Bona Fides Association and Concordia France are looking for Polish participants (aged 18-30) for several 2-weeks ESC workcamps this summer (from June to August) at different locations in France!
1. AROUND THE BASQUE MOUNTAINS
11/06 – 25/06
Project and work:
Come and take part in the project to protect several natural sites in the Basque Country! The programme includes guided tours with specialists from the Department and the Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels to discover the flora and fauna on site, as well as a range of different tasks: cutting down and removing invasive exotic species on wet moorland, repairing and installing fences in the mountains, creating sunbathing stations for the European pond terrapin (tortoise). You’ll have the opportunity to work on different sites in the middle of nature!
Accommodation and food:
You will be accommodated in individual tents, with sanitary facilities, kitchen and communal living area in the small village of Itxassou at the foot of the mountains. You will share the various collective tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the leaders. Together, you’ll help organise community life (cleaning, activities, etc.) and take turns preparing meals using locally sourced products and vegetarian meals. No wifi & hand wash for clothes.
Partners:
The Basque mountains are characterised by the presence of small wetlands on the slopes, known as peat bogs, in the middle of pastures and moors. There are also other wetlands along the banks of the River Adour, known as barthes. These areas are subject to various pressures, including invasive alien species, pastoralism and tourism. The various sites you will be working on, the Mondarrain and Sare peat bogs and the Mouguerre and Lahonce barthes, are protected natural areas managed by the Pyrénées Atlantiques department and the Conservatoire des espaces naturels. A whole host of actions are necessary throughout the year to preserve these fragile environments, so you’ll be taking part in this work and supporting the teams on site. Numerous awareness-raising missions are also carried out throughout the year with schoolchildren and local residents to raise awareness of the remarkable animal and plant species. The workcamp will not only be an opportunity to help preserve these unique places, but also to discover all their secrets thanks to the many specialists who will be on hand to show you around the site.
Geographical location and leisure activities:
Itxassou lies at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains. Set between mountains and sheep and cow pastures, this workcamp in the middle of nature will be an opportunity to discover this village, its inhabitants, its gastronomic specialities and the nearby footpaths. The various work sites are in the middle of nowhere, so you may have to walk a little to reach them. So it’s a site that requires a certain level of physical fitness and a desire to spend time outdoors. When you’re not on site, you can discover the Basque heritage, its villages, its cultural and gastronomic traditions and its magnificent landscapes between the ocean and the mountains!
2. SUMMIT SHELTER: CRAFTING A REFUGE FOR ALL
20/06 – 04/07
Project and Work:
In the heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park, between the majestic mountains of Isère and Drôme, lies the village of Le Percy. Here, in this preserved natural setting, we invite you to take part in an exceptional project combining craftsmanship and collective engagement. Join us for a human and technical adventure dedicated to making a mountain refuge accessible to all! This ambitious project aims to improve the infrastructure of the communal refuge in Esparron, a welcoming place for hikers and mountain lovers. Under the guidance of « Les Abeilles Charpentières », passionate carpentry artisans, participants will build a covered access ramp for people with reduced mobility and an emergency exit, making the refuge more inclusive and safer. Depending on the progress of the work, additional improvements may be made, such as installing dry toilets for the bivouac, creating a cozy fire area, and implementing other environmentally friendly features. Through this initiative, we contribute to enhancing the appeal of the region while preserving the mountain refuge spirit and adapting it to the needs of all. This project aligns with sustainable development goals and the promotion of local heritage, supported by the municipality of Le Percy and the Vercors Park. Whether you are passionate about construction, nature lovers, or simply eager to participate in a collective project, this unique experience awaits you!
Accommodation and food:
The communal refuge of Esparron, located at 1,460 meters altitude in the heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park, will serve as your base camp throughout the project. This authentic lodging, perched in an exceptional natural setting, offers an immersive experience in the mountain environment. During the first week, you will stay in individual tents set up outside the refuge. You will have access to the refuge’s sanitary facilities and equipped kitchen to ensure a minimum level of comfort. For this tent stay, be sure to bring a sleeping bag suited to cold mountain temperatures (ideally with a comfort range of around 0°C to – 5°C) and a camping mat for extra comfort. During the second week, you will be housed inside the refuge, which offers several dormitory-style sleeping areas with beds. Bringing a mattress is unnecessary, but a sleeping bag remains essential. Meals will be prepared collectively in the refuge’s kitchen. Participants will take turns cooking in teams using local and seasonal products, prioritizing short supply chains and accommodating dietary preferences. Daily communal life will be organized around sharing responsibilities, including cooking, cleaning, and group activities. The worksite and communal life will be overseen by an animation team ensuring the smooth running of the stay and coordinating with the eco-guards of the Vercors Regional Natural Park and partner artisans. Please note that the refuge is off-grid: there is no Wi-Fi or mobile network coverage. A washing machine is unavailable, so you will need to wash your clothes by hand if necessary.
Partner:
The Vercors Regional Natural Park and Concordia have collaborated for many years to preserve and enhance the territory. This partnership allows volunteers to discover an exceptional region with diverse landscapes rich in history and cultural identity. In return, your participation directly supports the park’s missions in collaboration with local municipalities to protect and promote these natural spaces. In 2025, this collaboration expands with a new project involving the village of Le Percy, which aims to host an intercultural worksite and introduce its heritage to young volunteers worldwide. You will be fully involved in this initiative, contributing to a project combining ecology, territorial enhancement, and intercultural exchange. Beyond the physical work, you will gain deeper insights into local issues through discussions and activities organized by the PNR and its partners. These moments will address key topics such as natural habitat preservation, sustainable agriculture, responsible tourism, renewable energy, mobility, and ecological urban planning.
Location and leisure:
Le Percy is a charming village located in the southern part of the Vercors Regional Natural Park in the Isère department. Nestled in the heart of the Trièves region, this town offers an authentic setting surrounded by preserved landscapes of mountains, forests, and meadows. The local heritage is rich, with traditional stone constructions and artisanal skills passed down through generations. The region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Numerous hiking trails accessible from the village provide breathtaking views of the Vercors and Dévoluy mountains. Marked trails take you through forests and alpine pastures, offering opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. For water sports enthusiasts, activities such as kayaking are available on nearby rivers, including the Bourne, which offers routes for all skill levels. Leisure activities will be organized, based on group interests and weather conditions, fostering team cohesion while exploring the area’s natural and cultural treasures. Additionally, meetings with locals and visits to heritage sites may be scheduled, providing full immersion in local life and a deeper understanding of regional conservation efforts, all facilitated by the worksite supervisors.
3. LAKE, MOUNTAINS AND SAVOY
04/07 – 18/07
Project and Work:
Come experience a unique adventure between lakes and mountains by joining an international workcamp in the heart of Savoie! In La Motte-Servolex, a charming town near Chambéry, you will be warmly welcomed by the locals and take part in a project that combines volunteering, learning, and cultural immersion. In partnership with the municipality, this workcamp is part of a sustainable approach aimed at improving accessibility and preserving the local environment. Supervised by the technical and environmental services, you will contribute to the creation of a pond to promote biodiversity and the installation of signage for a daycare center. These actions are part of a broader municipal initiative to enhance the quality of life and raise awareness on ecological issues. If you want to learn, contribute to a concrete project, or share a meaningful human experience, join us for a rewarding and solidarity-based adventure in the heart of the Alps!
Accommodation and food:
Accommodation will be provided by the municipality. You will sleep in tents (provided by Concordia) and have sanitary facilities close by. Further details will be shared later. You will actively participate in community life by sharing daily tasks such as cleaning and group activities. Meals will be prepared together, on a rotating basis, prioritising vegetarian meals, seasonal and locally produced ingredients, while respecting individual dietary preferences. Essential facilities, including kitchens, sanitary facilities, and communal living spaces, will be available nearby. Wi-Fi access will be available in public buildings within a five-minute walk. Since the workcamp is in an urban area, you will have access to laundromats for washing clothes.
Partner:
La Motte-Servolex and Concordia have been working together for over 20 years to organize international workcamps, creating a strong partnership based on shared values of solidarity, commitment, and sustainable development. A young, dynamic, and sporty town, La Motte-Servolex is part of the Chambéry metropolitan area and fully integrates sustainability into its local policies. Waste sorting, bans on chemical pesticides, and the installation of public vegetable gardens are just some of the actions that have earned it the labels “Territoire engagé pour la nature” and “Best Small Town for Biodiversity 2021,” particularly for its commitment to water and biodiversity preservation.
Location and leisure:
La Motte-Servolex, a town of 12,000 residents in Savoie, offers an exceptional setting between the Alpine mountains and Lake Bourget, France’s largest natural lake. Located less than 10 km from Chambéry, it enjoys a prime position in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, about an hour from Lyon and Geneva. Combining urban life with preserved nature, the area offers numerous outdoor activities to enjoy after workcamp hours. You can go hiking in the mountains, relax on the lake’s sandy beaches, or explore the local cultural and historical heritage. Bicycles will be provided by our partner to facilitate daily travel and allow you to discover the surroundings at your own pace. Thanks to the project’s strong local roots and the warm welcome from the residents, this experience will provide full immersion in Savoyard life, blending solidarity and the discovery of an exceptional region.
4. REBUILD THE FOUNTAIN
09/07 – 30/07
Project and Work:
Come experience an exhilarating adventure by participating in a renovation project in the heart of Brittany! The village of Hémonstoir welcomes you for its first international project and needs you to showcase its Saint-Arnoult fountain! You will work on the reassembly of this building, which was previously dismantled to make way for the construction of a library. This will be an opportunity for you to learn traditional masonry techniques, but also to make unforgettable encounters with young people from all over the world and kind-hearted locals who will welcome you with open arms!
Accommodation and Meals:
You will be accommodated in tents (provided by Concordia) at the municipal stadium, which is a 5-minute walk from the worksite! Group life will be organized nearby in a room provided for the group. There, you will share the various group tasks and activities. Together, you will participate in organizing group life (cleaning, activities, etc.) and take turns preparing meals using products you will purchase locally. The activity leaders will have a budget to cover these expenses, but you will be responsible for preparing the menus and doing your own shopping. A vegetarian diet using local and seasonal products will be preferred, while respecting the participants’ dietary requirements and allowing you to discover local cuisine.
Partner:
The town’s elected officials are very committed to youth and culture. They are delighted to welcome a group of international youth to bring their community to life for this first project with Concordia. The municipality’s goal is for the group to have extensive contact with local youth as well as residents! Get ready for some wonderful encounters!
Geographical location and leisure activities:
Hemonstoir is a small corner of Brittany near the town of Loudéac, in the Côtes d’Armor department. The nearby Guerlédan Lake offers wonderful opportunities for discovery and kayaking. A quote from novelist Paul Féval about this region: “I’m going to tell you perhaps the last story of the land of large stones and twisted oaks, which breathes the salt of the sea while eating buckwheat and drinking apples.” From his book, Voyage de découvertes dans les Côtes-du-Nord.
5. RESTORE THE SHELT’EARTH ON THE MOUNTAIN
10/07 – 31/07
Project and work:
Help restore a hut at the heart of the “hunters’ site” in the south of France! The commune of Puy-Sanière would like to restore the “hunters’ hut”, a structure located overlooking the Lac de Serre-Ponçon, and through which many hikers pass. Once used as a base for hunters, this structure is part of the commune’s rural heritage and could also become a shelter for walkers. You’ll be taking part in the restoration of the hut’s enclosure during a 3-week international work camp. You’ll work on cleaning up the site, deconstructing it before starting to build, and finally constructing a low wall. At the end of your work, the walls will extend over 24 linear meters, allowing the hut to become a used shelter again! This is a high-mountain project, so you’ll need to read the description carefully before signing up. You’ll be asked to provide a letter of introduction to the project before you can register!
Accommodation and food:
You’ll be accommodated outside the hut, in a large shady area where tents (supplied by CONCORDIA) will be pitched to provide shelter from the elements. A party room is also available, with access to WCs and a covered kitchen. Telephone reception, but no WIFI. Meals are prepared either in an outdoor kitchen or in the covered kitchen. You’ll share the various collective tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the animators and you will participate in the shopping and preparation of meals, giving priority to healthy and local products.
Partners:
Together with the Parc des Ecrins, Concordia has decided to set up a project in the Puy-Sanières mountain area. This Concordia project is part of an overall project by the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur delegation to work in the transalpine and Franco-Italian zones. Our aim is to highlight the need to restore dry-stone huts for workcamps.
Location and leisure:
Puy-Sanières is a commune in southern France, located on the southern flank of Mont Guillaume (2,552 m), at the southernmost tip of the Écrins massif. It lies in the Hautes-Alpes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, near the Serre-Ponçon lake. The site of the “hunters’ hut” is located a few kilometres from the center of the village of Puy-Sanières, on land mainly devoted to pastoralism and soft tourism activities. The site will be punctuated by leisure activities, such as discovering the region and its specialities, hiking and other sporting activities, as well as opportunities to meet the local population.
6. THE LOST TREASURES OF THE CITADEL
18/07 – 01/08
Project and work:
Immerse yourself in history by taking part in a unique archaeological research project at the citadel of Doullens! Your mission will be to clear a mound of earth blocking access to an unexplored underground passage. Using careful excavation techniques, you will dig and sift through each layer of soil, searching for historical artifacts and hidden remnants of the past. This workcamp is a true archaeological adventure, offering the chance to uncover long-buried secrets of this remarkable site. Come and visit this area where JRR Tolkien lived and got inspired to create his worldly known universe of Lord of the Rings.
Accommodation and meals:
You will be accommodated in individual tents within one of the citadel’s gardens, a unique and historic setting. A former jail will serve as a communal living space, providing a dining area and a sheltered retreat in case of bad weather. Sanitary facilities will be available in an annex building, while showers will be accessible at the town’s gym, a 15-minute walk from the campsite. Collective living will be at the heart of this experience: you will share daily tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be managed by the animation team for grocery shopping, and you will be encouraged to use fresh, local, and seasonal products for healthy, mainly vegetarian and delicious meals.
Partner:
The EPCC of the Somme are long-standing partners of Concordia. After a first collaboration in 2019 on the archaeological site of Samara, the EPCC of the Somme has decided to renew our partnership for an exciting new project: the exploration and enhancement of the underground tunnels of the Doullens citadel. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to preserving and showcasing historical heritage while engaging young international volunteers in a mission of discovery and cultural transmission. The city of Doullens and the EPCC are fully dedicated to welcoming volunteers and will ensure a friendly and enriching experience. Many interactions with locals and community members are planned, providing a deep immersion into the region’s culture and history. This work camp is a unique opportunity to actively contribute to the preservation of an iconic site while sharing meaningful moments with the local community.
Location and leisure:
Doullens is located in the northern part of the Somme, at the crossroads between Amiens, Arras, and Abbeville. This strategic position places it within easy reach of historical and cultural landmarks, including the stunning Gothic cathedral of Amiens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the vibrant city of Arras, known for its beautiful squares and underground tunnels. Surrounded by picturesque countryside, Doullens offers a peaceful setting perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the region’s rich history. Volunteers will have the opportunity to visit nearby sites like the Baie de Somme, one of France’s most breathtaking natural reserves, Samara archeological park or explore the remnants of World War I battlefields. During the summer, local events, markets, and cultural festivities will add to the experience. With the support of the team, outings and activities will be organized to fully enjoy the region’s heritage, nature, and warm community atmosphere.
7. BUILD WITH THE COMMUNITY
25/07 – 08/08
Project and work:
Help us to create pallet outdoor furniture for the commune of Les Mureaux, creating a cheerful, welcoming environment for local residents! The city of Les Mureaux has a number of social and youth structures that are essential for social action at family level, and for the city’s cultural activities. The aim of the project will be to create an outdoor living room using recycled wooden street furniture, so that it can once again become a welcoming and convivial space for the community, and in particular for the neighbourhood’s young people! Workshops will be organised to raise awareness of sustainable development, as well as workshops with children and many community visits.
Accommodation and meals:
You will be accommodated in a hard-standing building (gymnasium, school or social center) with hard-standing toilets and showers. Lunches and dinners will be cooked collectively, i.e. you will take it in turns to cook for all the volunteers. Weekday lunches will be taken in the canteen. A budget will be allocated to the leaders for the shopping in which you will participate, giving priority to healthy and local products, and vegetarian products. Wifi will not be available at the mission site and at the accommodation site. There is no washing machine but laundries are accessible in town if needed, 4€.
Partner:
For the fourth year, Concordia is pleased to be working in partnership with the town of Les Mureaux. You’ll be teamed up with young people from the community, thanks to the town council, which has asked us to get involved in a civic and supportive approach.
Location and leisure activities:
Les Mureaux is a suburban town with a population of 32,000 in the northern Yvelines region, just under an hour from Paris. Civic activities include a visit to the Musée de l’Immigration in Paris, a meeting with the NGO Terre d’Asile, Refugee Food, the Château de Versailles and the Amarres third place center. Social events in Les Mureaux and Paris are planned throughout the workcamp.
APPLICATION
To apply send your CV and motivation letter (in English) to a.siembab@bonafides.pl and anna@bonafides.pl or contact us for further information! Write ‘WORKCAMPS with Concordia France‘ in the title of your e-mail and specify which project you are applying for.