CHARMING AND LIVING VINEYARD

CODE: CONCF- 8013

Project and work :

This year, the city of Pont-du-Château will host its sixteenth International Workcamp. Take part in this great project to restore the terraced gardens, which are gradually being transformed into an ecological place for walking, relaxing and discovering the landscape.

The 3-hectare site includes an eco-pasture, terraced gardens, a small orchard, a community vineyard and a play and relaxation area. This year, the city of Pont-du-Château has asked us to embellish the vineyard site : lime plasters, DIY supports for climbing plants and restoration of a Volvic stone stairway are on schedule.

The Workcamp will also have a strong environmental scope, and actions will be carried out around the biodiversity theme : small wildlife shelters, clean walks, debates and animations on environmental issues, etc.

You want to learn a variety of skills from masonry to carpentry, and carry out activities to support the local biodiversity ? You want to discover a village in the Auvergne region, in a relaxing natural setting? This project is for you!

Accommodation and meals:

Two group leaders will accompany you during your stay.

The accommodation will be situated on a municipal site located near the workcamp. You will sleep in individual tents (provided by Concordia) set up in the grass. Changing rooms and sanitary facilities are in the municipal center, collective life and kitchen under a large tent reserved for your group. WIFI is available on site. Laundry will be hand-washed or in a laundromat in town (for a fee).

The group will be sharing the different collective tasks together. The budget will be allocated to the group leaders and you will participate in the preparation of meals, run errands from the market and local producers.

Partner :

Pont-du-Château wishes to bring nature into the city through sustainable management and creation of natural areas. Former terraced gardens have been gradually redeveloped and turned into ecological gardens by international volunteers. New works are planned, with the aim of enhancing the vineyard with the creation of a barrel, the development of the southern terrace offering a beautiful view over the whole valley and the creation of a green theatre.

This sixteenth workcamp in Pont-du-Château is part of this major landscaping project.

Geographical location and leisure activities :

Pont-du-Château is a lively town which overlooks the river Allier. Clermont-Ferrand, the capital of the region, is only 15km away and can be reached by train or bus. The castle is in the heart of the city and offers a remarkable view over the agglomeration of Clermont-Ferrand and the Auvergne volcanoes.

You will be welcomed by local organizations who will offer you activities to do during your leisure time: kayaking, hiking, swimming, learning how to play the popular ball game called “petanque”, team sports, etc.

Local celebrations, meals with the inhabitants and the discovery of the region will be on your schedule, as well as the party organized at the end of the workcamp!

Special requirements and remarks:

Please bring sturdy shoes and clothes suitable for work, your swimsuit and a sleeping bag. You can also bring recipes from your home country/region, musical instruments and games. You will get around Pont-du-Chateau on foot and from time to time by car or minibus.

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 will then be reimbursed once back in their home country.

For more information:

https://www.pontduchateau.fr/ and https://www.clermontauvergnetourisme.com

Languages :

English, French

Time and directions to the meeting point:

The meeting point is at PONT-DU-CHATEAU train station at the end of the afternoon. The exact time of the meeting will be communicated with the Info Sheet, sent one month before the beginning of the workcamp.

- From Paris, you can take a train from PARIS-BERCY train station (regular departures are scheduled throughout the day, about every two hour) to CLERMONT-FERRAND, then take a train to PONT-DU-CHATEAU (15 min, Clermont-Ferrand - Thiers line).

- From Lyon, you can take a train from LYON - PART-DIEU train station (regular departures are scheduled throughout the day) to CLERMONT-FERRAND, then take a train to PONT-DU-CHATEAU (15 min, Clermont-Ferrand - Thiers line).

The trains are open to booking about 4 months before the departure dates, accessible on the following website:

https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

Closest airport:

Clermont-Ferrand, Lyon or Paris.