RESMYLE in France organises a practical field training workshop related to old waterways

Thanks to its position at the foot of the Monts de Vaucluse, the land of Malemort du Comtat benefits from direct irrigation from the mountain run-off. Also its water tables and springs have preserved it from drought for many years. In addition to this, the ingenuity of the inhabitants of Malemort has for many centuries endeavoured to channel its springs to fill watering holes, create washhouses, restanques to cultivate the land in order to avoid losses due to run-off, as well as the famous Provençal fountains. However, for a certain number of years, all the irrigation systems have been attached to the Rhône, leading to the abandonment of certain works which are now dry and in ruins.

The workshop proposes to participate in a better appropriation of the heritage for the inhabitants, by raising awareness of the importance of the maintenance of these buildings to prevent drought and natural risks. The enhancement of this particular heritage could generate a more important tourist activity for the town.

By rehabilitating the hydraulic heritage, the water diverted from its former canalized path will be rehabilitated for use by the inhabitants. The town of Malemort du Comtat has been thinking for many years of setting up this project but the means and time available are lacking. This practical training workshop on the field will act as a stimulus for all the stakeholders in the project.

The precise problem of the workshop is the following: How to put the water heritage back at the service of the inhabitants in a context of recurrent water stress?

Activities :

- Restoration of an aiguier: initiation to traditional dry stone masonry and lime plastering

- Carrying out a survey among the inhabitants (interview, photos, referencing of buildings, collection of information)

- Creation of a document on walks in the aiguiers route, in the form of explanatory panels and/or an accompanying topographical guide (design, photos, writing, formatting)

- Presentation at a final event with the inhabitants of Malemort du Comtat

Applications :

- national from France, write directly to Thomas, project leader: chantiers@apare-cme.eu
- international from Italy, Lebanon, Tunisia and Jordan: https://forms.gle/mt9j4kh7EFerVWyX7

For more information on RESMYLE workshops, click here

Direct contact: chantiers@apare-cme.eu or resmyle@mailo.com