Volunteer in France
There are currently no openings for short-term projects in France. New volunteer projects will be announced here when available. To get an idea of what kind of programs are expected, you can check some of the past projects below.

Development and maintenance of forest trails
Saint-Jean-Bonnefonds, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Volunteer project: For many years, Saint-Jean-Bonnefonds has been the Gateway City of the Pilat Regional Nature Park and thus favors synergies between the rural and urban sectors while respecting the local fauna and flora. In this eco-responsible approach and to value the commitment of the young people, the municipality wished to call upon an international volunteer project.

In this project, you will participate in the maintenance and the development of forest paths in the commune. Four local young people will work alongside you on this project which will allow you to exchange on your different cultures and for them to help you discover their city and their region. You will be supervised by local agents who will share their knowledge with you and who will be keen to help you discover their history. You will work 4 to 5 hours per day.

Language: English

Leisure activities: Saint-Jean-Bonnefonds knew its rise thanks to the mine and the passementerie and the exchanges with the neighboring city Saint-Etienne. Following the successive cessation of these two activities, the town had to turn to new economic horizons. It has thus industrialized and continues to develop within Saint-Etienne Metropole - the Agglomeration Community to which the town belongs. Nature lovers will be able to take advantage of the hiking trails developed by the town while history lovers will be able to stroll through the streets to discover its ancient monuments such as the church, the ruins of the Bourg castle or the Bonnefonds spring which gives its name to the town. During the project, you will also enjoy the festivities of the national holiday of July 14th which will be also an occasion to meet with locals.

Accommodation: You will be housed in a gymnasium where you will have access to sanitary facilities and a cooking area. You will walk or bike to the work site.

Location: Saint-Jean-Bonnefonds is a town of 6,600 inhabitants located in the Loire department in the Auvergne Rhone-Alpes region. Bordering Saint-Etienne, the town is also only half an hour s drive from Lyon. Between the Monts du Lyonnais and the Massif du Pilat, Saint-Jean-de-Bonnefond will welcome you on its hilly territory with breathtaking views.

Nearest terminal: Saint-Etienne

Nearest airport: Lyon

Age range: 18 - 30 years old


Preparing a classical music festival and developing a square in Vollore
Vollore-Ville, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Volunteer project: The municipality of Vollore-Ville wishes to involve young volunteers in the preparation of the Concerts of Vollore and the setting up of a panoramic terrace on the vegetable garden of the village.

You will help the technical services and volunteers of the municipality for the preparation of the classical music festival. The concerts take place on July 14th and every Friday evening. As part of the development of the village, you will participate in the development of a square. You will be supervised by a technical city services officer who will be happy to share his knowledge and know-how with you. You will work 4 to 5 hours a day.

Language: English

Leisure activities: The castle of Vollore-Ville is a witness of the vestiges of the local lordship. You can visit its park, medieval rooms and exhibitions. You can also stroll through the streets of Vollore-Ville and visit the Saint-Maurice church. During your stay, you can enjoy the festival program and also participate in the festivities of the national holiday on July 14th. With no less than 62 km of communal roads and 100 km of rural roads, you will discover a nature rich in biodiversity and admire remarkable panoramas on the chain of the Puys, the Livradois and the plain of Limagne. The Aubusson d'Auvergne lake (5km from Vollore-Ville) offers a remarkable swimming place.

Accommodation: You will be accommodated in tents at the municipal campsite, where you will have access to showers, as well as to the campsite's swimming pool and the petanque court. A kitchen and a dining area will be set up for you in the hut of the vegetable garden. The campsite is located 1km from the work site. You will go there on foot.

Location: Vollore-Ville is a town of 714 residents located 50 km from Clermont-Ferrand. The municipality belongs to the Puy-de-Dome county, in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region. Vollore-Ville is one of the oldest towns of this region. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the town was a Merovingian fortress during the High Middle Ages (a dynasty that reigned from the 5th century to the middle of the 7th century). It is also located in the heart of the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park, thus combining history and nature.

Nearest terminal: Courpière

Nearest airport: Clermont-Ferrand

Age range: 18 - 30 years old


Restoration and promotion of the historic heritage of Viviers
Viviers, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Volunteer project: International participants will join efforts with French volunteers to safeguard and enhance the heritage, in particular the architectural heritage, of the town of Viviers and its surroundings. For almost 10 years, the municipality has been hosting an international volunteer project each year as part of the rehabilitation of part of the «Maison des Chevaliers» (House of Knights) called «Aile Sud» (the 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 now the subject of many rehabilitation and preservation works. If you have a passion for architectural heritage, Viviers awaits you!

The work on the South Wing of the Maison des Chevaliers is part of a major heritage rehabilitation project. On this site, you will carry out various restoration works. You will participate in the repair and installation of a landing door (cutting of the lintel and the straight legs with chamfer), you will carry out small masonry, pitting of coatings, lime pointing, as well as small installation works in the external court (earthwork). You will thus be able to acquire many technical skills in these various fields.
On the project, you will learn to work in team, to be adaptable, to follow safety instructions, to be attentive and to show solidarity. These skills will be reinforced by group life where listening, respect, tolerance and open-mindedness will be necessary.

To carry out the work, you will be supervised by a professional mason, specialized in the restoration of old buildings, a stone cutter and local volunteers. They will share their know-how with you with enthusiasm. Local young people from the youth service and educational center will come and work alongside you. The site is located 10 minutes walk from the accommodation, and you will work 4 to 5 hours a day, in the morning.

Language: English

Leisure activities: You will have the opportunity to meet the local population. You will also be offered tours of the old center of Viviers, of the Lafarge cement factory and its old workers accommodations. Finally, you can hike to the statue of the Virgin Mary, also called the statue de la Joanade, which is also an unmissable viewpoint, as well as explore other hiking trails.

Accommodation: You will be accommodated in a room with mattresses on the floor. A kitchen and sanitary facilities will be at your disposal.

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.

Nearest terminal: Montelimar

Nearest airport: Marseille

Age range: 18 - 30 years old


Restoration of ancient water mills in Auvergne
Besse, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Volunteer project: The diversity of the natural and built heritage of Besse-Et-Saint-Anastaise (the full name of the town) gives it a special atmosphere and charm. Besse is located on the edge of the volcanic lake Pavin, at the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes in the Massif du Sancy, the highest mountain in Auvergne, and is known for its Ski resort Super Besse. The town attracts tourists both during summer and winter. Besse is also a vibrant town with a number of events happening in the area all the year round. Local residents and associations are excited to meet you in this authentic town.

Besse is crossed by the Couze Pavin river taking its source from one of the deepest lakes in Europe, Lake Pavin. On the banks of the river, you can find several old water mills. Two centuries ago men built these water mills to make use of the energy of the river. The mills which are now in ruins, need to be saved. The aim of the volunteer project is restoration and preservation of the mills.

You will participate in the restoration of a watermill on the banks of the Couze river. You will participate in their restoration and their valorisation to preserve the history written by men of olden times. You will have to remove the vegetation and clear the sides of the watermill. Then you will take part in the strengthening of the dry masonry walls of the watermill. You will be accompanied by a technical supervisor and local volunteers. They will be happy to share with you their skills and the history of this place dear to them. This project will be an opportunity for you to discover the particularities of the cultural patrimony renovation and dry masonry. You will work 4 to 5 hours a day.

Language: English

Leisure activities: Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise is a village which obtained the certification label Little Towns with Character for its atypical living environment and its rich patrimony. By walking around the narrow cobblestone streets, you will be able to visit the Saint-Andre Church, The Bailiff Castle and admire the beautiful houses built with lava stones and red shutters like the old Broglie Hospital. Built on an ancient lava flow and close to the national natural reserve of Chaudefour valley, you will also have the opportunity to increase your geological knowledge thanks to the many hiking paths.

Accommodation: The town center will provide small chalets with bunk beds and a single bed.

Location: Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise is a 1500 inhabitants village located 50 km to the south of Clermont-Ferrand. Besse is considered as one of the most beautiful sites of the Auvergne region. The town is a part of the Natural Regional Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne. It is located in the Massif du Sancy born 5 millions years ago. The town benefits from a preserved environment with great landscapes of lakes and volcanoes. Besse is 1 hour away from Clermont-Ferrand.

Nearest terminal: Issoire

Nearest airport: Clermont-Ferrand

Age range: 18 - 30 years old


Enhancement of the ruins of a medieval chapel
St Georges en Couzan, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Volunteer project: The small town of St Georges en Couzan is looking forward to welcoming a team of volunteers once again for a project that is particularly dear to its heart: the enhancement of the St Martin chapel's ruins. Located in a rural area, with few amenities on site, locals will be delighted to show their village and share many moments with you. You will also take part in the village's patronal festival on the weekend of August 1st. Perfect place for nature and authenticity lovers.

After last year's cleanup, you will take part in the enhancement of the ruins of the old chapel. You will carry out the consolidation works envisioned by the heritage architect in charge of the restoration. On the other hand, you will carry out devegetation work and repair the steps leading to the Saint Martin statue, located below the chapel. You will be guided by local volunteers who will be happy to work with you and share their love for their village. The work site is located 25-30 minutes walk from the village, across fields, on small paths. You will walk there every morning, and your supervisors will drive you back at noon. Work is in the morning, 4 to 5 hours a day.
This project will enable you to acquire skills in small masonry (staircase refurbishment, mortar construction) as well as in landscape maintenance.

Language: English

Leisure activities: The environment is extremely rural, so you will have plenty of time to discover French rural life and meet the people who are attached to it. On-site activities will be done with the locals (hikes, various invitations ...) and other outings will be organized to visit nearby villages.

Accommodation: You will be accommodated in tents at the municipal stadium. You will have access to showers in the changing rooms. The bar area will also serve as a kitchen. Outdoor picnic tables allow you to eat outside and enjoy the view of the valley and the Forez Mountains. You are a 10 minute walk from the village center.

Location: St Georges en Couzan is a village of 450 inhabitants, located in the Loire department near Feurs and Montbrison.

Nearest terminal: Boen

Nearest airport: Lyon

Age range: 18 - 30 years old


Preservation and improvement of the medieval center of Chomerac
Chomerac, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Volunteer project: A former medieval town located on a hillside in Ardeche, the municipality of Chomerac wishes to renew the success of its past experience and once again welcome an international group of volunteers. This summer project will focus on the preservation and improvement of Chomerac historic center.

Chomerac consists of many narrow streets and is well known for its rich heritage. In the old castle and grande fontaine neighborhood, you will take part in various tasks like clearing the village alleys from vegetation to make them accessible. Small masonry work is also planned, which will give you the opportunity to learn about the construction of small and low stone walls. Work in St Sernin Chapel may be considered, depending on the weather. The work site is located 10 minutes walk from the accommodation, and you will work 4 to 5 hours a day. During work time, you will be supervised by the local volunteers who will also be more than happy to share their know-how and the history of the site.

Language: English

Leisure activities: You can walk through the streets of the old town center and climb up to the old castle's dungeon, a vestige of the religious wars. You can also discover the industrial past of the city with a visit to the numerous old mills, including the oldest one called La Royale, the Neuve aqueduct or the marble quarries. You can also go hiking through the valley. The local volunteers will offer activities related to the discovery of the area: hiking, Mont Gerbier des Joncs, visit of surrounding villages, picnic. You can also take part in the local life (market, flea markets...).

Accommodation: You will be accommodated in a gym. You will have the necessary equipment for group living (shower and kitchen). Located in the city center, you will have access to local shops (bakery, butcher, extra groceries).

Location: Chomerac is located in the center-east of the Ardeche county, in the foothills of the Massif Central and has 3,000 inhabitants.

Nearest terminal: Montelimar

Nearest airport: Lyon

Age range: 18 - 30 years old


Restoring the trail to the Grotte de la Madeleine
Moustiers, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Volunteer project: The commune of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie wishes to welcome a new team of volunteers in order to carry out the work planned for the redevelopment of the trail leading to the Grotte de la Madeleine. Starting in the heart of the village, this trail leads to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel and to the Grotte de la Madeleine, which was once a place of worship. This ancient chapel now houses an altar and two statues, that of Mary Magdalene and a wolf. This path is used every year by many visitors and allows the promotion of the rural heritage of Provence as well as the religious heritage of the village.

The work will take place along the trail to the Madeleine cave and towards its end. Your work will consist of: cleaning the trail, creating or improving routes. In order to finish properly the trail leading to the Madeleine cave, a drystone wall will be dismantled and rebuilt because it could collapse at any moment. This drystone wall is at the level of an oratory at the entry of the trail. We will also offer a second building site at the locality called Descent of the Bees Wall, if the number of volunteers allows it. The work will consist in: cleaning the trail, brushing and cleaning the stairs, rebuilding some steps. This location is a road leading to hiking trails which allow to go back to the village and a bulwark.

Language: English

Possible free time activities: You can walk through the streets of this typical Provençal village full of history. You can also go up to the Chapel of Notre Dame de Beauvoir, classified as a historical monument, which overlooks and offers an exceptional view of the village and the Verdon valley. You will meet the pottery craftsmen and visit the village museum. You can also visit the Verdon Natural Regional Park and learn more about this preserved place. The local inhabitants, voluntary associations and elected officials will be happy to meet you.

Accommodation: You will be accommodated in a tent in the municipal campsite, where you will have access to common sanitary facilities and a kitchen. The campsite is not far from the village.

Location: Located in the heart of the Alpes de Hautes Provence department and the Verdon Regional Natural Park, the town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has a rich built and natural heritage.

Nearest terminal: Dignes-les-Bains

Nearest airport: Marseille

Age range: 18 - 30 years old