Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:

With your feet in the water, you'll be helping to renovate the mills on the Sèvre Niortaise river, which date back to the 12th century. For many years, this river powered the mills in the villages of Sainte-Néomaye, Saint-Martin-de-Saint-Maixent and La Crèche. Today, these mills are an integral part of the local historical heritage. This project is being carried out in partnership with the “Association Syndicale Libre des Riverains de la Sèvre Niortaise”, which manages the hydraulic activity of 25 mills and supports the owners in preserving their natural heritage. This project will give you the chance to contribute to the enhancement of this ancient heritage, while working in the heart of an exceptional natural setting.

Description of work:

To the sound of the murmur of water, you will take part in the maintenance and restoration of the structures of 3 mills on the Sèvre Niortaise river, in the communes of Sainte-Néomaye, Saint-Martin de Saint-Maixent, and La Crèche. You'll be repairing bank walls, restoring a footbridge and clearing a water passage. Some traditional masonry techniques, such as working with hydrated lime and clay, will be taught to you by a specialist technical supervisor. You will be supervised and accompanied by the owners of the mills throughout the work. You will also be able to learn about certain hydraulic systems.

Description of location and leisure:

At the crossroads of some pretty little villages in the Deux-Sèvres, you can make the most of the local heritage. Visits to the region will be organised collectively according to your wishes, for example the silver mines of the kings of France, the cinema, the municipal swimming pool, etc. You can also discover local towns such as Niort and Celles-sur-Belle. Leisure time and local activities will encourage you to meet the locals!

The nearest airport: BOD in Bordeaux,France
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Poitiers (86000)
Meeting Point and Time: The meeting point will be at Saint-Maixent-L'École station (79400) between 4 and 5 p.m. on 8 August 2025. All the information you need to get there will be in the project roadmap.

Description of accommodation and food:

Accommodation will be in tents for one or two people, at the Saint-Maixent municipal campsite (79400). You will need to bring your own warm duvet and pillow, and we will provide inflatable mattresses. Food will be provided for all meals, with a budget managed collectively by the group and the leaders. You will take it in turns to prepare the meals, using local resources and respecting everyone's dietary requirements (hot, cold, vegetarian and vegan dishes).

English

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