The heritage site

The town took on its present configuration between the 11th and 12th centuries. The first references to the toponym Insula, meaning "island" in French, can be found in written sources from the 11th century. From this primitive name derives the name still commonly used locally today, namely "L'Isle" instead of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Hydraulic power, which had already contributed to L'Isle's economic development in the Middle Ages, would, thanks to the industrial revolution of the mid-19th century, boost the number of factories and contribute to the town's prosperity. Particularly around the Canal de l'Arquet, where 17 wheels were powered by the Sorgue River. The Maison Brun de Viano-Tiran is the only factory still in operation since 1808. Water power, harnessed by paddlewheels (some of which are still preserved in the old town center), also powered other industries (flour mills, paper mills, etc.) and craft workshops (carpentry, metalworking, etc.).

In addition, the large gypsum deposits on the heights of the hamlet of Saint-Antoine de L'Isle were behind the spectacular development of the plaster industry. The "gypsiers" of L'Isle were already exporting plaster to the many construction sites of papal Avignon as early as the 14th century.

The town was surrounded by ramparts that followed the river Sorgue. These were gradually demolished, particularly in the 19th century, when they were converted into courtyards and promenades.

In the late 1960s, industry gave way to antiques. Today, the town is Europe's third-largest antiques dealer.

Planned restoration work

In the heart of a historic industrial site, which has been returned to nature and designated a Sensitive Natural Area, you will organize the safety and restoration of the old Grange Blanche plaster kilns. The wall where the gypsum entered the plaster kilns, underneath the chimneys, is showing many signs of weakness. The same applies to the chimneys of the kilns, which need to be consolidated to prevent further landslides.

Caution: work at height!

Work schedule :

• Devegetation
• Wall stripping and cleaning
• Repointing and masonry restoration

Technique used : traditional lime masonry

Nature lovers, meet us at Les Plâtrières. The site is located in an exceptional natural setting. You may be lucky enough to spot some protected species.

During your stay, you will be supervised by 2 guides. The technical supervisor will teach you all about traditional building techniques, while the educational supervisor will help you organize your daily life and leisure activities.

The time set aside for the work is around 32 hours a week for adults. Work on the site takes place in the mornings, starting early because of the summer heat. The afternoons, evenings and weekends are devoted to outdoor and discovery activities, providing relaxation and pleasure. Two vehicles are made available to the organizers for travel during the site.

You will take it in turns to prepare meals as a team. This way, everyone can share recipes from their own region, and take advantage of the stay to sample the countless specialities of other regions or countries. If you're already a "chef", that's perfect; if you're not... get cooking!

You'll be staying at the rugby stadium, where you'll have access to the changing rooms and common areas of the stadium. You'll sleep in tents large enough to accommodate two people. Cots will be available for those who don't have their own camping equipment. You can bring your own tent, mattress or cot.

Leisure and other activities

On all our workcamps, we want volunteers to play a real part in their stay, so we invite them to work together to propose the activities and events of their choice, in keeping with the values that the association wishes to uphold.

Some ideas for outings: Festival d'Avignon, château de Thouzon, Pernes-les-Fontaines, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and the source of the Sorgue, Venasque, hiking in the Monts de Vaucluse, Luberon, gorges de la Nesque or Mont Ventoux, swimming and canoeing in the Sorgue.

Highlights during the worksite: L'isloise life is very active all summer long, packed with unmissable events.

Practical info

No special skills are required to take part.

Once you have pre-registered, please contact us by phone or e-mail.

The telephone call will enable us to get to know you better and give you more details about the site (organization, arrival arrangements, etc.).

You can ask us any questions you may have, and let us know what you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

We look forward to welcoming you on Saturday, July 5 from 5.30pm.

Departures will be organized on the morning of Friday, July 18.

• Access by train: l'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue station

(accessible by TER from Avignon or Marseille).

• Access by car : Directly to accommodation, please let us know in advance.