CASTLE LIFE IN NORMANDY

CODE: CONCF-23513

Project and work

Come experience life in a castle in a magnificent corner of Normandy! This is the first year of partnership between Concordia and the association Un Nouveau Monde, which promotes 18th-century Norman heritage.
By hosting this workcamp, the association hopes to showcase the farmhouse adjoining the Château de Lantheuil. The goal of the farmhouse restoration is to create an eco-museum dedicated to Norman history within a few years.
This year, you'll be starting the farmhouse restoration! Your task will be to clear the grounds: the garden and main house have been heavily overgrown for several years. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in organizing and running the first Harvest Festival which will take place on August 22nd.

Accommodation and meals

This is Versailles! You'll be staying at the “Gîte de la Ferme des Châtaigniers” (Chestnut Farm Gîte): https://bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com/fr/hebergement/chambres-d-hotes/vienne-en-bessin/la-ferme-des-chataigniers.
However, the gîte's maximum capacity is 10 beds. So, for those who enjoy being close to nature, you can camp! In that case, don't hesitate to bring a good sleeping bag, as the nights can be chilly. The tents are provided by Concordia. The gîte is 6 km from the construction site, but a minibus will be available for transportation! You'll share the various group tasks and prepare meals (mostly vegetarian) together. A budget will be allocated to the activity leaders, and you'll participate in shopping and meal preparation, prioritizing healthy and local
products. You're welcome to share your recipes if you wish.

Location and leisure

Pont-sur-Seulles is the town where Lantheuil Castle and Farm are located. It is situated in the Calvados department in the Normandy region. It is 25 km southeast of Caen and 20 minutes from Courseulles-sur-Mer, where you can swim in the English Channel! Here it is in pictures and song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnCcs6dhjrM&list=RDUnCcs6dhjrM&start_radio=1

Partner

Our partner, Un Nouveau Monde, specializes in organizing historical shows and
reenactments related to the history of Normandy: https://unnouveaumondeennormandie.com/
The association has many local volunteers who are delighted to welcome an intercultural group and will be happy to introduce you to the region!

Additional comments

Remember to bring good shoes and work clothes that can get dirty. Don't forget warm clothes for the cold and rain, and a good, warm sleeping bag: nights can be chilly in Normandy. Feel free to bring back some local specialties, photos, games, musical instruments, etc.
The last day is dedicated to departure, usually in the morning.

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 then be reimbursed once back in their home country.

Meeting point

The meeting point is at BAYEUX train station on Monday, August 3rd, in the late afternoon.
The exact meeting time will be provided with the itinerary, which will be sent no later than four weeks before the start of the project.
Several trains depart from PARIS Saint-Lazare station to Caen. The journey takes
approximately two hours. You will then need to take a TER regional train to Bayeux. Some trains also run directly to Bayeux.
Train reservations are possible approximately four months in advance on the SNCF website, link below: https://www.sncf-connect.com/

This first journey is the first step of the adventure, so be sure to enjoy it!