📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
You will participate in the restoration of a site that is a striking example of a remarkably well conserved piece of historical and geological heritage, and that's 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 belowground. And since 2009, archaeological digs have also been taking place at the site. Your goal with this project will be to help open this medieval mine to the public.
💼 What the programme involves
You will work underground to build stones walls using traditional techniques, and help evacuate the stones that are heaped within the room of the large vault. You will be working four days per week from 08:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30 and will be accompanied by a technical supervisor.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You'll live in a room with 6 other volunteers. Each room will have its own bathroom. Meals are prepared by our kitchen staff, you'll 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'll have the opportunity to explore the regional mountainous environment and participate in sporting activities, a hiking/ guided tour in the “Vallée des Merveilles” in the Mercantour National Park, visit local villages (Tende, La Brigue, Saorge), try out via feratta and ziplining, and in the evenings enjoy dances, photo-video sessions, stargazing, board games, barbecue, international meals etc.
⚠️ Requirements
You will work underground, and you’ll have to carry stones and buckets of mortar.