Project :

The small town of Neufchâteau, located in the heart of Belgian Ardennes, owes its name and its existence to an old castle. During Middle Age, it used to overhang the city and protect the local water mill. The antique fortress was destroyed by the army of Louis XIV during the 17th century. Old ruins ended up disappearing under the action of time and men. Neufchâteau inhabitants forgot about the castle that had been at the origin of their city. However, in 1956, an old chart is found by a historian in a library in Brussels. The chart represents Neufchâteau such as it existed 400 years before. This chart makes Christophe K., a young boy of the village dream. Today, Christophe became Mr K, a man of respectable age with white beard and hair. Ten years ago, Mr K started rebuilding the old castle. At the beginning, he was all alone but with time, international volunteers and youngsters from the municipality came to give him a hand during summer. Communal authorities also joined this vast venture of the local heritage defence. Thanks to the collective efforts, a part of the enclosing walls and of the old tower were rebuilt.

Location:

By choosing the area of Neufchâteau for your workcamp, you resolutely chose to breathe. In the heart of nature, central Ardennes is a true space of relaxation, adventure, leisure, sports, excursions.... This area abounds in ideas of stays or escapes: the peaceful nature, forest, rivers, villages, the architectural heritage, delicious products of the soil, walks or rides. During any season, there are tourist, cultural, sports festivities. It is at 150 kilometres from Brussels. More infos on the website : www.neufchateau.be

Work :

Volunteers will have the opportunity to assist Mr. K in his historical research (to release the enclosing walls) and to rebuild walls having belonged to the castle. During the camp, volunteers will also help to protect some other local heritages: painting in the church and little schools of the villages around Neufchâteau.

Accommodation :

In a cottage located in the countryside, 4 kms away from Neufchâteau. They will be the only occupants of the house. The place is equipped with a kitchen, a living room and a garden; ideal to organize barbecue evenings.

Be aware that you will have to bring your own mats and that no hot shower will be available in the house. You will be able to take a shower after work, in a sports Center nearby. Ways between the house and the building site (approx 4kms) will be done on foot or by car.

Food :

Self catering

Meeting point :

At the Marche-en-Famenne train station, on Friday 11th of July between 4.30pm et 5.30pm. Volunteers will leave together on saturday to Neufchateau.

Specific information :

- For the work, you could be required to work on scaffolding.

- Be aware that Neufchâteau is in the countryside. If, during the week-end, you decide to make cultural visits in the Belgian cities, it can be costy as it is difficult to leave and come back in the same day.