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Internship in an ecolieu in the heart of the Cévennes mountains

  • Eco-environment internship - permaculture - low tech - eco-renovation
  • 5 days
  • Cévennes National Park (France).
  • Solo, with friends, families welcome
  • Languages: French (basic knowledge)
  • From €390

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 science of ecology

An ecovillage is an inhabited space in nature that functions on the ecological principles of biodiversity, permaculture, autonomy and health. The ecovillage 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. The ecovillage's 5 permanent staff are looking 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 the project is supported by the Cevennes National Park, and by the Ecole des Mines.

The course program

You'll live a truly immersive and collective experience in the heart of nature. This course is an introduction to the science of ecology and its applications. The lessons are based on the daily practices of the collective, which lives on site year-round. There's a strong transmission dimension that's very important to us.
Over 5 days, you'll learn the basics needed to set up and live in an ecolvillage. The course is organized into theoretical and manual workshops, punctuated by nature walks and activities, to help you live together in an ecological way.

During the Ecovillage immersion course, you'll discover the science of ecology and ecosystem management:

  • Introduction to permaculture and the first agroecological steps in the vegetable garden
  • Introduction to dry-stone structure
  • Woodworking on small structures
  • Basic eco-renovation principles and techniques
  • Putting the energy question into perspective and low-tech workshop

Throughout the week, you will take part in the following activities:

  • Morning strolls every morning upon waking to cleanse body and mind
  • An evening of encounters and introspection to connect with oneself, others and nature 
  • A nocturnal walk to plunge into the heart of the wilderness and see the world differently
  • Group coaching session to reflect on your life with useful tools
  • Group workcamps for "doing things together", a pillar of collective construction
  • Daily ecological care: participation in daily tasks 
  • Preparing sourdough and ancient wheat bread for a delicious treat
  • A guinguette evening of dancing, laughter (and flirting if you feel like it!)
  • Stroll through the local market in the village of Le Vigan

2024 rates

  • According to the ecolieu's pricing policy, the earlier you book, the cheaper the rates! 
Fees for ecolvillage courses2024JuneJulyAugust
Registration beforeMarch 31 at midnight390 €430 €460 €
Registration beforeApril 30 at midnight430 €470 €500 €
Registration beforeMay 31 at midnight490 €500 €530 €
Registration beforeJune 30 at midnight535 €570 €
FromJuly 1st575 €610 €
Please add association membership (€10), bivouac fees (€50 for 1 place) and meals for 5 days (€125).

Special rates are available for children, teenagers, families and groups (contact the ecolieu directly).

MonthCourse dates
JUNE 2024Saturday June 1 to Thursday June 6
Saturday June 8 to Thursday June 14
July 2024Monday July 1 to Saturday July 6
Monday 8 to Saturday 13
Monday 15th to Saturday 20th
Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th
August 2024Monday, July 29 to Saturday, August 3
Monday 5 to Saturday 10
Monday 12 to Saturday 17
Monday 19th to Saturday 24th

Is this course right for you?

Ecovillage immersion course is designed for individuals, groups and families wishing 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.

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About the ecovillage

At the origin of this ecovillage 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 ecovillage. 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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