RENOVATION ALONG THE CANAL

CODE: CONCF- 4506

Project and work :

Take part in the renovation of the Sauldre canal basin, a natural and historical heritage in the heart of the Sologne, in Lamotte-Beuvron, about two hours away from Paris.

The basin used to be a harbor and a manoeuvring area for barges carrying rock cargoes.

Located in the town centre, the basin and the esplanade around it are in the heart of a development project led by the town council.

In the continuity of a workcamp organised last year, your mission will be to repair the stone riprap that composes the structure of the basin. You will need to remove the weed from the banks and fix the disjointed stones by using traditional masonry techniques.

Some of the work will be performed from a floating platform. Even if the water is low in summer, it is essential to know how to swim to participate in this workcamp.

Accommodation and meals:

Your accommodation will be at a 20-minute walk from the worksite. You will have your own tent (provided by Concordia), on the field of the stadium close to the House of Sports, where you will have access to sanitary facilities, showers, as well as a kitchen and a common room. You will share various collective tasks (cleaning, activities, etc.). A budget will be allocated to the leaders, and you will help with shopping and cooking, prioritizing healthy, local products. Feel free to bring your own recipes, it's a great opportunity to share your history and culture with the group. A washing machine and a laundromat will be available (it is still recommended to bring 2 weeks of clothes). WIFI will be available in the town hall or through hotspot.

Partner :

The town of Lamotte-Beuvron has been working for years to rehabilitate the Sauldre canal. This is the fifth time that a workcamp is organised here. Built on the orders of Napoleon III, the canal drains into the Lamotte-Beuvron's basin. Abandoned almost a century ago, the canal has now become a tourist trail, located both on the equestrian route linking Chambord to Sancerre and on the Grande Randonnée trail no. 31, which is very popular amongst nature lovers.

Geographical location and leisure activities :

Only two hours from the south of Paris, surrounded by woods and ponds which embellish the Sologne, the town of Lamotte-Beuvron is known as the home of the largest equestrian centre in Europe. It is appreciated for its gastronomy, especially for the famous apple dessert: the very tasty Tarte Tatin. You will undoubtedly have the opportunity to discover this sweet dessert while visiting the village in your free time. The city of Orléans, the regional capital of the area, is also easily accessible by public transport.

Special requirements and remarks:

The work site will take place in a rural environment. For practical and ecological reasons, travel will mainly be on foot or by bicycle. Remember to bring gloves, clothes and shoes suitable for outdoor work. Don't forget to bring a sleeping bag and a floor mat, summer and rain clothes, as well as a swimsuit and toiletries. You can also use a pillowcase as a pillow by filling it up. You can bring board games, a music instrument or anything from your region/country that you want to share with the group, as well as a Bluetooth speaker. Please note that volunteers must be able to swim !

On the last day (22/08), the departure time is usually set in the morning.

Languages :

English, French

Meeting point:

The meeting point is set at the LAMOTTE-BEUVRON train station. The exact time of the meeting will be communicated with the infosheet, sent 4 weeks before the camp starts. Please consider using low-carbon transportation (train or bus, rather than airplane) for a sustainable international workcamp.