📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The great natural and built heritage of Besse-Et-Saint-Anastaise gives the town a special appeal. It is located in the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes, on the Massif du Sancy and has many assets that invariably attract tourists in both summer and winter. The village is also special for its social dynamism; many associations and events animate the place throughout the year. Inhabitants and local associations are enthusiastic to receive you for the fourth time in this authentic village
💼 What the programme involves
The village is crossed by the Couze Pavin river which takes its source in one of the deepest lakes in Europe, the Pavin Lake. On the banks of this river, men formerly installed water mills in order to use the energy offered by the river. These mills are now in ruins, but there are still remnants to save Your mission will be to preserve these mills: continue to clear the ruins between the uncovered part of the mill and the reach and prevent the ruins from falling apart (dry stone walls) in order to make the architecture of the mill understandable. This site will allow visitors to discover this typical heritage and to know its history. You will be supervised by a professional and will work 4 to 5 hours a day.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will be accommodated in an exceptional setting in small chalets. Mattresses are provided. Bring your sleeping bags and warm clothes for the night (almost 1000 m high). Sanitary on site. You will have access to an equipped kitchen where you will collectively cook your meals and participate in the daily tasks (cleaning, shopping-). There are several shops in the Besse village.
📍 About the location
The village of Besse is considered one of the most beautiful sites in Auvergne and is part of the Regional Natural Park of the Auvergne Volcanoes. Besse is located in the Sancy mountain range, born 5 million years ago and whose highest peak, the Puy de Sancy, is 1,886 meters high. A hike leads to the Puy de Sancy directly from Super Besse (ski resort). The village is an old medieval city and is labeled Small town of character . You can visit its belfry, its ramparts and its 8 monuments classified as historical monuments. You will be able to visit the Pavin Lake, located in the crater of France s oldest and deepest volcano. There is a tour around it. The landscapes and the view on Sancy are magnificent.
⚠️ Requirements
This site will allow you to understand the different techniques in the preservation of heritage sites but also to acquire masonry skills. Working as a team, both with the campleaders and with other volunteers, you will develop your autonomy, your adaptability and versatility, rigor and tenacity. Those are skills you will also strengthen through group life.
