📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The quais de vendanges (grape harvest quays) are numerous in the territory of Vienne. They were used to hoist the empty vats and fill them with grapes in the carts, before they were sent to their cooperative destinations. Mechanical in nature, they were a real revolution in the 19th century for this agricultural field. As a result, the surface area of vineyards increased considerably in France. Furthermore, they have not been used for many decades and are in poor condition, needing a renovation in order to restore its rich and cultural history.
💼 What the programme involves
Directed by several technical supervisors, including the manager of the archaeological site “Tours Mirandes” and the technical manager of the town, you will work on the restoration of a harvesting platform at the entrance of the Tour Mirandes site. You will perform traditional masonry work: joining lime mortar and traditional sandstone in order to restore the walls of the quai de vendange. It is necessary for you to also create steps for getting a better view of the project. In addition, you will also perform cleanup involving scraping and painting metal frames. Finally, you will install a press that illustrates the usefulness of this tradition. In parallel to this renovation work, you will be asked to imagine and design a “visiting route” to the grape harvesting quays in partnership with the tourism office, which will become a highlighter of the historical and cultural history.
🏠 Accommodation on site
In the heart of this town, exists a primary school where you will reside and take turns cooking. Food will be provided.
📍 About the location
Location: Vendeuvre-du-Poitou, department of Vienne, 30 km north of Poitiers.
Leisure activities: Municipal elected officials and the villagers will accompany you in discovering the rich cultural and historical heritage of the village and surroundings. Outings will be organized with the locals and the municipal teams. In your freetime, you can participate in local festivals such as the 14th of July and visit major cities like La Rochelle or Poitiers, and discover the theme park, Futuroscope.