You will take part in the fourth collaboration between the city of Givors and Concordia, a partnership launched in 2022 to restore and promote the remains of Chateau Saint-Gerald. This workcamp represents an important step in a shared commitment to protect local heritage through several upcoming projects.
This initiative is built on close cooperation between the city of Givors, its Cultural Affairs Department, and a specialized architect working specifically on the site’s restoration. The municipality also wants this workcamp to be open to the local community: the association Les Amis de la Colline, young people from the Givors Local Youth Mission, the local shopkeepers’ association, and residents will all be involved throughout the stay, creating opportunities for exchange and mutual discovery. Volunteers will have the chance to share their cultures, meet people from the area, and take part in a friendly, collective atmosphere that goes beyond the work itself.
İş Tanımı
Dive into history while taking part in a dynamic collective project at Saint-Gerald’s Castle!
Built in the 13th century and rediscovered in 1974, the remains are now entering a new phase of restoration, inviting volunteers to contribute to their revival. The aim is not only to restore an ancient site but also to enjoy a meaningful experience: learning construction techniques, working as a team, exploring an impressive natural environment, and spending two weeks with other young people from diverse backgrounds. The workcamp will combine hands-on tasks, exchanges, and discovery in a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
This participatory project will help create reception areas for future visitors. Supervision will be provided to guide volunteers in learning restoration techniques. The work will be adapted to different levels of experience, blending technical tasks with discussions on the site’s history and conservation. Come help bring new life to the remains of Saint-Gerald’s Castle and contribute to the vitality of the surrounding area!
Konaklama ve Yemek
You will be accommodated in an apartment in the heart of Givors, not far from the worksite. The accommodation consists of shared rooms with three to four single beds. It includes sanitary facilities, some accessible directly from the rooms and others located on the floor. A common room will be available for shared meals and social moments.
Please bring a sleeping bag suitable for a comfort temperature of about ten degrees Celsius. WiFi will be available nearby. The apartment is equipped with a washing machine.
Meals will be prepared collectively in a fully equipped kitchen. Participants will take turns preparing meals, cleaning, and handling other communal tasks. The diet will be primarily vegetarian, using local, seasonal, and short-supply-chain products while respecting individual dietary needs. A market takes place three times a week at the foot of the building, allowing for a regular supply of fresh products.
Konum ve Serbest Zaman
Givors, with a population of 20,000, is located in the Lyon metropolitan area, about 20 kilometers from Lyon, easily accessible by public transport. The town is strategically positioned between the Rhone Valley and the Pilat mountain range, offering both urban and natural settings.
With a rich industrial and working-class past, Givors has a varied architectural and cultural heritage, blending historical remains with contemporary achievements. Nearby, the city of Vienne, with its remarkable Gallo-Roman sites, and Saint-Etienne, the design capital, add to the region’s many cultural discoveries.
Crossed by the ViaRhona, a cycling route linking Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea, Givors is also an ideal starting point for walks that combine urban spaces with nature, including orchards and gardens. The Pilat Regional Natural Park and the Monts du Lyonnais, close by, offer hiking opportunities through diverse and preserved landscapes.
During the stay, leisure activities will be organized according to the group’s preferences and pace. Hiking, cycling, and river swimming will allow participants to explore the area’s natural beauty. With support from the local partner, bicycles will be available to facilitate travel and promote eco-friendly exploration. Cultural visits may also be arranged to explore local heritage and emblematic sites.
Notlar
Make sure to bring sturdy, closed-toe work clothes that can get dirty. You will sleep in individual beds, so don’t forget to pack a sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of 10°C, a fitted sheet, and a pillowcase. For outings, waterproof clothing is recommended. Remember to bring sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as a water bottle and a swimsuit for swimming in pools or water sports centers. If you would like to share a part of your culture, feel free to bring items representative of your country or region, such as photos, culinary specialties, musical instruments, your favorite playlist, or games to engage with other participants.
