Project: Join us in the heart of the provençale Baronnies, in a stunning setting surrounded by mountains at the site of the abandoned village Saint Cyrice ! A 12th century church is all that remains of this village, and enthusiasts have taken on the job of restoring and showcasing it. Situated at the top of a hill, the view from the church is magnificent. The principal aims of this workcamp is to upgrade the former main road of the village, to remove the original stone floor located in the square of the church, and to create a supporting wall at the entrance of the site. These works will enhance this site which is frequented by tourists. In addition to the restoration of local heritage, this operation made it possible to (re) demonstrate to elected officials and inhabitants the interests and challenges of this technique for the restoration and creation of structures: management of runoff water, creation of a biodiversity zone, use of local resources, performance in terms of longevity, assets in the context of landscaping and enhancement of natural sites, interest in the tourism enhancement of certain sites, etc.
Work: Do you want to learn ancient masonry techniques and to register your action in accordance with the objective 12 of sustainable development (UN) in favor of sustainable consumption and production? How to use ancient and ecological materials? This session will consist of restoring the retaining walls of the slope in the main street of the old village. For this, it will be necessary to start with a work of cleaning of the vegetation then of the resumption of the low walls in dry stone. In the extension of these low walls, three small stone steps will also be resumed to facilitate access to the path. In parallel to this work, there is a mission of an archaeologist in the making to be carried out: the classification of elements found during the various work sites
undertaken. This mission requires precaution and rigor because each element must be sorted, photographed, and recorded by computer. The work will be supervised by a professional in dry-stone masonry. A day’s work is expected to last 6 hours, and the organization of the days will be discussed and decided on by the group of participants. This workcamp is a good opportunity to discover a traditional construction technique whose only required materials are stones cleared from fields intended for agriculture, or those that are recovered from former buildings.
Accommodation and food: You will be accommodated in individual tents at the campsite «Les Catoyes», about ten kilometers from the workcamp (the trips between the camp and the workcamp will be done by mini-bus). A team of leaders will be present to help you organize the collective life during the two weeks of the workcamp: planning of household tasks, elaboration of menus (vegetarian, vegan and other specific diets possible) and preparation of meals in turn, organization of leisure activities and outings. The purchase of local products will be largely privileged. Everyone will come with their own ideas, talents and skills for the preparation of the meals. Bring a mattress, a good comforter (nights can be chilly) and a pillow (to be adapted to your needs).
Location: Etoile Saint Cyrice is located in the South of France, between the Alps and Haute Provence (40km from Sisteron). It is close to the village Orpierre, a hot-spot for rock climbing that has many shops and that also organizes festivities during the summer period.
Leisure activities: The land of sunshine and amazing flavors, the provençale Baronnies massif is a good living personification where we can enjoy outdoor activities in the heart of nature while also just lounging around ! Rich in natural heritage with agriculture adapted to the Mediterranean climate within the mountains, the provençale Baronnies are known for their aromatic and medicinal plants : wild thyme, rosemary, lavender. In close proximity to Etoile Saint Cyrice, we’ll be able to discover numerous sites : the Sisteron citadel, the priory of Saint André de Rosans, Saint-Genis mountain...Orpierre is also an amazing site for rock climbing and the provençale Baronnies are full of varied hiking trails and spots where we can enjoy the surrounding rivers.
Closest train stations: Serres or Laragne-Montéglin (05700). Accessible via the stations Valence TGV, Valence city, Grenoble, Marseille Saint-Charles, Aix en Provence. The meeting times at the Laragne train station will be communicated to you on the route map (no times available at this time).