LAKE, MOUNTAINS AND SAVOY

CODE: CONCF- 6901

Project and work :

Come and experience a unique adventure between lakes and mountains by joining an international workcamp in the heart of Savoie!

In La Motte-Servolex, a charming town near Chambéry, you will be warmly welcomed by the locals and take part in a project that combines volunteering, learning, and cultural immersion.

In partnership with the municipality, this workcamp is part of a sustainable approach aimed at improving accessibility and preserving the local environment. Supervised by the technical and environmental services, you will contribute to the creation of a pond to promote biodiversity and the installation of signage for a daycare center. These actions are part of a broader municipal initiative to enhance the quality of life and raise awareness on ecological issues.

If you want to learn, contribute to a concrete project, or share a meaningful human experience, join us for a rewarding and solidarity-based adventure in the heart of the Alps!

Accommodation and meals:

Accommodation will be provided by the municipality. You will sleep in tents (provided by Concordia) and have sanitary facilities close by. Further details will be shared later. You will actively participate in community life by sharing daily tasks such as cleaning and group activities.

Meals will be prepared together, on a rotating basis, prioritising vegetarian meals, seasonal and locally produced ingredients, while respecting individual dietary preferences.

Essential facilities, including kitchens, sanitary facilities, and communal living spaces, will be available nearby. Wi-Fi access will be available in public buildings within a five-minute walk. Since the workcamp is in an urban area, you will have access to laundromats for washing clothes.

Partner :

La Motte-Servolex and Concordia have been working together for over 20 years to organize international workcamps, creating a strong partnership based on shared values of solidarity, commitment, and sustainable development.

A young, dynamic, and sporty town, La Motte-Servolex is part of the Chambéry metropolitan area and fully integrates sustainability into its local policies. Waste sorting, bans on chemical pesticides, and the installation of public vegetable gardens are just some of the actions that have earned it the labels "Territoire engagé pour la nature" and "Best Small Town for Biodiversity 2021," particularly for its commitment to water and biodiversity preservation.

By joining this workcamp, you will actively participate in environmental preservation and the embellishment of the local environment. This project is also a unique opportunity to foster intercultural exchanges with local residents, particularly young people. Social events will be organized to strengthen these connections and immerse you in the life of the town.

Geographical location and leisure activities :

La Motte-Servolex, a town of 12,000 residents in Savoie, offers an exceptional setting between the Alpine mountains and Lake Bourget, France’s largest natural lake. Located less than 10 km from Chambéry, it enjoys a prime position in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, about an hour from Lyon and Geneva.

Combining urban life with preserved nature, the area offers numerous outdoor activities to enjoy after workcamp hours. You can go hiking in the mountains, relax on the lake’s sandy beaches, or explore the local cultural and historical heritage. Bicycles will be provided by our partner to facilitate daily travel and allow you to discover the surroundings at your own pace. Thanks to the project’s strong local roots and the warm welcome from the residents, this experience will provide full immersion in Savoyard life, blending solidarity and the discovery of an exceptional region.

Special requirements and remarks:

For the workcamp, the municipality will provide gloves, reflective vests, and protective goggles, but it is essential to bring closed-toe shoes that can withstand mud and dirt. Bicycles and helmets will be available for your daily travels and excursions, so being comfortable riding a bike is necessary to fully enjoy your stay. Nights can be chilly, so bring a warm sleeping bag (comfort temperature around 5-10°C) and, if needed, a floor mat.

Pack clothes suitable for varying weather conditions, such as a fleece and rain jacket, as well as sun protection : sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle. Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit.

Feel free to bring objects, traditional foods, stories, games, or a music instrument to enrich social activities. A small Bluetooth speaker can also help create a musical atmosphere.

Languages :

English

Meeting point:

The meeting point is set for 5:00 PM at Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux train station. The exact time and final details will be confirmed in the roadmap sent before the workcamp begins. The station is accessible by TER from Lyon, Grenoble, and other cities, as well as by TGV from Paris, with several direct trains daily. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, as sales open approximately four months before departure on the SNCF website: https://www.sncf-connect.com/.

From the station, you will take a bus to La Motte-Servolex, arriving around 6:00 PM. The exact bus stop will be determined based on the accommodation location and will be communicated later. A detailed travel itinerary will be provided in the roadmap to help you plan your journey efficiently. For more information on the bus route, visit: https://storage.googleapis.com/is-wp-3-prod/uploads-prod/2024/07/FH_2024_2025_C.pdf.

Closest airport:

The nearest international airport to La Motte-Servolex is Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS), about 85 km away. From there, you can take a FlixBus or train to Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station, with journeys starting at €20 and taking around 1.5 hours. For long-haul flights, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is another option. High-speed TGV trains connect CDG to Chambéry in about 3.5 hours. Chambéry-Savoie Airport (CMF), just 4 km away, operates limited international flights. From CMF, you can reach Chambéry station by taxi (about €25) or bus.