HANDS-ON, MUSIC-ON: RENOVATE A CONCERT HALL

CODE: CONCF- 3107B

Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project: During the project, you will be ambassadors of L’Hydroberge, a former mill that has become a true community hub. This café is now a cornerstone for locals, combining culture, conviviality, and creativity. L’Hydroberge hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including jam sessions, thematic fairs (eco-construction, wellness, cosplay), book signings, conferences, and concerts. During your stay, you will have the chance to take part in one of these jam sessions. Music instruments will be available, but you can bring your own to join the lively musical atmosphere of the venue. This is the perfect opportunity to meet residents, exchange ideas, and experience a rich and dynamic immersion in local life.

Description of work: Join a team of volunteers to renovate a concert hall and bring a community space to life in the heart of Gers, one of the most welcoming regions in France! In Preignan, a lively village surrounded by nature, you will help breathe new life into L’Hydroberge, a community café much loved by the locals. The goal of this project is to turn this alternative space into a place for meeting and sharing while promoting values of inclusion, equality, and environmental responsibility. On-site, you will take part in restoring the concert hall by renovating its walls and furniture. No experience is required—if you’ve never done masonry or woodworking before, don’t worry, everything can be learned along the way!— What really matters is your motivation and your desire to bring creativity to this promising project. Beyond the renovation work, your stay will be filled with activities and local tourism, offering a full immersion into village life.

Description of accommodation and food: You will sleep in individual tents (provided by Concordia) with access to sanitary facilities, showers, and a kitchen. Everyone will take turns preparing meals and managing the living space (organizing schedules, cleaning, shopping, etc.). Tasks will be shared collectively, and meals will be prepared together (mainly vegetarian). A budget will be allocated to the team leaders, and you will participate in grocery shopping, prioritizing healthy, mostly vegetarian and locally sourced products. Laundry will be done by hand. Wi-Fi is not available, but volunteers can share their mobile data if needed.

Description of location and leisure: L’Hydroberge is located in Preignan, a charming village in Gers, at the heart of the Occitanie region in southern France. This picturesque village, with everything you need nearby, is just a stone’s throw from Auch, the city of d’Artagnan, known for its rich history. Preignan hosts fascinating remnants such as an ancient villa visible on the ridges. The village’s Romanesque church, at its center, was built on a former Merovingian cemetery, offering a true journey through time. The Rambert Mill, home to L’Hydroberge, is itself a historic monument and a symbol of local life. If you love history and authenticity, Gers is the ideal place to explore France in a unique way. You can discover the Santiago de Compostela trails, visit archaeological sites like the Gallo-Roman villa of Seviac, and more! The region is also home to the Occitan language, adding even more charm to its rich character.

Short remarks for the project: Consider taking clothes and footwear suited for work and hiking (including rain clothes). Bring a warm sleeping bag and a good floor mat, tents are provided but if you want, you can bring your own tent. Don’t forget to bring a bathing suit in case you go swimming. Don’t hesitate to bring home specialties, photos, games, music instruments, etc.

Documents the applicants have to provide before camp: Media consent,  Medical information,  Parental Agreement

Meeting Point and Time: The meeting point is AUCH Train Station on the 9th July at 6 PM. There are regular trains to AUCH from TOULOUSE Matabiau station. From PARIS, you can take the train from Montparnasse train station to TOULOUSE Matabiau train station, regular departures are scheduled throughout the day (about every hour). The trip last for about 4.5 hours, once in TOULOUSE Matabiau train station.Trains are open to booking about 4 months before the departure dates, available on the following website: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/ If you are coming first by plane, remember that you will need some time to commute from the airport to the train station, therefore we recommend that you arrive early enough for you not to rush and have a stress free travel. If possible, please consider using low-carbon transportation (train and bus rather than airplane) for a sustainable international workcamp.