📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The International Construction and Heritage Center (C.I.C.P, Le Centre International Construction et Patrimoine) is an association working to safeguard and enhance the heritage, in particular architectural heritage, of the town of Viviers and its surroundings. For the past five years, the association, in partnership with the municipality, has hosted an international workcamp every year as part of the rehabilitation of part of the « Maison des Chevaliers » (House of Knights) called « Aile Sud » (south wing). The House of Knights is the former home of Noël Albert, a former salt merchant, art lover and man of power, he is an illustrious figure of the Vivarois Renaissance. Located in the old center of the town, this monument is today the subject of numerous rehabilitation and safeguarding works. If you have a passion for architectural heritage, Viviers awaits you!
💼 What the programme involves
The work on the south wing of the House of Knights is part of phase 1 of a major heritage rehabilitation project, the culmination of which is the construction of a cycling stopover lodge, enabling the safeguarding and enhancement. of the monument on a long-term basis. Various restoration works are planned, you will carry out stone cutting, masonry and landscaping work. The works are a continuation of the 2019 workcamp : cutting of the covers of the various levels, installation of covers (2nd and 3rd floor bearings), demolition of a railing (waterproof protection on top of walls) and stone reconstruction (1st floor), sealing of a staircase step and rear courtyard layout (removing and sorting of stones). To carry out the work, you will be supervised by a professional stonemason, a mason specializing in the restoration of old buildings and CICP volunteers. They will share their know-how with you with enthusiasm and pedagogy. Local young people from the youth service and an educational center will work with you, exchanges and conviviality guaranteed. The site is located 10 minutes from the site on foot and you will work 4 to 5 hours per day.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will be accommodated in the old parish House of the town, located near the Cathedral and the belvedere where you can enjoy an unmissable view of the town and the Rhone valley. You will have amenities on the ground floor and a sleeping area on the 1st floor. The meals will be prepared collectively and you will be required to participate in daily tasks (cooking, dishes, cleaning).
📍 About the location
Located in the south of the Ardèche department, Viviers is an ancient episcopal city overlooking the Rhône Valley. Over the centuries, the town of Viviers has grown around the old center, outside of the fortifications, and today has 3,700 inhabitants. You will have the opportunity to make many meetings with the local population: breakfast on site offered by the association ACTHI’V, homestay meal, republican meal (national holiday of July 14), initiation to bow shooting by association the Archers of Roqueplane and participation in various cultural events (concert, exhibitions, etc.). You will also be offered tours of the old center of Viviers, the Lafarge cement plant and its old workers accommodation. You will also have free access to the Viviers swimming pool. Finally, you can hike to "La Joannade", a protective statue of the city and an unmissable viewpoint. Other hiking trails may also be indicated to you.
