📝 Detailed information
💼 What the programme involves
In a small valley in the heart of a sublime alpine landscape lie the remains of an ancient abbey dating from the 12th century. For 30 years, a local association has been committed to preserving and promoting the site, while contributing to the life of Clausonne and the writing of its current history. This project is just one of many initiatives involving international and local volunteers, people in professional reintegration, and other professionals over the years. Last summer, the construction of a wooden hiker's shelter to welcome visitors was completed. This year, preservation work on the abbey building is planned.
You will work on consolidating the stone masonry walls of the ruins of the Clausonne Abbey apse. After learning how to make lime mortar, you will work on repointing the stone masonry. A local craftswoman will guide you in making and using the mortar, as well as the placement and size of the stones. Each day, two group members will take turns preparing the team's meals; the menu will be defined in advance. You will work on the site during the mornings from Monday to Friday. Generally, the work involves masonry, preparing tools and meals, as well as organizing and setting up collective life.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will be accommodated in a mixed dormitory; a kitchen, toilets, and showers will be at your disposal. We will welcome you to Ferme du Faï, a former mountain farm located at an altitude of 1,000 meters. The site lives today thanks to a team of employees working on building renovation, international volunteers, artists and musicians in residency, hikers, and curious visitors. Here, we pay attention to our diet to reduce our environmental impact: we eat local as much as possible and reduce our meat consumption to twice a week. Daily life is organized collectively: planning menus (vegetarian, vegan, etc.), grocery shopping, activities, etc. We organize trips for groceries once or twice a week using the vehicles available on site. Roll up your sleeves and join us on the workcamp and in our collective living space!
📍 About the location
The Clausonne site is a 20-minute walk from the Ferme du Faï. Le Faï is located 2 km from the village of Le Saix and 13 km from the town of Veynes. There is no Wi-Fi and the connection is weak, but you will meet people from all over the world!
Leisure : The site is located below the summit of Aujour mountain, which might make you want to go hiking during your free time. Indeed, this place in the heart of nature is ideal for enjoying mountain walks. Discover this area with the group of international volunteers you will meet there; it will enrich your experience. Here, you will be the protagonists of your stay: you will play an important role in organizing your time with the support of the leadership team.
