BE CREATIVE ! | CONCF-7208 | 2023-07-05 - 2023-07-25 | EDU,ARCH | Age: 15 - 17

Aubigne-Racan, a charming town near the Loir, proud of its archaeological heritage, covers 3203 hectares and has 2112 inhabitants. The jewel of Aubigne s heritage is undoubtedly the monumental archaeological complex composed of a theater, a temple, baths and markets built in the second half of the 1st century. This archaeological site, property of the Departmental Council of the Sarthe, is one of the most beautiful sites in the Pays de la Loire region. The site is in the heart of the Loir Valley region, rich in built heritage and natural areas (hiking). We are working on this project with the agriculture and environment office of the Sarthe departmental council in charge of managing the biodiversity of the archaeological site. The site of Aubigne-Racan is a Sensitive Natural Area.

Work: Be creative and let your imagination loose to create a giant game and allow the tourists and passengers to discover the local archaeological heritage! We have been working in partnership since 2013 with the Sarthe Departemental Council (owner of the site) and the commune of Aubigne-Racan for the restoration of the archaeological site. The archaeological site of Cherre is particularly renowned for its built heritage as it is classified as a Historical Monument. This place is also a natural site classified since 1975, and is lesser known for its environmental value and its biodiversity. Since last year, the archaeological site benefits from a conservation and preservation plan that can no longer be carried out within the framework of Concordia workcamps. This is why we have been thinking about the implementation of another project to promote the site. The workcamp of the year 2022 concerned the realization of podcasts to boost the appreciation of the site of Cherre. This year, we want to continue the project of enhancing the site, by creating a great game! This game could be a giant cluedo, or a treasure hunt! You will be in charge of creating a great game with the objective of making tourists discover the site of Cherre in a playful and educational way. Between biodiversity and archaeology, it is up to you to find the best scenario to highlight this heritage! Take us on a journey! This game will be available in French and English. You will also participate in the implementation of activities and actions to create a link with the inhabitants of the town: holding a stand at the market on Saturday morning, organizing an international meal, proposing service exchanges...

Accomodation and food: All for the adventure! You will sleep in tents, in groups of 2 or 3 (bring your own sleeping bag and comforter), which will allow you to be in direct contact with nature. The sanitary facilities and the kitchen will be in a building made available to the group. You will share the various collective tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the leaders, you will participate in the shopping and in the preparation of the meals, by privileging healthy and local products. You will be able to exchange your recipes if you wish. Handwashing of laundry, no WIFI available but you should be able to use mobile data or the hotspots of French volunteers.

Location: AUBIGNERACAN

Location and Leisure: Aubigne-Racan is located in the south of the Sarthe, 40 km south of Le Mans and 15 km west of Chateau du Loir. Meeting times with the inhabitants will be organized through the implementation of service exchanges. For more information on the archaeological site: https://www.vallee-du-loir.com/offres/site-archeologique-daubigne-racan-aubigne-racan-fr-585177/ On the commune of Aubigne-Racan: http://www.aubigne-racan.com/ You will be able to participate in local festivities in July: parade and fireworks on July 14, "Nuit des Chimeres" in Le Mans, discovery of local heritage, hiking.

Airport: CDG

Train/Bus station: AUBIGNE-RACAN train station

Requirements: Foreigners belonging to the European Union must bring with them a personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and everybody must, in any case, bring their insurance certificate. If health issues happen on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and then be reimbursed once back in their home country.

The meeting point is at the end of the afternoon at the AUBIGNE-RACAN train station on the 5th of July in the end of the afternoon. The exact meeting time will be given with the infosheet which will be sent at the latest 4 weeks before the start of the workcamp. From PARIS, several direct trains leave from Paris Montparnasse with a connection at LE MANS train station. The journey takes about 1.5 hour. The exact time of the meeting will be communicated with the roadmap, sent at the latest 4 weeks before the beginning of the work. Whenever possible, please consider using low-carbon transportation (train and bus rather than airplane) for a sustainable international construction site. For more information about trains: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/ If you are coming first by plane, remember that you will need some time to commute from the airport to the train station, therefore we recommend that you arrive early enough for you not to rush and have a stress free travel.

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 200 EUR

The work site will take place in a rural environment. Bicycle trips (4 km between the accommodation and the archaeological site) will take place daily, therefore it is important to know how to ride a bike! Please remember to bring good shoes and clothes that are safe for the work site. Don't forget to bring clothes for the cold and rain and a good warm sleeping bag: the nights can be cold. You can also bring musical instruments, juggling instruments, disguises or other games to show us your talents as well as traditional things from your country/region, photos and so on!