Would you like to live in France for a while, improve your French and get to know young people from all over the world while living in the country?
Our French partner organization Solidarités Jeunesses is looking for volunteers for long-term voluntary services through the European Solidarity Corps .
Solidarités Jeunesses welcomes international volunteers throughout the year in local projects called 'Délégations'. The Délégations are mainly located in rural areas and are housed in historical local places, for example a former factory, a former communal campsite, a village house or a castle. The houses have been renovated over the years by many volunteers and permanent staff who live and work there together.
When?
12 months from September 2026
Where?
This project is based in an old castle built in 1873, which has been leased to the Le Créneau association since 1993. The site is an international meeting and hosting centre where international volunteers and the local community work together. It is situated in Montcombroux Vieux Bourg in the Auvergne region in central France.
The estate comprises a main house, two small towers where the permanent staff live, a courtyard, a vegetable garden, a bicycle repair workshop and other workshops.
Also looking forward to your support are: Olive the donkey, Caramel and Choco (or Ana and Tol), the goats, and the ‘chick’ team, the chickens.
The château is a very remote location, situated 6 km from the ‘larger’ village with shops.
The project
Throughout the year, young people gather here for work meetings, training sessions and workshops. In summer, international work camps and cultural activities such as festivals, international meals and concerts take place.
At Le Créneau, volunteers get involved across the board in all the association’s activities:
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renovating the buildings;
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organising daily life at the castle;
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organising and taking part in cultural events, workshops and training sessions with different target groups;
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leading international work camps for young volunteers in the summer (camps for teenagers and those aged 18 and over);
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gardening and animal care, as well as
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promoting volunteering and communicating about the activities.
You can find a detailed description of the project in Le Créneau here.
Conditions of participation
Volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps is open to all young people aged 18-30. Of course you should be motivated for the project. A driver's license is strongly recommended in all projects as they take place in rural areas.
Apart from that, Solidarités Jeunesses works on the principle that the differences between people are an opportunity to learn, discover and grow from each other. Therefore, everyone is welcome, regardless of origin, gender, sexual orientation or world view.
What does participation cost?
Participation is free. The program is funded by the European Commission. You will be provided with lodging, meals, medical insurance, and round trip tickets (up to the maximum amount allowed by the program) for the duration of your stay. You will also receive a small amount of pocket money.
Apply now
To apply, you need the application form and a letter of motivation.
No special qualifications are required for the projects, so your text is used to assess the motivation to participate in a specific project. It's an opportunity for you to express why you want to volunteer in a rural area with people from different countries and backgrounds. Your letter of motivation must relate to the specific project you are applying for.
Lukas is at your disposal for all questions about ESC voluntary services and the application:
Send an email: outgoing@ibg-workcamps.org