THE MUD CREW: SMASH AND REBUILD

CODE: CONCF-28024

Work:

Discover the village of Aigneville and take part in a project to renovate an old barn and its cob wall (old natural material for walls, including mud and straw (yellow dry grass)).
Your tasks will include removing the existing cob, recovering and making wooden laths, and reapplying wet cob to restore the wall to a clean and solid state. This workcamp is a unique opportunity to learn traditional building techniques while combining skill-building, creativity, and intercultural exchange!

Accommodation and food

You will be accommodated in individual tents in the garden of Aigneville’s small chateau, with access to a future stone guesthouse serving as a living area and dining space.
Sanitary facilities are available in the château building, with showers provided on site.
Community life is at the heart of the experience: you will share daily tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the animation team, and you will participate in shopping and meal preparation, focusing on healthy, locally sourced products

Location and leisure

Aigneville is located in the heart of the Picardy countryside, about 30km from Amiens, famous for its Gothic cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and hortillonnages (floating gardens). The area offers a peaceful, green environment, ideal for walks and exploration.

Volunteers can also explore nearby towns and sites such as Abbeville, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Ault, and the Baie de Somme, one of France’s most beautiful natural reserves.

In July, local events will brighten the stay: markets, summer festivals, and cultural activities. Together with the animation team, volunteers can organize excursions to discover the local treasures while enjoying relaxation and shared moments.

Partner

The municipality of Aigneville and the château owner, located in the Somme, are new partners eager to revitalize this rural village through an international workcamp. This project strengthens intercultural exchange while promoting local heritage.

Additional comments

Remember to bring work clothes for the construction site as well as closed-toe shoes. In case of possible water activities, remember to bring a swimsuit.
For accommodation, bring your sleeping bag and a groundsheet for extra comfort. You can also bring specialties, photos, musical instruments: anything you like and want to share during the project, whether with the local population or with the group of volunteers!