Open up your imagination to create magnificent life-size souvenirs and showcase the local archaeological heritage!
The Cherré archaeological site is particularly known for its heritage, as it is classified as a Historical monument. It has also been a listed natural site since 1975, but it is less known for its environmental value and biodiversity.
Since 2022, the archaeological site has benefited from a conservation and preservation plan that can no longer be carried out as part of the Concordia workcamp. That's why we've been thinking about another project to enhance the site.
The 2023 project involved the creation of a large game to showcase the Cherré site.
This year, we'd like to continue the project to enhance the site, by creating a photo exhibition using film cameras!
To do this, we'll help you take the perfect photos. You'll learn how to develop your photos.
The aim of the photos is to help tourists discover the Cherré site in an artistic way. Between biodiversity and archaeology, it's up to you to find the best scenario to showcase this heritage! Make us dream!
You will also be helping to set up events and activities to forge links with local residents: setting up a stall at the Saturday morning market, organising an international meal, the famous aperitif with local residents, proposing service exchanges...
Accomodation and food
All for the adventure! You will sleep in individual tents (bring your own sleeping bag and comforter). The sanitary facilities and the kitchen will be in a building made available to the group. You will share the various collective tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the animators, you will participate in the shopping and in the preparation of the meals, by privileging healthy and local products. You will be able to exchange your recipes if you wish. The laundry will be done by hand, no WIFI available but you should be able to use mobile data or the hotspots of French volunteers.
Location and leisure
Aubigné-Racan is located in the south of the Sarthe, 40 km south of Le Mans and 15 km west of Chateau du Loir. Meeting times with the inhabitants will be organised through the implementation of service exchanges. For more information on the archaeological site: https://www.vallee-du-loir.com/offres/site-archeologique-daubigne-racan-aubigne-racan-fr-585177/
On the commune of Aubigne-Racan: http://www.aubigne-racan.com/
You will be able to participate in local festivities and activities in July: the parade and fireworks on July 14th, the "Nuit des Chimeres" in Le Mans, discovery of local heritage, hiking.
Project hosted by
Since 2013, we've been working in partnership with the Conseil Départemental de la Sarthe (owner of the site) and the commune of Aubigné-Racan to restore the archaeological site.
Aubigné-Racan, a charming town near the Loire, proud of its archaeological heritage, covers 3203 hectares and has 2112 inhabitants. The jewel of Aubigné's heritage is undoubtedly the monumental archaeological complex composed of a theatre, a temple, thermal baths and markets built in the second half of the 1st century. This archaeological site, property of the Departmental Council of the Sarthe, is one of the most beautiful sites in the Pays de la Loire region. The site is in the heart of the Loire Valley region, rich in built heritage and natural areas.
Directions to meeting point
The meeting point is at the end of the afternoon at the AUBIGNE-RACAN train station on the 10th of July in the end of the afternoon. The exact meeting time will be given with the infosheet which will be sent at the latest 4 weeks before the start of the workcamp.
From Paris, several direct trains leave from Paris Montparnasse with a connection at Le Mans train station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. On the last day (30/07), the departure time is usually set in the morning.
The exact time of the meeting will be communicated with the roadmap, sent at the latest 4 weeks before the beginning of the work.
Whenever possible, please consider using low-carbon emission transportation (train and bus rather than airplane) for a sustainable international construction site.
For more information about trains: 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.
Additional comments
The work site will take place in a rural environment. Bicycle trips (4 km between the accommodation and the archaeological site) will take place daily, therefore it is important to know how to ride a bike!
Please remember to bring good shoes and clothes that are safe for the work site. Don't forget to bring clothes for the cold and rain and a good warm sleeping bag: the nights can be cold. You can also bring musical instruments, juggling instruments, disguises or other games to show us your talents as well as traditional things from your country/region, photos and so on!
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.