🏢 About the local organisation
The Clausonne Abbey is situated in the Saix, a small village in the canton of Veynes in the Hautes-Alpes. Today, only the remnants of this 12th century building are found as the abbey was destroyed, burnt, rebuilt and finally used as a farm and school in the 19th century. Clausonne remains however a remarkable site, sharing the beauty of the wildness that surrounds it : situated at 1200m of altitude, in the heart of a vast « circus » of mountains, the abbey became the route point for numerous hikers who visit the Haute vallée of Maraize. Thus, rather than letting the vegetation cover the ruins of Clausonne again, the inhabitants of Saix founded an association 20 years ago in order to highlight this site. Progressively, thanks to numerous international workcamps that have worked there, this place lives again and is currently open from April to October. The workcamps organised at the Clausonne site are received by the hosting centre of the Faï farm, not far from there. The Faï is an extraordinary place, where you will find young people in difficulty, employees in training, professional artists or long term volunteers. We hope that during your stay at the Fai, you will bring your willingness and good humour to bring the spirit of encounter to life and to work together to animate this place.
💼 What the programme involves
In 2016, the action will concern the accessibility of the site and his visibility for hikers. You will highlight the ruins of the abbey's mill and will realize a flooded pasage through the Maraize. You will make a path in the abbey's ruins and discover the technical creation of a calade path. You will participate in the preservation of the carved stone. A final phase will emphasize a former barn from the abbey in which will be set up a technical room.
📍 About the location
Situated in a remarkable natural environment, Clausonne is an exceptional place to discover the pleasures of mountain hiking and life in a rural area, with its local markets and producers. In the evenings at the Ferme du Faï, you will be able to organise games, international meals and project movies. During the workcamp, touristic outings to discover the towns and villages of the region may also be organised and you will participate in the music festival.