REDISCOVERING THE STORY OF RURAL TRAIN | CONCF-6311 | 2024-07-24 - 2024-08-07 | RENO | Age: 15 - 17

This will be the third year of the village of Louchy-Montfand hosting a volunteer work camp. The commune is very engaged in the project, and local residents are looking forward to seeing you! Our aim is to introduce volunteers to this village, and to introduce them to the exceptional historical and natural heritage of this rural area.

Work: Help renovate the old rural train station in the pretty village of Louchy-Montfand! The commune of Louchy-Montfand continues to renovate its historic monuments with a third youth volunteer project. The aim of this new project is to restore the old "tacot" train station, highlighting the history of this rural train which from 1910 to 1949 crossed the beautiful countryside of the Montagne Bourbonnaise between Vichy and Roanne, transporting passengers, merchandise and livestock. The project will involve restoring the walls of the shelter with traditional lime plaster, on which photos and panels explaining the history of the rural train will then be placed, as well as rebuilding a wooden bench and table to enable local residents and associations to use the site as a meeting place. Alongside two camp leaders, including a technical animator, who will guide you throughout the project, you ll discover traditional plastering techniques and woodworking, and learn how to handle tools. Calling all handicraft enthusiasts and history lovers to participate in this workcamp!

Accomodation and food: You will be accompanied by two camp leaders throughout your stay. You ll be accommodated in individual tents on a grassy field near the football stadium (at your disposal in the stadium : toilets, showers and changing rooms). You ll have access to the village community centre, with its communal kitchen and large living room. This will be reserved for your group and closed to the public. The group will be sharing the cleaning chores and preparing meals together. The budget will be allocated to the group leader and you will participate in the preparation of meals, prioritising products from the market and local producers. WIFI will be available at the town hall.

Location: LouchyMontfand

Location and Leisure: The village is located a few kilometres away from Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule, in the district of Allier, heart of the Bourbonnais region. Small town of 5 000 residents, Saint-Pourçain spreads along the river Sioule in a lovely countryside landscape. During your stay, you will enjoy the town s summery energy and the countryside right on its doorstep (hiking, swimming in the lakes, etc.). During your stay, you will be able to discover the area and take part in local celebrations!

Airport: CFE

Train/Bus station: Clermont Ferrand 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 will then be reimbursed once back in their home country.

The meeting point is the SNCF station in VICHY (03) in the late afternoon of 24/07. From Paris, Clermont-Ferrand or Lyon, several trains a day leave for Vichy. If possible, please consider using low-carbon emissions’ transportation (train and bus rather than airplane) for a sustainable international workcamp. The trains are open to booking about 4 months before the departure dates, accessible on the following website: 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: 250 EUR

Remember to bring work clothes, work shoes and a swimming costume. Nights can be chilly, so bring a good duvet and warm clothes. You can also bring recipes from your country/region, musical instruments and games. For more information: https://www.allier-auvergne-tourisme.com/