colline," currently being established, will follow the project and play a role in its local development.

Geographical location and leisure activities :

Givors, with a population of 20,000, is located in the Lyon metropolitan area, about 20 kilometers from Lyon, easily accessible by public transport.

During your stay, leisure activities will be organized: hiking, cycling, and river swimming will allow participants to explore the area’s natural beauty. With support from the local partner, bicycles will be available to facilitate travel and promote eco-friendly exploration. Cultural visits may also be arranged to explore local heritage and emblematic sites.

Special requirements and remarks:

Make sure to bring sturdy, closed-toe work clothes that can get dirty. You will sleep in individual beds, so don’t forget to pack a sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of 10°C, a fitted sheet, and a pillowcase. For outings, waterproof clothing is recommended. Remember to bring sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as a water bottle and a swimsuit for swimming in pools or water sports centers. If you would like to share a part of your culture, feel free to bring items representative of your country or region, such as photos, culinary specialties, music instruments, your favorite playlist, or games to play with other volunteers.

If you are under 18, don’t forget to send us your Medical Factsheet and Parental Authorization at least one month before the beginning of the workcamp.

Languages :

English

Meeting point:

Meet at 6:00 PM at Givors Ville train station. The station is easily accessible by trains from Lyon’s Part-Dieu or Perrache stations in just 20 minutes. These trains run frequently.

Reservations can be made now on the SNCF website via the following link: https://www.sncf-connect.com/. This is a TER train, so tickets are valid for any train throughout the day.

Closest airport:

Lyon Saint-Exupery is the closest airport. From Paris CDG, you can easily reach Lyon Part-Dieu or Perrache trains stations