📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Founded in 1981, the CICP Viviers aims to preserve the historical, monumental, archaeological, technical and industrial heritage of Viviers and the surrounding area. It offers activities designed to study, promote and enhance this heritage. For the first year, we are working in collaboration with the CICP, which has already had the opportunity to host volunteer workcamps on its premises. The two associations are working together to bring the village of Viviers to life, promote the CICP project and encourage intercultural exchanges between tourists, local residents and participants in the volunteer work camp.
💼 What the programme involves
Come and enjoy the perfect Ardèche climate this summer. We invite you to discover the history of the village of Viviers. You'll be taking part in the Maison des Chevaliers restoration project, which began several years ago. Most of the work will be done outdoors: rebuilding a stone wall, laying out a calade, introducing stonemasonry: there's plenty to do in this remarkable 16th century residence, listed as a Historic Monument.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will be staying at the Clos Saint Roch, a former cloister, parts of which date back to the 13th century, located in the medieval quarter next to the city's cathedral, just a 5-minute walk from the site. The accommodation includes a kitchen. Together, you will help to organize community life (cleaning, activities, etc.) and take turns preparing meals using locally sourced produce. Our aim is to encourage vegetarian eating using local, seasonal produce, while respecting participants' diets and discovering local cuisine together.
📍 About the location
In the center of the Rhône Valley, Viviers is close to Montélimar, the Ardèche Gorges and the gateway to Provence. It lies at the crossroads of the Cevennes National Park, the Monts d'Ardèche and the Baronnies Provençales Nature Park. The medieval town proudly watches over the Rhone gorge from its rocky outcrop, where its magnificent cathedral stands, surrounded by nature and a rich heritage. Visitors discover Viviers as an open-air museum. As you explore the streets, you'll come across many medieval and more recent sights, including the rampart separating the upper and lower towns. Locals and tourists alike enjoy strolling through the narrow streets, taking in the views and going to the market. It is also a stopover for river cruise ships. You're sure to find plenty to do during your stay in Viviers.
⚠️ Requirements
Remember to take clothes and closed shoes for work, ideally safety shoes that are resistant to dirt. You'll be sleeping in individual beds: remember to take a sleeping bag as well as a fitted sheet and pillowcase. And don't forget waterproof clothing for your walks. Don't forget sun protection (hats, glasses, cream, etc.), a water bottle and your swimming costume for swimming (pools, water sports centers, etc.).
ℹ️ Additional information
If you'd like to share a little of your culture (recipes, traditional stories, unusual objects, etc.), don't hesitate to pack a little piece of your country or region in your backpack and a small Bluetooth speaker to share your favorite playlist!
