Renovation of local heritage sites in the heart of Quercy
       Prayssac, Midi-Pyrenees          July 5 - July 25, 2009

Volunteer project: Under the supervision of the municipal services, the international volunteers will renovate a fountain in Prayssac - a remarkable element of the local heritage. The group will also help renovate a former train station, now converted into associative premises. This would involve cleaning of walls, replastering and masonry.

Language: English

Possible free time activities: Amazing and preserved nature to discover, hikes, visits to wine-making farms, visits to castles, colourful markets, visits to the city of Cahors.

Accommodation: You will be hosted in the former train station, kitchen and sanitary facilities in the same buliding.

Location: Prayssac is ideally located in the heart of the touristic Quercy region, on the banks of the river Lot, in one of its wonderful meanders, right in the heart of the Cahors vineyards. Altitude: 180 m.

Terminal: Cahors

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Restoring the historical center of a rural village in Midi-Pyrenees
              Varilhes, Midi-Pyrenees          July 5 - July 25, 2009

Volunteer project: The international volunteers will work in the historical centre of the village of Varilhes. The work will consist in laying out the access to the river Ariège. The volunteers will finish the construction of the stairs providing access to the river banks, and will build a stone wall alongside the stairs. The work will be done under the supervision of the municipal staff and will include dry stone work and masonry.

Language: English

Possible free time activities: The environment allows amazing hikes and cycling tours to discover the region. Sites to visit in the surroundings: Mirepoix, Foix, the medieval city of Carcassonne, Cathar castles... The municipality grants free access to the swimming pool and to many historical sites in the surroundings to the volunteers.

Accommodation: You will be accommodated in tents, on a municipal ground. Kitchen and sanitary facilities are available.

Location: Varilhes is a rural village on the river Ariege. It offers charming country-side landscapes, in an agricultural and cattle-raising region, at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains, in the heart of the Cathar country. Altitude 332 m, 3200 inhabitants. Nearby cities: Pamiers (10 km), Foix (10 km), Toulouse (80 km).

Terminal: Varilhes

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Restoration of the local patrimony in Limonest
       Limonest, Rhone-Alpes          July 5 - July 25, 2009

Volunteer project: The group of international volunterrs will work on several different sites. The volunteers will go and work on each one of the sites in order to learn about the local patrimony.
- On the “Batterie des Carrieres” the participants will help building a dry-stone wall, involving masonry work.
- On the Lime oven, the work will be building of a banister to ensure safe access.
- On the Sandar’s pond, the volunteers will empty the pond, clear the bushes and clean the vegetation.
A few masonry works may be done, as well as painting of iron pieces.

Language: English

Possible free time activities:  Visit to Lyon (Fourvières, Croix Rousse, Cathedral, Place des Terreaux, Museum of Arts, park and zoo of la Tête d’Or…), trekking and walks in the Beaujolais, visiting vineyards, visiting the “pierres dorées” (golden stones), swimming pool, visit of Villefranche, etc. Many walks and discoveries are also possible on site. The local population will hope to meet you: dinners in families, initiation to a typical French game, evening together, leisure activities organised by some local organizations.

Accommodation: Housing in a municipal building (including sleeping room and kitchen). Shower in a gymnasium a few metres away from the house. Mattresses will be provided.

Location: Located at the entrance of the Monts d’Or, and only a few minutes from Lyon, Limonest offers an exceptional environment in which natural and built heritage are very rich and varied. The local people take advantage of a nice and quiet location while being just close to Lyon. Limonest is an administrative point for the “canton”. It has a population of 2850 inhabitants and an area of 897 ha including more than 65% of natural spaces.

Terminal: Lyon Part Dieu

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Restoration project in the town of Etoile sur Rhone
       Etoile sur Rhone, Rhone-Alpes          July 5 - July 25, 2009

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 2006, 2007 and 2008, clearing and cleaning work was done by international volunteers, as well as the restoration work on the walls and on the building was started. This year, you will work on the restoration of the building (masonry) with the help of a professional mason, specialized in traditional methods. You will build walls, rebuild stone stairs and arrange the site so that it is ready to welcome the first visitors.

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.

Accommodation: In a former chapel (“les Pénitents Blancs”). Dormitory and sanitary facilities in the chapel.

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 much diversified landscapes (the banks of the rivers Rhône and Véore, agricultural and fruit-tree zones, hills and woods).

Terminal: Valence ville

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Renovation and environmental activities in Issoire
       Issoire, Auvergne          July 5 - July 25, 2009

Volunteer project: The international volunteer project in Issoire will have three main objectives:
- renovation of urban furniture (fences and gates),
- renovation of several low walls in the town park, and
- organizing the maintenance of the banks of the river Couze.
Work will be under the supevision of technical staff, who will lead the work and ensure safety.

Language: English

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, meetings with the International folk groups, exchanges with local associations, cinema, canoe on the Allier river, meeting with the workcamp of Montmorin, visit of the caves at Perrier, visit of Clermont-Ferrand, hikes around (Puy de Dôme).

Accommodation: Dormitory in the local municipal gymnasium or under tents.

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 workcamp, you will benefit from one week of the International Folklore Festival, a big event for this town.

Terminal: Issoire

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Dry stone wall restoration in Beaujolais region
       Chessy Les Mines, Rhone-Alpes          July 5 - July 25, 2009

French speaking project
Volunteer project: In the village Chessy Les Mines, the volunteers will rebuild a small dry-stone wall in the area around the Virgin Statue according to traditional techniques. This is going to involve masonry work, construction, selecting stones, etc. There will be also some cleaning and clearing of bushes to be done. A qualified person from the village will manage the group during the work activities.

Language: French

Possible free time activities: Visit of villages (Oingt, Theizé, Jarnioux, Ternand, Chatillon d’Azergue...); Villefranche sur Saone; cellars of the Beaujolais wine; Excursions in Lyon (many museums, zoological park, cathedral…).

Accommodation: Under a big tent. Kitchen and sanitary facilities in the same area (a few metres away). Mattresses will be provided.

Location: The village Chessy Les Mines is located at the southern limit of Beaujolais wine region, source of one of the most famous wines in France. One can discover here true "small Tuscany", with many villages located on hill tops. Testimonies of past heritage are present everywhere.

Terminal: Lozanne

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Restoration of a traditional oven and a washing place in a small village in the south of Auvergne
              Siaugues Ste Marie, Auvergne          July 5 - July 25, 2009

French speaking project
Volunteer project: The volunteer group will be guided by a local employee or/and a retired mason. The main project is restoration of a traditional bread oven and a washing place. Through this work, the volunteers will learn the basic techniques of restoration of traditional heritage. They will learn how to handle different tools, traditional masonry techniques and traditional architecture.

Language: French

Possible free time activities: Football match with the female club, game of bowls, market with calves (typical), walks with local people, swimming in a lake, meeting with young people, meeting with an old volunteer (inhabitant of Siaugues), exhibition of local artists, canoe-kayak, visit of Le Puy en Velay, visit of the castle Chavaniac Lafayette, museum of the beast of Gevaudan.

Accommodation: Lodging in a house at Ste Marie des Chazes (gîte). The lodging is isolated (no shops on the site), few shops in the centre of Siaugues. Altitude: 900m. You will be driven by bus for some visits.

Location: Located in the south of Auvergne, in an essentially rural region, the town of Siaugues-Ste-Marie is in an area which has a historical and cultural heritage, within protected natural landscapes. Small village of 800 inhabitants, located at 25 km west of le Puy en Velay.

Terminal: Langeac

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Enhancement of Le Fort des Dunes in the North of France
       Leffrinckoucke, Nord-Pas de Calais          July 13 - August 3, 2009

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, during the week-end of August 1 and 2, and will present the international workcamps.

Language: English

Accommodation: Under tents, at the municipal football grounds (stade municipal). Kitchen and showers neaby.

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
 

 

Various enhancement works in an old medieval village
       St Nazaire en Royans, Rhone-Alpes          July 12 - August 1, 2009

French speaking project
Volunteer project: Guided by a local employee, you will participate in several kinds of works: clearing work and maintenance of green areas will allow you to participate in the enhancement of the village.

Language: French

Possible free time activities: Sport activities such as mountain bike, hikes or swimming. Visiting places such as the Pont en Royans, La chapelle en Vercors, the Forest of Lente, the road of Combe-Laval or the Grands-Goulets. Visits to the caves of Choranche or Thaïs. Excursion in a paddle boat on the river Bourne and visit of the aqueduct. Excursion to Romans. Excursion in the Vercors: pedestrian hikes and visit of the Museum of the Resistance. Meeting with other workcamps.

Accommodation: In a school. Showers are in the local camping, at 300 m.

Location: Located between the towns of Valence and Grenoble, at the entrance of the Vercors mountains, St Nazaire en Royans (500 inhabitants) is at the crossing of the wooded hills of the Préalpes and of the rich valleys of Drôme. The village,formerly fortified, has many narrow lanes and old medieval buildings, and we appreciate to stroll there. But St Nazaire is above all famous for its aqueduct spanning river Bourne with its red rocks and the village. Towns nearby: Romans (20 km), Valence (30 km).

Terminal: Romans

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Traditional restoration in a small village in the golden stone country
              Marcy sur Anse, Rhone-Alpes          July 12 - August 1, 2009

Volunteer project: Under the supervision of local volunteers, you will take part in the restoration of some small dry-stone walls in the village of Marcy sur Anse, using traditional methods. Thus, it will be mainly masonry and stonework. The group will also do some work on the graveyard chapel, such as removing the cement joints and making some new ones (this may involve work on a scaffolding).

Language: English

Possible free time activities: Visit of Lyon and Villefranche sur Saône. Vineyards discovery activities: visits of explotations 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. 14th of July national feast. Swimming at the lake of Villefranche. Sport: football, hikes, tennis, swimming...

Accommodation: In a seasonal workers' building in the middle of vineyards (shared rooms, sanitary facilities at the place, big kitchen and a large common room).

Location: Located in the Rhône department, close to the cities of Villefranche sur Saône and Lyon, Marcy is a village of approximately 600 inhabitants, at the very heart of «the country of the golden stones» («Le Pays des Pierres Dorées») and of Beaujolais (famous French wine).

Terminal: Villefranche-sur Saône

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Improving the living environment for handicapped people in Arche de la Vallee
              Arche de la Vallee, Rhone-Alpes          July 12 - July 25, 2009

Volunteer project: The international volunteers will be integrated in the life of the community of Arche de la Vallée and will work inside it. The group will be involved in clearing brushes, cleaning some part of the community and some small masonry work.
The volunteers will work with a small group of handicapped people. You will share the lives of the people, as well as some activities (swimming pool, gardening, painting, etc.), but will also have some time free, only as a group of volunteers.

Language: English. Basic French would be appreciated.

Possible free time activities: Visit to Palais Idéal du facteur cheval (kind of museum), Valence, Beaurepaire, Le Grand Serre, Grenoble, Lyon. You will share some leisure time with the people such as picnic, going to the river, visiting some museums, excursion, sports, swimming pool.

Accommodation: Accommodation under tents or in a large room of the community but outside the living space of the handicapped people. It is important that the volunteers have their own space. Sanitary facilities at the place.

Location: The Community Arche de la Vallée is located in Hauterives, a nice village of the Drôme department. A little isolated, the village is therefore nice and has some shops (bakeries, butcheries, café, restaurant, shops…).

Terminal: Saint Vallier

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Renovation and maintenance of historical sites and modern facilities in Ariege
              Belesta, Midi-Pyrenees          July 12 - July 31, 2009

Volunteer project: Supervised by municipal staff and local volunteers, the international group will work on the maintenance of some historical sites in Belesta: the site of the Chapel of Notre Dame du Val d'Amour (registered monument) and the hamlet of Peyrot. The work will consist of clearing and renovation of dry stone walls. The volunteers will also help with painting and renovation of school and sport facilites.

Language: English

Possible free time activities: Walks or bicycle rides, excursions (Fontestorbes fountain, Cathare castles), sport activities, swimming at Lake Montbel, visit the town of Foix, the city of Toulouse or the medieval city of Carcassonne.

Accommodation: You will be accommodated in a dormitory in the local municipal sport grounds, with kitchen and sanitary facilities available.

Location: Belesta is a charming village in the Ariège department, with preserved and rich natural environment, famous for its pine forest, former royal forest exploited for boat construction. It is in the heart of the Cathare country and at the foot of the Olmes mountains (foothills of the Pyrenees), in a peaceful and rural site.

Terminal: Foix

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Rehabilitation of historic sites in St Vincent de Barres
       St Vincent de Barres, Rhone-Alpes          July 12 - August 1, 2009

Volunteer project: It has been with the will to safeguard and develop its inheritance that the town has committed itself to a huge program of rehabilitation of its site.
Together with a professional mason and local volunteers, the international group will continue the restoration work of the medieval borough in a very friendly atmosphere. You will have to pave a street, to build a small wall, to take care of the green spaces of the village and also to remake an old pathway outside the village.

Language: English

Possible free time activities: Discovering Cruas (guided tour of the abbey, the old village, night market); numerous hikes and swimming at the local camping; visit of the town of Privas; the valley of the Rhône (Rochemaure: spectacle of sound and light, Montélimar, Viviers); numerous picturesque villages (Coux, Ajoux, Lyas...). Participation in the village celebrations; excursion in the gorges of Ardèche and canoe; sports (horse-riding, ping pong, football...); meeting with other workcamps.

Accommodation: In a municipal building.

Location: Located in Ardèche, 10 km from Privas, St Vincent de Barrès is a small village of 500 inhabitants. Perched on a rock peak, it is an isolated site but of high quality. It is a medieval village which has numerous vestiges of fortifications, narrow lanes, and arched passages. Nearest towns are Montelimar (20 km), Privas (20 km) and Valence (50 km).

Terminal: Montélimar

Age range: 18 - 30 years old

 

Rebuilding heritage walls using the traditional method with river stones
              St-Jean-de-Verges, Midi-Pyrenees          July 12 - August 1, 2009

Volunteer project: Supervised by a volunteer from the village and by the municipal staff, the volunteer team will rebuild stonewalls situated in the centre of the village, using the traditional method with river stones. The idea is to give a better look to the place and to revive this type of construction which tends to be lost and forgotten.

Language: English

Possible free time activities: The environment allows amazing hikes and cycling tours to discover the region; sites to visit in the surroundings: Cathar castles, the cities of Mirepoix, Foix, Toulouse or also the medieval city of Carcassonne.

Accommodation: You will be accommodated in the premises of the municipal stadium, with kitchen and sanitary facilities available.

Location: The village of St-Jean-de-Verges is set upon the river Ariege, at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains, in the heart of the Cathar region. It offers charming country-side landscapes, although it is very close to the city of Foix, main city of the District of Ariege. The following cities are accessible by train from the village: Foix (5 km), Pamiers (15 km), Toulouse (80 km). Altitude 350m, 1000 inhabitants

Terminal: St-Jean-de-Verges

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Support the organization of the festival of the Beautiful Day
       Langeac, Auvergne          July 20 - August 2, 2009

French speaking project
Volunteer project: Town of history and tradition, Langeac was one of the thirteen good towns of Auvergne to be represented with the State-Generals of the Province of Auvergne. That Langeac became in 1786 Marquisat of the General Lafayette, is an event of local history, very important at that time. For 200 years, the universal notoriety of the hero of the two worlds, who got passion for freedom and human rights, has amplified the importance attached to his personality. Indeed, Lafayette since his glorious return from the United States, fights in France for civic freedom and the abolition of slavery. Three years before the Revolution, the langeadois (inhabitants of Langeac) hope to get a little more freedom with the arrival of the General. Sunday, August 13, 1786, La Fayette enters Langeac to receive the keys of the city and to officially take possession of its new Marquisat. This day, another young man, Jean-Baptist Belmont, lawyer at the Parliament, attends this event and reports the adventures in a text entitled: The Beautiful Day. This Beautiful Day, reconstituted since 1997 each year at the end of July, is the occasion of an homage to freedom, as well as a greatly popular festival.

The international participants will be guided by volunteers of the association the Beautiful Day. They will be split into small groups. Volunteers will provide help with the organization of the festival of the Beautiful Day. According to the needs, different tasks will be undertaken such as decorations, installation of wooden barriers, tables, stands, assistance in the kitchen to prepare and serve meals and in the cafeteria, participation in scenes and processions, disassembling after the festival, cleaning.
The group will work more the first week and will benefit then of free days after the cleaning of the site is completed. Note: The rhythm of the work can vary from one day to another. Volunteers should be flexible and committed. The work is physically demanding. People who are passionate about history are expected.

Language: French

Possible free time activities: Visit of Langeac (Museum of Jacquemard, Chapel of the illuminations, forest of Pourcheresse), meetings with the volunteers of the association the Beautiful Day, participation in the festival of the Beautiful Day, walks, horse-ridding, canoe-kayak, fishing. In the surroundings: visit to the Gorges de l’Allier, visit of Chavaniac Lafayette castle, visit of salmon hatchery at Chanteuges, visit of Saugues: Museum of the beast of Gévaudan, English Tower, visit of Le Puy en Velay.

Accommodation: In a dormitory. Altitude: 500 m

Location: Langeac is located in Haute-Loire, in the Auvergne region. Population: 4200 Close cities: Puy in Velay (44 km), Clermont Ferrand (97 km).

Terminal: Langeac

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Rock Preserv' music festival
       Brout Vernet, Auvergne          July 19 - August 1, 2009

Volunteer project: Galib' art is an association composed of people who have passion for music. It invites international volunteers to take part in the organization of Rock Preserv' festival, to give it an international dimension. The workcamp participants will be guided by volunteers of the Galib’art association and will be in charge of the preparation of an international welcoming drink and promotion of international voluntary work.

The volunteer activities before the festival will include: help with the installation of the marquee, stands, barriers, stages, camp-site, toilets, catering place, cooking: preparation of the international drink (drinks and meals – please bring your recipes), preparation of a stand promoting the international voluntary service projects (decoration, panels). During the festival the volunteers will be involved in: preparation of the reception of visitors. Volunteers will have to hold the voluntary service stand and the international drink stand. After the festival, the group will help with dismantling the installation and cleaning the site.
The volunteers will have to work more the first week except on Monday and then will benefit of free days after the cleaning of the site. The rhythm of work can vary from one day to another. Volunteers should be flexible and committed. The work is physically demanding. According to volunteers' capacities, they will be placed on positions requiring more or less strenght, either cooking, installation, decoration, electricity…

Language: English

Possible free time activities: Sport with the volunteers of Galib’art: volleyball, football, badminton, game of bowls (typically French), canoe; visit of Brout Vernet, swimming-pool, visit of Vichy.

Accommodation: Under tents, next to the football changing rooms. You will be accommodated near 5 persons with physical handicap, who will also work for the festival. It’s an occasion to create an interesting relationship. The accommodation is on the site of the festival (the football stadium), 5 min from the village, a few shops in the village.

Location: Brout Vernet is located 20 km north-west of Vichy. It has been the site of Rock Preserv' festival organized by the Galib’art association for more than 10 years. This rock festival gathers almost 5,000 people in one night. It is very eclectic and one can find there pop music, metal, reggae, electronic and experimental music. Those concerts are an opportunity for local and national groups to become more popular. For the association, the festival represents 200 volunteers who offer to the public a festival where the good atmosphere and the friendship dominate. Come to create the festival with them and bring your happiness and love for music. You will follow the rhythm of the association. Bring your ideas about cocktails and recipes for the international drink and meal.
Population: 1,124 inhabitants. Towns nearby: Vichy (15 km), Gannat (10 km), St Pourçain sur Sioule (15 km).

Terminal: Gannat

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Maintenance and repair of trekking paths in Rhone-Alpes
       Saint Joseph, Rhone-Alpes          July 19 - August 8, 2009

Volunteer project: The volunteer team will work on the maintaining and repairing of some trekking paths in the area of the village Saint Joseph. There will be cleaning work, clearing the bushes, signposting, but also some restoration work on small walls (masonry).

Language: English

Possible free time activities: Visit to the Aqueduc du Gier, gold mines, coal mines, Chagneux’s chapel. Visit of St Etienne (museum, town centre), visit of Lyon ( basilica of Fourvière, St Jean neighbourhood’s and its cathedral, tête d’or park…), trekking in the Pilat or the “monts du Lyonnais”.

Accommodation: Dormitory under tents. Mattresses are provided.

Location: The village of St Joseph is located 4 km from Rive de Gier, 30 km from Lyon and 30 km from St Etienne, at the eastern point of the Loire department, just close to the Rhône department.

Terminal: Rive de Gier

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Vocal Jazz Festival in the medieval town of Crest
       Crest, Rhone-Alpes          July 26 - August 14, 2009

Volunteer project: Each year, the Crest Jazz Vocal Festival is the strongest moment of the summer period. The material preparation of this manifestation of scale needs a lot of time and people available. For more than 10 years, motivated volunteers have helped with its organization.

Guided by volunteers of the association which organizes the Festival and by people in charge of the engineering department, you will participate in the installation of stages and platforms, support of the Festival promotion (posters, distribution of leaflets in the region), cleaning after each performance, and dismounting and arrangement of the whole material of the Festival.
Note: These are tasks which are repetitive, but essential. The organizers of the festival rely on your motivation to help them before, during, but also after the festival. Hours of work will be very variable according to the needs. There will be little time for leisure or group life. The volunteers should be dynamic and enthusiastic and of course, fond of music and concerts !

Language: English

Possible free time activities: Visit of the Tower of Crest and abseiling, visit of the towns of Valence, Montélimar (museum of the miniature and manufacture of nougat) or Die (old town and cooperative cellar), night markets, canoe on river Drôme, visit of a magnanery at Sailans, of an oil mill at Aouste, free concerts within the jazz festival, hikes: 3 Becs, Piegros la Clastre, discover of the Vercors, swimming pool.

Accommodation: In the sport hall. Mattresses will be provided.

Location: Located in the Drôme valley, in the south of the regional park of the Vercors, the small town of Crest has 8000 inhabitants. It is a town which owns a heritage of quality, dominated by its medieval tower (52 m high). Very busy in the summer period, the town offers many sport and cultural activities. Towns nearby: Montélimar (40 km) or Valence (30 km).

Terminal: Crest & Valence Ville

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

Crest     At the crossroads of two prestigious and historical routes, the Route des Dauphins which goes North-South and the Hannibal Road which goes East-West, Crest is the traditional stopping place for the visitor. How long has its Tower been dominating the City and who built it?
Many writers and historians have focused their attention on this picturesque place in the Drôme. All of them agree that the foundation of Crest dates back to the 10th century.
However it is likely that the Tower was prior to the City and that it already existed in Roman times. Nowadays we talk about La Tour de Crest as if there were only one tower. In fact, the study of its foundation led to the conclusion - one that has still to be confirmed - that it was built in the 4th century AD. One thing is sure: The tower was built in order to guard the road from Valence to Italy. This is the famous “Hannibal Road” which played an important part in Antiquity.
The foundation of Crest is attributed to the Arnauds, a noble family who owned several castles in the region. They also owned Crest on a “franc alleu” basis which meant without paying any tax to anyone.
In 1632, Louis XIII published an edict ordering the complete destruction of the citadel of Crest. This followed Richelieu’s order that all feudal fortresses be destroyed.
The local authorities managed to avoid part of this destruction program: the Castle and the walls were demolished, but the Tower was spared.

It was at about that time that the Tower was turned into a prison where a number of key figures were locked up for political reasons. They were followed in the 18th century by priests, soldiers, public servants and even nobles whose actions were not appreciated by the local authorities. People were imprisoned on a simple lettre de cachet, but they were given a great deal of freedom: the prisoners were allowed to organise receptions and balls and they would invite bigwigs of the city with their ladies. Thanks to these festivities, lots of escapes were recorded, the prisoners swapping their clothes with those of their guests.

 

Emmaus festival weekend
       Etoile sur Rhône, Rhone-Alpes          July 30 - August 6, 2009

Volunteer project: The Emmaus communtiy of Etoile sur Rhône organises a festival and a great sale on 31st of July, 1st, 2nd and 3rd of August. This community welcomes and helps people of all ages in order to reinsert them via repairing second hand objects/furniture and selling them in order to get money to make the community live.

The international volunteer group will be integrated with the "companions", people working inside the community. You will help during the big night sale, and will also participate in serving food to people, installing the organic food market, installing the different shows (mime, music, drama, folkloric groups from the French Réunion island, and Guatemala). This event, during the summer, will be an important moment of the life of the community and they need brand new arms and brains to make it a special moment.

A lot of enthusiasm and good will is required! You will meet very diverse public so be open minded!

Language: English

Accommodation: At the community

Location: In Drôme department, 15 km away from Valence and 30 km from Montélimar.

Terminal: Valence Ville

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Preservation of the ruins of a castle from the XIIc.
       Bramevaque, Midi-Pyrenees          August 2 - August 22, 2009

Volunteer project: Supervised by an experienced mason, the group of volunteers will continue the conservation of the remains of the castle of the Earls of Comminges in Bramevaque. The work activities include clearing of the overgrowth, masonry, building of small stone walls. The site hosts several hundreds of visitors in the summer months.
Furthermore, you will participate in the medieval show organised by the president of the district council of Barousse. This show talks about the history of the valley. You will participate in 3 rehearsal sessions and one live performance, as extras.

Language: English

Possible free time activities: Hiking, swimming in the river, visit of prehistoric caves, the famous abbey of St Bertrand de Comminges, the water sports resort of Antignac, the Barousse museum.

Accommodation: You will be accommodated under tents, within the castle. Important: the living conditions are very simple and basic. This project is for nature lovers who like to be in a quiet environment. The castle is accessible only by foot (10 minutes from the village).

Location: Bramevaque is a charming rural village of 30 inhabitants, at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains marking the border with Spain. The site offers beautiful landscapes and view points. The Barousse valley is one of the most remarkable valleys of the Pyrenees; it is also on the itinerary of the “Tour de France” cycling race. The nearest cities are Montrejeau (15 km) and Toulouse (25 km).

Terminal: Montréjeau-Gourdan-Polignan

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Dry stone wall renovation and help in the organization of village feasts
              Saint Etienne sur Usson, Auvergne          August 2 - August 22, 2009

Volunteer project: The volunteers in the village of Saint Etienne sur Usson will take part in the renovation of a supporting dry stone wall. Project activities include: sorting stones, laying of the panel, filling of the rear part. This work will be done under the direction of a municipal employee, specialised in traditional masonry.
The volunteers will also have the opportunity to help in the organisation of 2 village feasts. This involves setting up the stands and fences, and cleaning at the end of the events.

Language: English

Possible free time activities: Visit of the castle of Vernet la Varenne and its exhibition, swimming in the artificial lake at Vernet la Varenne, discovery of the amethyst, visiting farms, the castle of Chaméane, various sport activities. Excursion to the Puy de Dôme.

Accommodation: In a community building, 50 metres from the work site.

Location: The village of Saint Etienne sur Usson is located at the south of Clermont-Ferrand, and 20 km from Issoire, at 900 m of altitude, surrounded by pine forests. In spite of its isolated location, it is very lively during the summer period thanks to the village feasts.

Terminal: Issoire

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Trail maintenance and organizing the village feast in Gelles
       Gelles, Auvergne          August 2 - August 22, 2009

Volunteer project: The project in Gelles is an opportunity for volunteers to take part in trail maintenance work and the organization of the village festival. The maintenance of the footpath requires cutting of invasive vegetation, collecting the brushes that will be burnt, levelling the path, making information boards. You will work together with a municipal employee.
You will also take part in the organization of the village feast from the 12th to 16th August. You must thus bring the traditional costumes of your countries to take part in the parade. You will be living in an environment of festival with fireworks, concerts, parades, and dance.

Language: English

Possible free time activities: Welcoming drink, celebration of the village festival from 12 to 16 August, exchanges with the Conscripts (young people of the village who organize this festival), musical evening and traditional dance of Auvergne with folk group “Bruyères et Jonquilles”, basketball, fishing, pétanque every Friday night, Gel’ Arc: shooting with a bow, international meal, football, tennis, hiking and mountain bike, discovering a botanical garden, visits to some churches. Possible animations in the neighbourhoods: visit of Vulcania, visit to the castle of Cords, Puy de Dôme, excursion in Clermont Ferrand.

Accommodation: In the presbytery, in the heart of the village and close to the work site. There are shops in the village.

Location: Located at 850 m of altitude, the village of Gelles covers a surface of 4753 ha and gathers a population of 1000 inhabitants. Gelles is sheltered by the small chain of Puys (Neuffont, Vialle, Banson, and Boucaud). Gelles has beautiful houses made of gray-blue stones, around the Saint-Georges church. Formerly, it was a stage on the Roman way from Clermont to Limoges. Today, close to major roads of communication, it offers beautiful nature. Close towns: Clermont Ferrand (46 km).

Terminal: Laqueuille

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

River bank clean-up in the town of Ydes
       Ydes, Auvergne          July 13 - July 30, 2009

Volunteer project: The volunteers in this project will be involved in cleaning of the river in the town of Ydes. The planned activities are clearing the banks, pruning, and sorting of waste. The volunteers will be supervised by a municipal employee.

Language: English

Possible free time activities: Welcome drink offered by the municipality, exchanges with the local associations (football game, dancing evening), visits of Ydes and Auzers castle, hiking in the surroundings, meals or games with members of an elderly club, fishing.

Accommodation: In two classrooms in the local high school. The accommodation is in the heart of the village. Altitude 430 m.

Location: Ydes is a town of 2000 inhabitants, located in the north-west of Cantal department, in the heart of Massif Central mountains. It has a broad territory, composed of 11 villages and 8 hamlets, the main ones being Ydes-bourg and Ydes-centre. Ydes-bourg is the historical heart of the town, with a rich past, its Gallo-Roman springs, Roman church of the XIIth century, its pastoral life. Ydes-Centre is marked by its industrial past, with mine industry that lasted for more than a century and that formed the character of the people and the environment. Close towns: Aurillac (70 km), Clermont-Ferrand (90 km).

Terminal: Ydes

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Reviving the industrial heritage of the town of Ydes
       Ydes, Auvergne          July 13 - July 30, 2009

Volunteer project: The volunteers will be involved in the framework of actions implemented by the new municipality to highlight the industrial heritage of the town of Ydes. At the moment, the site is just a small grove in the middle of the prairies, where branches and brambles make access very difficult, turning it into a place not pleasant for visits. Formerly, this location was a pleasant and active place, with a café and a bottling plan for mineral water. The municipality wishes to revive this site dating from the 19th century, too long forgotten.
Supervised by a municipal employee, the volunteers will clean the site of the spring of Jarrige waters and set up information boards explaining the history of the bottling plant.

Language: English

Possible free time activities: Welcome drink offered by the municipality, exchanges with the local associations (football game, dancing evening), visits of Ydes and Auzers castle, hiking in the surroundings, meals or games with members of an elderly club, fishing.

Accommodation: In two classrooms in the local high school. The accommodation is in the heart of the village. Altitude 430 m.

Location: Ydes is a town of 2000 inhabitants, located in the north-west of Cantal department, in the heart of Massif Central mountains. It has a broad territory, composed of 11 villages and 8 hamlets, the main ones being Ydes-bourg and Ydes-centre. Ydes-bourg is the historical heart of the town, with a rich past, its Gallo-Roman springs, Roman church of the XIIth century, its pastoral life. Ydes-Centre is marked by its industrial past, with mine industry that lasted for more than a century and that formed the character of the people and the environment. Close towns: Aurillac (70 km), Clermont-Ferrand (90 km).

Terminal: Ydes

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Maintenance of ski tracks and developing hiking trails in the Pyrenees
       Bareges, Midi-Pyrenees          August 9 - August 29, 2009

Volunteer project: The municipality of Barèges had already hosted international projects to renovate shepherds’ huts made of dry stone, and wishes this year to renew this experience. This volunteer project will consist in the maintenance of ski tracks and building of hiking trails.

Supervised by the technical services of the town, the volunteers will carry out maintenance work on the ski tracks and development of hiking trails (clearing, pruning, cleaning).

Language: English

Possible free time activities: Excursions in the National park of the Pyrenees, sport meetings with the young people of the village, swimming in lakes and rivers.

Accommodation: Municipal camping site.

Location: With an altitude of 1250 metres, Barèges is the highest thermal spa of the Pyrenees. Located in the heart of a thick forest of beeches and coniferous trees, it has a privileged location. It was one of the first thermal spas to have a winter season, thanks to the organisation of winter leisure, and it is a very famous ski resort today. At a few kilometres from Luz-St-Saver, near to the Tourmalet, well-known by the cyclists, and close to the astronomical observatory of the "Pic du Midi", this small and very animated municipality is the starting point for many excursions.

Terminal: Barèges

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Support the organization of "Riff Mania" music festival
     Castelnau-Riviere-Basse, Midi-Pyrenees    August 23 - September 5, 2009

French speaking project
Volunteer project: The international volunteers will participate in the preparation, the organisation and the closing of the "Riff Mania" music festival, where many bands will perform on stage. Your tasks will include handling and assembling of the equipment, preparation of the stage, activities linked with the theme of the festival (workshops, debates, exhibitions, etc.) and finally, preparation of meals, cleaning the site and disassembling the stage. Attention: a certain flexibility in the work is required according to the needs of the festival.

Language: French

Possible free time activities: Hiking, swimming, visits of typical villages, visits to castles, exchanges with the local population, the organisers of the festival and the visitors.

Accommodation: In the municipal football grounds building near the village, dormitory style with sanitary facilities.

Location: Located at about 2 hours by car from Toulouse, Castelnau-Riviere-Basse is a small village with 800 inhabitants, at the limit between the Gers and the Hautes-Pyrenees departments. The region offers an amazingly wide range of landscapes, and is famous for its vineyards, namely the Madiran wine.

Terminal: Tarbes

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

Restoration of low walls in the ancient town of Billom
       Billom, Auvergne          August 23 - September 12, 2009

Volunteer project: The international volunteers will be guided by a technical leader of a local association. The aim of the project is the restoration of low walls located in the town centre. The work activities consist mainly of brushing of the wall, removing of plaster and clearing, replacing of the stones, replastering.

Language: English

Possible free time activities: Participation in a medieval festival organized by the association Billom Renaissance, meeting with the local associations, visit of the medieval city with Billom Renaissance, discovering of the pink Garlic of Billom, swimming pool, football, basketball, tennis, walk in the Madet Gorges, horse riding, visit of castles (Mauzun, Lachaux Montgros), visit of the Livradois forez park, visit of the towns of Clermont-Ferrand and Issoire.

Accommodation: Under tents, at the campsite. Average altitude is 500 m

Location: Billom is a small town of 5000 inhabitants in the regional park of Livradois Forez, 20 min from Clermont-Ferrand and Thiers. Originally Gallic village and druidic center, the Romans made of it a stop on the great way connecting Lyon to Bordeaux. Its intense development enabled the village to become one of the first important towns of Auvergne in the XII century and to build its fortifications. The medieval area and old documents are not enough to describe this welcoming town. City nearby: Clermont Ferrand (25 km).

Terminal: Clermont-Ferrand

Age range: 18 - 30 years old
 

 

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