MSc AEES Study Tour of Lower Normandy, France

April 5th-12th 2008

Mention France to a lot of people, and a variety of images are easily conjured, but probably not of a country with environmental credentials. France is one of the leading exponents of nuclear power - however, did you know that France already produces 11% of its energy demand by renewable means? Or that a majority of the population are against the production of nuclear power? Are you interested in finding out about what is happening across the water, and what our French cousins are doing to encourage (or prevent) a more sustainable future, apart from eating lots of garlic?

Sensehabitat are proposing a study tour of the Lower Normandy region, with the following suggestions as an outline itinerary:

Proposed guided tours

Hydro-electric power plant in St. Malo
Nuclear power station in Flamanville
Tidal intervention barrier at Mt. St. Michel (and walk across the bay)
Grass-roots organisation promoting renewable energy projects
Low impact housing cooperative estate in Rennes
A number of individual self-build projects, including the Normandy ‘Earthship’
CHP District heating plant in Vire
Ornamental gardens created form rubbish dump in Caen

Optional de-briefing sessions proposed after each tour, as part of after dinner activities (well, it’s that or ping pong)

Also during the week, a biomass insulation workshop is proposed, offering the opportunity of some hands-on practical experience, along with a bit of theory to promote discussion of why this is (or isn’t) a good idea.

Comfortable accommodation is offered, full board, with packed lunches included. All catering requirements covered by our team of culinary wizards (witches actually)

Proposed dates for the tour are from Saturday April 5th, meeting in Portsmouth and travelling by ferry to Caen (Ouistreham) and on to residential accommodation, which will be the base for the week’s tour, returning to Portsmouth on Saturday April 12th.

The all inclusive price for the week will be £400.


Please contact us for any further enquiries:

douglas@sensehabitat.net

lawrence@sensehabitat.net