Help
running a vacation program for handicapped people
Saint-Maurice-en-Trieves, Rhone-Alpes
April 11 - April 28, 2012
Saint-Maurice-en-Trieves, Rhone-Alpes June 9 - June 27, 2012
Saint-Maurice-en-Trieves, Rhone-Alpes
July 12 - July 27, 2012
Volunteer project: The organization "The friends of Vaulserre and Trièves" manages the centre "Ermitage Jean Reboul". This centre welcomes every year 6 adapted camps for physically handicapped people.
You will help a handicapped vacationer in his/her daily life: showers,
meals... but moreover you will be with him/her during the different
activities organized by the centre. The first 2 days of the
project will be dedicated to a special training in order to allow you to
learn the good behaviors and techniques to help the people. Former
volunteers will tutor you during this training. You will work directly
with the staff of the centre and under their supervision. High
commitment is required.
Work hours are going to be from 8 am to after dinner. One day off during
the week so that you can rest or, together with the other international
volunteers, visit some local attractions.
The group will be of 4 international volunteers; there will be also
French volunteers involved in the project who speak English, and you
will be welcome in a familial atmosphere.
Special requirements: This is a social project. Please remember that your role here is to allow the vacationers to spend a great holiday! You are expected to be motivated, open minded and patient. Basic French is welcome to facilitate contact, but is not a requirement for participation.
Language: English
Possible free time activities: With the handicapped people, you will participate in many different activities: adapted sports, manual activities, mountain leisure activities, swimming in a lake, visit of Grenoble or Gap... You will have many occasions to discover the region. Moreover the centre focuses on a regional approach to tourism and food ! You can discover French cuisine in the mountains !
Accommodation: You will be hosted within the centre with other volunteers. Dormitory or rooms of 2-3 people. Meals shared with the handicapped people. Any food diet can be accommodated (gluten free, vegetarian...).
Location: The Ermitage is located in the wonderful region of Trièves, surrounded by the Alps mountains, at 68 km from Grenoble and 67 km from Gap.
Terminal: Clelles - Mens
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Reviving the history of an old farm in the
Southern Alps
Saix, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
May 16 - June 5, 2012
Volunteer project: In the past, there used to be a still with lavender, a greenhouse, a vegetable garden and a hydraulic ram (mechanic system to provide the farm with potable water) at the Faï farm. These various installations allowed the farmers to diversify their agricultural activities in order to survive in this very isolated place. The project is to repair them in order to revive the history of the farm and to develop educational activities for the public. Last summer, the international volunteers rebuilt the greenhouse and created wooden steps to make these installations accessible to visitors.
In this project, the international volunteers will help in the construction of a shelter above the hydraulic ram and building a frame and roof to protect the lavender still.
Language: English
Free time activities: This project takes place at the beginning of the warm season, offering volunteers the opportunity to organize walks in the mountains, to visit the region and to discover the 'Fête de la Musique' (musical festival) taking place in June.
Accommodation: In bedrooms of 5 to 6 people
Location: The Faï Farm is located 3 km from the village of Le Saix, 18 km from Veynes Dévoluy and 30 km from Gap in the Southern Alps of France
Terminal: Veynes Dévoluy
Age range: 18 and over
Volunteering
in an Emmaus community
Etoile, Rhone-Alpes
May 27 - June 9, 2012
Etoile, Rhone-Alpes
June 24 - July 7, 2012
Etoile, Rhone-Alpes
July 22 - August 11, 2012
Volunteer project: Emmaus is a community that welcomes marginalised and homeless people, mostly men. They are called "companions". The community provides them with a place where they can live and work. It is a place where people live together in a spirit of solidarity. Some companions live there temporarily while going through a tough phase in life and the community supports them towards social reinsertion; others see life in the community as an alternative way of life. There are 3 founding principles in all Emmaus Communities: welcoming people (everybody, regardless of their origin and their past); working, which is seen as fundamental for a sound life and as the way to reinsertion and reconstruction of self esteem; sharing is the third pillar of life in the community.
The group of volunteers will work from Tuesday to
Friday, 7 to 8 hours a day, as the companions. Days off on Sunday and
Monday. Volunteers have to be motivated and have to respect the
timetable at all times (it is very important for the companions to have
fixed schedules).
1/ The first task will consist of spreading information among local
people and communicating about the community and its work. This will
involve giving leaflets to the people, and explaining them the aims of
the community, thus, you have to be smiling and motivated !
2/ If the communication part is short, the 2nd mission will be helping
the community in their everyday tasks such as: sorting out second hand
clothes, sorting out second hand furniture, materials or books… helping
to collect second hand items from the people's houses (only strong
volunteers can do that), selling the books, clothes, furniture to the
public, tidying up the different little “shops” in the community… and
finally, any job that can be useful for the well-being of the community.
Special requirements: Coming to Emmaüs means a commitment to respect both the companions and the rules of the community. You will be expected to show tolerance and open-mindedness. A motivation letter is required, to ensure that the volunteers understand the project and explain why they want to participate.
Language: English
Possible free time activities: Discovering Crest (visit of the tower, abseiling...), and various sites of the Drôme valley such as Die (old town, and cooperative cellar), Saillans (magnagnery), Aouste (oil mill)...; visit of the town of Valence, Montélimar (museum of the miniature and manufacture of nougat), Romans (the shoe museum); excursion to discover the Vercors; sports, rides, hikes, swimming, canoe (Drôme). The community will organize leisure activities for the volunteers such as concerts and visits outside the community.
Accommodation: You will be hosted in a building in the community. Mattresses will be provided but you have to bring your sleeping bag. The sleeping place may change according to the place where you are going to promote the activities of the community; you have to be flexible.
Location: Located at 10 km south of Valence, in the Drôme, Etoile sur Rhone (4,500 inhabitants) is a town which overhangs the valley of the Rhône. Its village, at the heart of the enclosure of the 15th century, reveals an architectural heritage of quality: a church, stone houses, a chapel and a castle. As for its countryside, it is characterized by very diversified landscapes (the rivers Rhône and Véore, agricultural and fruit bearing zones, hills and woods). The community is sheltered in a priory at 1.5 km from the village.
Terminal: Valence
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Restoration
of dry stone walls in Beaujolais wine growing region
Pommiers, Rhone-Alpes
June 24 - July 14, 2012
Volunteer project: It is with the intention to preserve its architectural heritage that the municipality hosted its first international workcamp in 2000. Since then, volunteer teams restored a lime kiln and two martyrdoms. Thanks to the enthusiasm of the volunteers and the many contacts with the population, the municipality wishes to continue the project.
Guided by a team of local volunteers, you will restore a dry stone wall
in the village. This involves traditional masonry work. The region is
very famous for these walls, and this is why it is so important for the
municipality to take care of them.
The work activities are 4 to 5 hours a day, in the morning, 5 days a
week.
Language: English
Possible free time activities: Visit of Lyon and Villefranche sur Saône. Discovering the vineyards activity: visits of exploitations and cellars. Hiking in the valley of Azergue, the “Monts du Beaujolais” or the “Dombes”. Visit of medieval villages such as Oingt, Châtillon d’Azergues, or Anse. Swimming at the lake of Villefranche. Sport: badminton, hikes, tennis, ... Participation in the festivities of July 14 and in a second hand open market in the village.
Accommodation: In the changing rooms of the football ground (showers, kitchen, sleeping rooms).
Location: Located at the south of the “Monts du Beaujolais”, 40 km from Lyon, Pommiers is part of the most important places for Beaujolais wine growing. The municipality is also attentive to preserve its historical heritage.
Terminal: Villefranche sur Saône
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Restoration
project in the town of Etoile sur Rhone
Etoile sur Rhone, Rhone-Alpes
July 1 - July 21, 2012
Volunteer project: International volunteer groups have been working on this restoration project for a few years, along with the teenagers of the MJC (House of Youth and Culture) and with the volunteers of an organization specialized in heritage protection. In the past years, clearing and cleaning work was done by international volunteers, as well as restoration work on the walls and on the building. This year, you will work on the restoration of the old walls of the graveyard in a new neighbourhood of the village, which involves masonry work. The group will work in the morning, Monday through Friday, for the 3 weeks of the project
Language: English
Possible free time activities: Discover Crest (visit of the Tower and abseiling, old town, night activities) and of various sites of the Drôme valley such as Die (old town and cooperative cellar), Saillans (magnanerie), Aouste (oil mill), etc.; visit of the towns of Valence, Montélimar (museum of the miniature and manufacture of nougat), Romans (the shoe museum); excursion to discover the Vercors; sport: rides, swimming, canoe (Drôme); lake festival at Etoile; meeting with other workcamps. The youth of the MJC will be happy to share some leisure activities with you (sports, trips…)
Accommodation: In a former chapel (“les Pénitents Blancs”). Dormitory, kitchen and sanitary facilities in the chapel, washing machine available.
Location: Located 10 km south of Valence, in the Drôme department, Etoile (4,500 inhabitants) is a town which overhangs the Rhône valley. Its village, at the heart of an enclosure of the 15th century, reveals an architectural heritage of quality: a church, apparent stone houses, a chapel and a castle. As for its countryside, it is characterized by very diversified landscapes (the banks of the rivers Rhône and Véore, agricultural and fruit-tree zones, hills and woods).
Terminal: Valence
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Renovation
of footpaths by the Seine River
Juziers, Île-de-France
July 8 - July 28, 2012
Volunteer project: Located at the doors of the natural park of the Vexin, Juziers and its 3700 inhabitants are proud to host their third international volunteer project with the objective to protect their local heritage and to put the community on the road to opening and discovery. The municipality is really enthusiastic by the idea of welcoming a group of volunteers and will assign them the rehabilitation of paths.
Under the supervision of local technical agents, the volunteers will work on the rehabilitation of paths located in town. Some of the activities are cutting logs, clearing, digging in. You will have to clean and paint the former barrack of the town. The work will be 5 hours a day, in the morning, 5 days a week.
Language: English
Possible free time activities: Visits, excursions, barbecues, international evening, hikes in the forest...
Accommodation: You will stay in the municipal House for Everyone. Mattresses will be provided, so you will have to bring your sleeping bag only.
Location: Located on the right side of the Seine at 38 km from Paris, Juziers is a city-door of the natural regional park of the Vexin. This park spreads over 66 000 hectares and gathers 99 municipalities with the goal to preserve the natural environment, to rehabilitate the built heritage and to develop the agriculture with respect to the environment.
Terminal: Juziers
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Restoration
of traditional ovens in Auvergne
Chalvignac, Auvergne
July 8 - July 28, 2012
Volunteer project: In the village of Chalvignac, volunteers' help is needed for the restoration of two traditional ovens: 1/ The traditional oven of the Crouzit-bas hamlet: clearing the roof and replastering. 2/ The traditional oven of the Monteil hamlet: replastering of the outside walls and building a stone wall near the oven. You will be supported by a local professional in restoration. You will work 5 hours in the morning, Monday through Friday.
Language: English
Possible free time activities: The volunteers of the Miremont et Petit Patrimoine Association will help you discover the natural and historic riches of the region. Taking part in the Chalvignac workcamp represents a way to get integrated into the local life for 3 weeks and to discover the local culture: Miremont Castle celebration (the 14th and 15th of July), the Crouzit-bas hamlet fest (the 22nd of July). Some visits and excursions will be proposed to the group.
Accommodation: You will be accommodated in the school in the center of the village. Mattresses will be provided. Bring your own sleeping bag.
Location: Chalvignac is a charming village with a population of 500 in the south-west of the Auvergne region, near the Dordogne’s Gorges. Its natural surroundings are exceptional, with beautiful landscapes. The village has a lot of built heritage buildings, as witnesses of the historical past of Chalvignac.
Terminal: Mauriac
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Restoration
of an old fountain in a charming little village in Midi-Pyrenees
Sicoval, Midi-Pyrenees
July 8 - July 28, 2012
Volunteer project: Under the guidance and supervision of employees of the urban community of Sicoval, the group of international volunteers will participate in the renovation of an old brick fountain (digging and clearing the land, cleaning bricks ...) and arranging the surroundings (laying wooden furniture, creating steps, maintaining trails ...). The work activities are 5 hours per day, 5 days a week.
Language: English
Possible free time activities: Visit to the mill of Montbrun-Lauragais, the Market on Thursday evening, library, concerts, “pétanque”, tennis, hiking, visits to small characteristic villages and the surroundings, canoeing, horseback riding and a little further, visit to the Canal du Midi, Revel and the Saint-Ferréol lake...
Accommodation: You will be accommodated in a school in the village. Mattresses provided, please bring your own sleeping bag.
Location: Land of cereal crops and wind “Autan”, Lauragais once had many mills, but few would have survived the ravages of time. The charming village of Montbrun-Lauragais can be proud of its authentic 17th century windmill, still standing and classified inventory of historical monuments. Montbrun-Lauragais (562 residents) is an authentic village, retaining its architectural and environmental heritage (lake, woods, hiking trails).The network of public transport provides easy access to the city of Toulouse and its surroundings.
Terminal: Toulouse
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Environmental
cleanup and awareness campaign in Issoire
Issoire , Auvergne
July 8 - July 28, 2012
FRENCH SPEAKING PROJECT
Volunteer project: This year, the international workcamp in
Issoire is a part of an environmental awareness campaign for the
town-center population. The town of Issoire has several small streams,
called “béal” in French (used by inhabitants to water their gardens),
which are polluted by trash. You will have two main tasks:
1/ Upkeeping the “béal”, which includes cleaning trash, cleaning the bed
of the streams, putting stones in the stream’s bed to facilitate the
water flow, laying out the banks. For the upkeeping of the “béal”, you
will be under supervision of a professional.
2/ Environmental awareness campaign for the inhabitants of the
town-center: posting signs near the “béals; mailings; environmental
stand during the green market day (on Saturday morning); all other
environmental actions that you’d like to organise.
The work activities are 5 hours a day, 5 days a week (from Monday to
Friday) + 2 hours the Saturday morning for the environmental stand.
Language: French
Possible free time activities: Visit of Issoire (Abbey, Clock Tower, Centre of Roman Art), exchanges with young people and organizers of the Youth House, International Folklore Festival, exchanges with local associations (sport).
Accommodation: The accommodation is located in the local municipal gymnasium. There are a lot of shops in the town: supermarkets, bakeries, butcher’s shops, restaurants, pharmacy, cafés, and library.
Location: Town of 13,000 inhabitants, Issoire is located 35 km south of Clermont Ferrand, between two natural parks: the Auvergne Volcanoes Park and the Livradois Forez Park. The Allier river runs through Issoire and attracts many canoe riders in the summer. During the project, you will benefit from one week of the international folklore festival, big event for this town.
Terminal: Issoire
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Preservation
of the medieval built heritage on the Rhone River
La Voulte sur Rhône, Rhone-Alpes
July 15 - August 4, 2012
FRENCH SPEAKING PROJECT
Volunteer project: The group of volunteers will work in
different places of the town. They will be involved in masonry work and
maintenance of the built heritage in the old city (rebuilding stone
stairs, repairing walls, cleaning of the site next to the castle). Work
is 4 to 5 hours a day, 5 days a week.
Language: French
Possible free time activities: Visits of Privas, Valence, Aubenas, trekking in the Regional Park, vineyards, remarkable sites, museums, free concerts in la Voulte (once or twice a week). Last year, many shared moments took place with the local people, especially during neighborhood dinners!
Accommodation: Under a big tent; kitchen and showers available on the camp site. Ground mattresses will be provided but don’t forget your sleeping bag.
Location: La Voulte sur Rhône is located, according to its name, on the bank of the Rhône river, at the door of the Eyrieux Valley and of the Regional Natural Park of the Ardèche Mountains. A castle is settled on the top of the city, and the old town is very picturesque and full of charm. Located in between Privas and Valence (20 km), the small city has all the advantages of the countryside (nice landscapes, quietness) and all the qualities of a town (shops, public transportation, cultural events…). The MJC (House of Youth and Culture) is very active and the local youth will be implied in the welcoming of the group: they will organize activities, sports or excursions (swimming pool, theatre at Grignan castle (Les Femmes Savantes by Molière), barbecues, street drawings workshops... for the international volunteers.
Terminal: Valence
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Renovating
the village centre and organising a local celebration in Segur
Segur, Midi-Pyrenees
July 15 - August 4, 2012
Volunteer project: Under supervision of a municipal councilor and local volunteers, you will work on the renovation of the center of the village. You will clean and clear a land area which belongs to the municipality. You will have to rebuild and renovate a wall with traditional techniques.
The second week, you will help the organization and implementation of the national finals of the competition Shepherds Dog (12 000 to 15 000 people expected). You will also help to clean after the celebration. Work hours will be variable (work during the weekend for the organisation of the competition).
If you have skills in renewable energy, you are very welcome on this project! The mayor could give you an additional task, namely a study on local production of green energy.
Language: English
Possible free time activities: In your leisure time, you can visit close-by waterfalls, lakes or go hiking. In the surroundings of Ségur, you can organise trips to Roquefort caves, Laissac market, micropolis museum, viaduct of Millau, medieval castles, etc.
Accommodation: You will be accommodated in an old school. Mattresses will be provided.
Location: Located between the two most important cities of the Aveyron “département”: Millau and Rodez, Ségur, crossed by the Viaur river, is a charming village. It has remarkable architectural heritage such as its high located church. Ségur is located in the center of the Levézou region, known for its lakes and its cultural heritage. Nowadays, it is also known for its many wind generators.
Terminal: Rodez
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Enhancement
of Le Fort des Dunes in the North of France
Leffrinckoucke, Nord-Pas de Calais
July 16 - August 6, 2012
Volunteer project: The volunteer project is based in a fortress located in the North of France, 500 meters from the beach, and 500 meters from the town of Dunkerque. With a technical leader, you will work on various parts of the site of the fortress. The planned activities consist in clearing of the outskirts, restoration of the external staircases, collecting of old paving stones and branches and clearing undergrowth off the ditches. This work will be carried out in small groups.
The volunteers will help prepare and participate in a meeting with associations of the town (Beach Fest) during the last weekend, and will present the international volunteer workcamps.
Language: English
Accommodation: Under tents, at the municipal football grounds (stade municipal). Kitchen and showers nearby.
Location: The town of Leffrinckoucke is located a few kilometers from the town of Dunkerque. Buses are available to reach neighbour towns. The nearest train station is in Dunkerque, and many connections are available by TGV to Lille (35 min) or Paris (2 hours).
Terminal: Dunkerque
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Learn
the techniques of traditional builders and help restore rural heritage
in Auvergne
Murat-le-Quaire, Auvergne
July 29 - August 18, 2012
Volunteer project: The international volunteers will restore an oven in the burg utilizing traditional construction methods: renovation of the walls that fell down because of their instability, stone sorting, stone replacement, removing plaster off the wall… The group will be supervised by a town employee. The work is 5 hours in the morning, Monday through Friday.
Language: English
Possible free time activities: Different activities will be proposed to the group: hiking, visits, museums, bread cooking…
Accommodation: Volunteers will be living in tents in a camping, mattresses will be provided. It is necessary to bring your sleeping bag. The camping is ten minute walk from the work site.
Location: The municipality of Murat-le-Quaire, located in Sancy massif has a diversified architectural heritage. Some monuments are in the general inventory of the cultural heritage (Saint Maurice’s church, farms…); others are still today’s essential elements in the village’s life like some bread ovens which are still used during events. Those elements encourage meetings and contribute to reinforce the social cohesion. Those are the municipality’s traditions and culture that the tourists are trying to discover during their stay. Murat-le-Quaire has an exceptional life setting.
Terminal: Laqueuille
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Developing
a safe lookout area around the beautiful Sartre’s waterfall
Cheylade, Auvergne
July 29 - August 18, 2012
Volunteer project: The volunteers on this project will work in the area of the impressive 32m high Sartre’s waterfall at Cheylade. The volunteer team will develop the security area around the waterfall by placing barriers and restoring a path. A village employee will supervise the work activities. The group will work 5 hours per day, 5 days a week.
Language: English
Possible free time activities: Various activities are possible during your stay in Cheylade, such as hiking, visits, trips, etc.
Accommodation: You will be living in tents in
Cheylade’s camping located near the village.
Tents and mattresses will
be provided. You need to bring your own sleeping bag. You will go to
work walking or by bicycle (3 km).
Location: Cheylade is a village of 350 inhabitants located in Auvergne’s volcanoes. It is a terraced village that overhangs Rhue’s valley. Its setting is exceptional and you will see a wonderful panorama. Lots of different hikes are possible (Crest path, Puy Mary hike…). Cheylade is 60 km away from Aurillac.
Terminal: Aurillac
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
archive of previous year, click here
click here
for volunteer programs in other countries