Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
This year, we invite you to the Couvent des Annonciades Célestes in Joinville! Built in the 16th century, it was completely destroyed by fire, then rebuilt in 1760. Nuns lived there until 1969. Today the Convent, a building of remarkable architecture, needs to be restored. Thus, since 2019, a dozen volunteers from Joinville have created an association to safeguard the Convent. Several workcamps have already taken place, but this year, local volunteers wanted to widen the borders and welcome a group of international volunteers. Come join them this summer!
By participating in this workcamp, you are interested about sustainable cities (SDG11) and communities and responsible consumption and production (SDG12).
Work:
If you sign up for this project, you will have the opportunity to discover, with a professional technical supervisor, the basics of traditional lime masonry and stone cutting!
You will participate in works on different spaces of the Convent. First, it will be necessary to repair the small staircase that descends towards the convent garden, as well as the adjoining wall. As you can see in the photo, it is very damaged and must be rebuilt with stones and lime. Then, several small masonry works are necessary around the viver, still inhabited today.
Accomodation and food
If you like unusual accommodation, this site is for you! You will be accommodated directly in the convent, in rooms that were used by the nuns and which are still in good condition. There are between 2 and 5 beds per room, with mattresses (don't forget to bring a sleeping bag!). A kitchen and toilets are accessible in the convent. To take your shower, you will have to go to the changing rooms of the football stadium a few steps from the convent. You will have access to the convent's large park, with shaded areas, a small chapel, a vegetable garden and a pond: an idyllic setting!
The volunteers, who will be actors and actresses of their stay, will each participate in the daily tasks (shopping, cooking, storage and cleaning ...), the organization of the rotation will be done with the animation team, which is there to ensure the smooth running. The objective is to gain autonomy and that everyone acts individually to allow a good collective functioning.
All together, you will think about how to work, eat, have fun, get around, visit the region in the most respectful way for the environment and for each other.
Location and leisure
Le Couvent is located in the town of Joinville, a small town of 3000 inhabitants, with all the comforts. Joinville is a city full of history and heritage: there is a medieval castle, a large Renaissance castle and many remarkable buildings in the center of the town. It is because they are aware of this rich heritage that the inhabitants of Joinville invest every year to restore it. They will be delighted to introduce you to all the heritage treasures of the region!
About thirty kilometers away: the Lac du Der, a very large body of water renowned for its swimming and water sports activities.
The nearest large town is also about thirty kilometers away: it is Saint-Dizier. You will have a minibus to get around in the evening or on weekends, but the local volunteers will also be very happy to offer you visits and festive events around Joinville.
Directions to meeting point
Nearest airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle airport
Nearest train station: Joinville Train station
Meeting Point and Time: Joinville Trainstation, 6/07/2024 at 5 P.M.
Additional comments
Do not forget to bring sheets (single bed) or a sleeping bag
There is a possibility of wifi access on the castle site.