📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
At the gateway to the Provençal Baronnies, the site of Arzeliers stands on a small mountain with a beautiful view over the Durance valley. This ancient, ruined village is the cradle of the commune of Laragne: the remains of a chapel and the ruins of several houses can still be found there. For several years, the commune of Laragne has been working to bring the remains of the Arzeliers castle to life, maintain and develop them. Since 2013, international youth volunteer workcamps have been organised for this purpose with the Les Villages des Jeunes associations. Following these successful experiences, it is proposed to continue the conservation work in 2023.
💼 What the programme involves
The work in 2022 allowed us to work on the enhancement of the site thanks to the recovery of the plaster that was used as mortar in the walls that had collapsed. This year, we will be able to discover the cycle of this local material. You will help to make a "peasant plaster" mortar and to restore the walls of a building in order to consolidate them and prevent them from deteriorating further. A specialised technical supervisor will be at your side to give you advice and techniques. You will work approximately 30 hours per week.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will be accommodated in individual tents that we will provide you at the municipal campsite of Laragne-Montéglin. A mobile home will be at your disposal to cook and to have access to sanitary facilities. You will take turns to cook, so that we can taste several specialities! Here, we pay attention to what we eat, to reduce our environmental impact, we try to eat a maximum of local products and we eat meat twice a week. The daily life is organized together: organisation of menus (vegetarian, vegan and other specific diets are possible), shopping, activities, etc. Bring a good sleeping bag (the nights can be very cold in September) and a pillow. To be adapted to your needs.
📍 About the location
Laragne-Montéglin (05300) is a small town in the Hautes-Alpes where all services are within walking distance.
Leisure activities: With the animation team, you will be able to discover this beautiful region during hikes, swimming trips and/or relaxation in lakes or gorges. You will also be able to discover the architectural heritage, with many villages dating back to medieval times. During the evenings, games, barbecues, meetings with the locals, international meals or just relaxing will be possible. It is up to you to choose your programme. You will be in the heart of the Parc des Baronnies Provençales to discover the pleasures of hiking in the mountains, its rivers, its lakes, the farmers' and producers' markets, the festive evenings organised in the surrounding villages (according to the programme). As a group, you will decide on the activities and discovery outings you wish to organise. One of the most important farmers' markets takes place in the town every Thursday morning. You can find excellent olives and other specialities!