📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The City of Pompey is engaged in a major rehabilitation work on the site of the Castle of Pompey, whose construction began at the beginning of the 14th century and continued for several centuries. Today nature is very present on the site. Nevertheless, there are still some very beautiful ruins to be seen, with certain sections of walls and turrets still standing. For the fifth consecutive year, an international workcamp will take place in order to maintain the wonderful Château. After a lot of work on the ramparts in these previous years, this year the work will focus on the Northern Tower (number 2 on the plan) and the Boulevard (number 1 on the plan). They were built in the 16th century at the beginning of a wide moat intended to reinforce the defence of the Castle.
💼 What the programme involves
The work will consist in rebuilding of the Northern Tower's wall, involving time for de-vegetation and masonry work on the wall. In addition, work to enhance the "Boulevard" leading to the Tower will also be carried out. You will do some clearing and wood braiding activities. Eventually, the Northern Tower will serve as an entry point to the Castle. The work volunteers have carried out will therefore be the first thing visitors will see on their way to the Château de Pompey! Summer in Lorraine (very typical French region where the workcamp is hosted) is often very hot. The work will probably start quite early each morning (between 8 and 9 am) for the whole day (of course, there will be a lunch break). Late afternoons, evenings and 2 full days per week will be devoted for resting, relaxing, we will also organise various activities and games at the camp, as well as possible visits in the vicinity and the enchanting region!
🏠 Accommodation on site
Accommodation will be in tents in a green area close to the construction site. Don't forget to bring your sleeping bag and air mattress. Toilets and showers are close to the site and a kitchen will be set up on the campsite. You will manage all aspects of the daily collective life (shopping, cooking, cleaning). You will manage the daily life organisation, together. The aim is for each volunteer to be an actor and actress of his or her stay, always respecting others and community life. Different activities will be organised according to your interests, so bring ideas!
📍 About the location
Pompey is 15 minutes from Nancy and its mythical Place Stanislas, considered one of the 5 most beautiful squares in the world! The site is located right next to a treetop adventure park and other leisure activities. Moreover, these 3 weeks will be an opportunity to create links with the local inhabitants and local organisations who will share with you local culinary specialities (madeleines, cheese, wine...!). Young inhabitants will also prepare your arrival and a friendly meeting will be organised to promote intercultural exchanges. Many possibilities for visits exist nearby such as the medieval village of Liverdun, the Batterie de l'Eperon in Frouard or the charming old towns of Metz and Pont-à-Mousson!
ℹ️ Additional information
There is a possibility of wifi access but only at a point located near the buildings, a few hundred meters from the campsite. Unfortunately the accommodation and work sites are not accessible for wheelchairs. Volunteers might be assisted from time to time by local volunteers.
By participating to this workcamp you are helping to create safe and responsible spaces (UN SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and communities) and a sustainable environment (UN SDG 15 - Life on land)
