📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
You will participate in the restoration of a site that represents an example of remarkably well conserved historical and geological heritage, and is one of the most important mines in the Alps. The Vallauria mine was exploited for its galena (silver-bearing lead), and blend (zinc based mineral) from the Middle Ages until 1930. Since 2011, volunteers have been reviving the accessibility to this site, both above and underground. Archaeological digs have also been taking place at the site since 2009.
💼 What the programme involves
You will work underground building a stone wall along the path of the visits, in the medieval part of the mine, securing the area. You will be working four days per week from 08:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30. You will be accompanied by a technical supervisor.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will be sharing a room with 3-4 other volunteers. Bathrooms are also shared. Meals are prepared by our kitchen staff. You will be asked to lend a hand with the preparation of some food, tidying the dining area, and washing the dishes.
📍 About the location
Location: Tende (06430) - 2 hours from Nice by train. The organisation “Neige et Merveilles” is located at an altitude of 1.500 metres in an isolated mountainous area, 10 km from the Closest village of Tende, and 50 km from Vintimille (Italy).
Leisure activities: You will discover the regional mountainous environment and sporting activities: hiking/ guided tour in the “Vallée des Merveilles” in the Mercantour National Park, swimming in the Bendola river, visiting local villages (Tende, La Brigue, Saorge), trying the Via Feratta and in the evenings, enjoying dance, photo-video sessions, stargazing, board games, barbecue, international meals.
ℹ️ Additional information
You will be working underground at the entrance of the mine with some heavy material such as rocks and buckets of mortar.