Oasis de Matrignat
A dream of building Heaven on Earth
Our Story
The Northern Lights is a French non-profit organization dedicated to regenerating biological and social ecosystems by cultivating sustainable livelihoods in harmony with nature and community. Based in a restored 18th-century farm in Saint Nizier Le Bouchoux, Rhône-Alpes, our mission is to address rural depopulation and its challenges—such as loss of traditional knowledge, agricultural decline, and lack of opportunities—by empowering youth and encouraging ecological, cultural, and economic resilience.
Located in the picturesque Ain, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, The Northern Lights is dedicated to transforming agricultural practices through innovative education. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills needed to implement sustainable and regenerative methods, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations. Through hands-on workshops and expert-led courses, we inspire a new era of environmental stewardship in France's rich agricultural heartland.
The farmland has been in the same family for 5 generations. In 2021, Romain Cavillon settled in the farmland to take care of his grandmother. After her passing, Romain took on the farm and evolved it into a community project.
Our Farm Facilities
Our project operates from an educational and research hub focused on regenerative farming practices. This farm provides the foundation for our work, featuring shared spaces like a community kitchen and recreational areas, alongside private dormitory facilities. This structure supports a healthy, engaging environment where individuals can learn, share skills, and grow personally in a space designed for mutual support and safety. With the challenges facing Europe today, we aim to strengthen our communication skills to improve organizational efficiency and engage effectively with diverse groups, including individuals from minority and migrant communities or those with limited educational opportunities. By providing tools for personal development through workshops and hands-on tasks within our organization, we strive to support young people and support a future of collaboration, resilience, and sustainable living.
Workshop Area
The Northern Lights has an extensive workshop area equip with tools and machines for metal and woodworking. We provide hands-on training and collaborative experiences to empower individuals with manual know-how through learning by doing.
Maison de Marie
This 18th-century house, featuring four bedrooms and an upstairs attic that can accommodate over 20 people, is a historic property that is continuously being restored and renovated to preserve its charm and functionality.
Green House
During our Erasmus seminars we built a 700m2 greenhouse where we harvest our market gardening production, selling our vegetables to the local communtiy every Friday. We are currently planning a new greenhouse extension of 500m2.
Outdoor Classroom
We believe that nature is our greatest teacher. In our spacious hangar, we host classes and workshops for groups of 50+ people, equipped with clipboards, blackboards, and projector screens to enhance the learning experience utilizing non-formal education methods.
Bioretention Ponds
Our farmland features two bioretention ponds, constructed as part of our Erasmus projects, with permaculture principles integrated into their design. The size of the ponds corresponds to the area of the rooftop where rainwater is harvested, ensuring efficient water management of excess waterflow.
Community Kitchen
Our community kitchen is fully equipped to prepare meals for over 50 people, using locally sourced ingredients while prioritizing food preservation and sustainable conservation methods.
Biogas Methanisation System
We are in the final stages of constructing a biomethanization system designed by Jean-Phillip Valla that will allow us to generate energy through the process of organic waste decomposition.
Tiny House
Built as part of our Erasmus+ projects, the tiny house is a zero-cost initiative crafted from recycled materials, offering a cozy and sustainable accommodation.
Caravan
Built and transported from The Southern Lights in Greece, Romain's caravan now rests in the scenic fields of our farmland, offering guests and volunteers an intimate accommodation option.
Camping Area
Spanning over 3 hectares, the residential farmland area offers ample space to comfortably host campers. We also provide a variety of sleeping materials to borrow, including tents, mattress, covers, and pillows, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.
Agricultural Machinary
We have a range of farm machines, including tractors, wheat-cutting machines, and various tools, to facilitate gardening and construction projects.
Music Instruments
The Northern Lights has an impressive collection of musical instruments from all over the world including guitars, djembes, flutes, percussion instruments as well as sound systems. Jamming is an integral part of our culture!
..and more!
Discover Our Oasis
Are you searching for the perfect destination to hold your next workshop, retreat, or summer camp? Explore a place where nature's beauty and innovation in sustainable living come together. Our traditional farm offers an inspiring environment ideal for fostering creativity, learning, and connection. Surrounded by lush landscapes and equipped with facilities designed to nurture both the mind and spirit, it’s the ultimate setting to bring your vision to life.