📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The organization Neige et Merveilles is working on a series of studies and valorisation programs linked to the mining heritage of Vallauria; one of the maritime Alps’ silver mines. In the near future, this mining site will be open to the public. You will be participating in the construction of a support wall, which will be built using traditional dry-stone wall construction techniques. This secured platform will provide future visitors with an area where they will be able to stop and listen to guides, and discover the entrance of the vast open ceiling cave (11th century) of the medieval mine.
💼 What the programme involves
You will be working outdoors on the mine’s access path. Rocks gathered at this location will be used in the construction, respecting the natural appearance of the site. (Length of wall to be built: 15m – Height according to the landscape of between 0.60m and 1.50m). 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 who specialises in the restauration of heritage.
🏠 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 doing the dishes.
📍 About the location
Tende - 2 hours from Nice by train. Neige et Merveilles is situated at 1.500 metres of altitude in an isolated mountainous area, 10 km from the Closest village of Tende, and 50 km from Vintimille (Italy).
You will have the chance to visit the villages in the valley, the Merveilles museum in Tende, archaeological sites located at the heart of the Mercantour national park and the Vallauria mine. You will also be offered the opportunity to take part in hiking and other sporting activities, which you will decide on collectively. Speakers (local guides) will be invited to help you meet members of the local population.
ℹ️ Additional information
Working on secured scaffolding. Some rocks will be heavy and difficult to move.