In 2019, the UN made it clear: "If we don't react before 2020, we won't be able to avoid catastrophic climate situations."
IPCC report, geopolitical instability, infinite growth in a finite world... Are these facts worrying you? Would you like to take action for a more united and ecological world, but don't know where to start? Then why not take part in an immersive training course in an eco-environment! All our internships and training courses here.
The eco-environment or the science of ecology
An ecolieu is an inhabited space in nature that functions on the ecological principles of biodiversity, permaculture, autonomy and health. The ecolieu that designed this 5-day course is located in the heart of the Cevennes mountains. It offers an immersive experience at the heart of an environment focused on resilience. Aware of our civilization's tipping point, its founder takes a positive view of the possibility of scientifically rethinking our ecological niche.
A true ecological laboratory!
The ecolieu's 5 permanent staff are working to find an ecological niche in a habitat for its collective, in order to meet human needs as comfortably as possible, while enhancing the site's biodiversity. Still in the research phase, the team is bringing to life what appears to be an experimental laboratory for the world to come. Their project has won the support of the Cevennes National Park, as well as that of the Ecole des Mines, one of whose students is due to devote his thesis to it.
Choice of: an internship focused more on practice or theory
You will enjoy an immersive, collective experience in the heart of nature. These courses are an introduction to the science of ecology and its applications. The lessons taught are based on the daily practices of the collective that lives on site year-round. There is a strong emphasis on knowledge transfer, which is very important to the entire team.
You will learn the basics of setting up and living in an eco-community. The course is organized into theoretical and practical workshops, punctuated by walks in the countryside and activities, to learn how to live together in an eco-friendly way.
The practical internship at an eco-site
Take part in numerous practical workshops, get your hands dirty, and discover the skills needed to set up an eco-friendly community (a living space in harmony with nature): permaculture, low-tech, ecological engineering, eco-renovation, vegetarian cooking... You'll become a true post-modern Robinson Crusoe!
- Permaculture: you will learn the basics of permaculture, including plant and soil requirements. You will quickly move on to practical work, sowing seeds, planting, etc.
- Vegetarian and local cuisine: Chestnut bread, Linden pesto...
- Ecological engineering: dry hedges, earthworks, forest trails, etc.
- Low tech: carbon footprint, low tech principles, design of a mobile solar dryer, etc.
- Eco-renovation: insulation principles, natural materials, soil preparation, etc.
- Pow wow: A pow wow is a gathering to celebrate the year by bringing the community together. Celebrate your week together with surprises!
- Meeting: Workshops are conducted together to promote a collaborative learning approach and appreciate the collective dynamic when the machines are silent...
The ecology internship at an eco-community
Go for a walk around Organique, in the Cévennes National Park, and discover the beauty and workings of nature: ecology will hold no more secrets for you. Explore Organique from top to bottom to discover its practices, their purpose, and how they work, so you can learn to live with nature while caring for it.
- Flora & Fauna: observation of species in their environment, adaptation and evolution, biodiversity, etc.
- Climate & Soil: climate and weather, climates in the Cévennes, microclimates, etc.
- Matter & Energy: photosynthesis, food chain, material cycle, etc.
- Water & Ecosystem: water cycle, blue water, green water, gray water, black water, etc.
- Food: supplies, wild edibles
- Permaculture: the concept of living, ecological urbanization, vernacular housing
- Housing and Energy: the concept of living, ecological urbanization
- Food: supplies, wild edibles, permaculture
- Natural resources: water, soil, microclimate
- From Sunday, July 19 to Saturday, July 25, 2026
- From Sunday, July 26 to Saturday, August 1, 2026
- From Sunday, August 2 to Saturday, August 8, 2026
- From Sunday, August 9 to Saturday, August 15, 2026
- From Sunday, August 16 to Saturday, August 22, 2026
- From Sunday, August 23 to Saturday, August 29, 2026
Rates
The "Nature and Ecolieu" course is pay-what-you-want. To confirm your reservation, you must pay the cost of accommodation, food, and hosting: a total of€360.
At the end of your course, you will pay anadditional amount of your choiceto cover the cost of the course's educational activities, based on what you feel is fair and within your means.
If you cancel more than 30 days before the start of your internship, a fee of €50 will be deducted from your refund. If you cancel 30 days or less before the start of your internship, no refund will be possible.
COME AS A FAMILY WITH CHILDREN
(PRICES: 15 years and older €360, 10 years and older €310, 5 years and older €260 + conscious contribution)
Organic living can also be enjoyed by families of all ages! We invite you to prioritize the week of July 16 to 26. However, it is possible to come during another week, but the content will be geared toward an adult audience.
Who is the nature and eco-environment immersion course for?
Nature and eco-environment immersion courses are designed for individuals, groups and families who wish to embark on the path of change. It's for all those who are trying to stop contributing to the perpetuation of a mortifying civilization, and instead want to see the emergence of a fairer, more ecological society. No special skills are required.
- Looking for a magical, rejuvenating, wilderness experience?
- In a natural eco-environment?
- Would you like to enjoy greater autonomy and freedom while preserving biodiversity?
- Looking for answers and making progress on your project?
- Do you enjoy spending quality time with beautiful people?
This course is for you!
Framing
2 trainers with +20 years experience.
Accommodation and meals
Your lifestyle will be 100% ecological. You'll stay in a comfortable bivouac area,
. Fresh, seasonal, local and organic meals will be served.
Location
8 hectares of forest in the Cévennes National Park, Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Reserve!
About l'écolieu
At the origin of this ecolieu is a family consisting of a couple and four children. The two founders, experienced and qualified in agronomy, ecology and project management, and experienced Sunday tinkerers, acquired an 8-hectare estate in January 2018 to restore and turn into an eco-environment. Very quickly, a collective was created and launched the School of Applied Ecology. The aim of this school is to raise public awareness of the science of ecology and train experts in the transition of rural areas through a participatory approach. The team is looking to find an ecological niche in a habitat for its collective, without harming biodiversity. The collective is currently in the research phase. Their aim is to meet all their needs through a direct relationship with nature, without the need for any form of commerce. For the team, this experiment is not dogmatic but scientific. As such, it works in partnership with the Ecole des Mines.
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