The Seine Basin is a vast territory stretching from Burgundy to Normandy, encompassing more than 18 million inhabitants. The multiple tributaries of the Seine form a spectacular array that traverses, irrigates, and connects rural areas, metropolises, valleys, and plains. This is the result of nature's slow work over centuries, shaping the landscapes of our daily lives.

Faced with the simultaneous threat of water scarcity and the risk of flooding due to climate change, Les Ateliers de Cergy proposes that we take a fresh look at the Seine Basin. As the primary condition for life, water is at the heart of the relationship between geography, landscape, living organisms and minerals. Building on the hydrographic network, the symbolism of water and the narrative power of gardens, how can this Great Sequanian Garden be created?

The aim of the workshop is therefore to contribute to the invention of this Great Sequanian Garden, to invent the narratives of desirable, supportive and resilient territories for the inhabitants of this vast watershed. Following the river from its source to its estuary, this 43rd session will focus on the Upper Seine Valley–Seine Amont section.

The workshop challenges

Foster a shared water culture : What can be done to reconcile uses, reduce conflicts and conserve water resources?

Imagine elements of a territorial narrative : How can the imagination be stimulated through storytelling mechanisms? What can they be they be based on? How can they be embodied and made collective?

Mobilize knowledge for territorial development : To encourage the application of proven knowledge, what strategies are needed to integrate this knowledge into territorial projects?

Raise awareness of hydrosolidarity : How can interdependence be translated into new forms of action and governance?

Innovation, creativity, forward planning, collective work

For more than 40 years, the association has brought together around twenty students and young professionals of various nationalities and disciplines each year in September in Paris Region. These participants work on site in multidisciplinary teams and present at the end of the workshop their proposals and strategies to an international jury chaired by local authorities. The teams' proposals combine long-term visions and ideas of illustrated actions, thus composing a range of projects for local decision-makers.

Apply for the workshop!

The workshop is open to young professionals of all nationalities and disciplines, and to students of at least Master's level, from all disciplines (urban planning, sociology, arts, economics, agronomy, engineering, architecture, hydrology, philosophy, history, architecture, landscape, etc.) and of all nationalities.

Place and date

The workshop takes place in Cergy-Pontoise, in the Paris Region.
From 8 to 25 September, 2025

How to apply

Please read the call for applications and the topic document (this document will be released in English in the coming days).

To apply, please prepare :
- a one-or-two-page CV
- a personal work or an extract from a personal work (max 6 pages), related to the subject of the workshop and the rivers of your home territory. This work is free-form and can include illustrations, photos and other graphic productions.
- a presentation of yourself in 80 words

Then complete online form, attaching your CV and personal work: www.ateliers.org/l/apply-seine/

Requirements

Mastery of English to be able to work with international teams, full availability on the dates of the workshop, age limit 30 years.

Application is free of charge. The workshop fee (including association membership) is 150 euros and includes accommodation for the duration of the workshop in Cergy-Pontoise, regional transport and organized visits, group meals, lectures and drawing materials.

Applications are open until 1st of June, 2025