Become the Lord of Pompey's castle

CODE: ANEC19

Location: Pompey, Grand Est, France

Context

Pompey is a town situated along the lush banks of the Moselle River. It is famous for its industrial history but was once a significant stronghold during the Middle Ages, serving as an effective watchpost for the Moselle and its surroundings. Today, Pompey is ideally located near major tourist cities, while also being close to more hidden spots, with the surrounding nature offering a wide range of sports and leisure activities.

For 10 years, we have been organizing projects at the Plateau de l'Avant-Garde, the site of the former fortress, to restore the town's beautiful heritage. This year, volunteers will work directly on the remains of the medieval castle, continuing the efforts of previous projects. By hosting the project, Pompey aims to introduce international volunteers to the local culture while also opening up the local population to other cultures and new ways of life

Mission

Join an eco-friendly project to help preserve the remains of a Romanesque fortress and a Gothic castle. With the guidance of a traditional masonry professional, volunteers will help clear vegetation from the ruins and restore them, prepare lime mortar, dismantle and reassemble walls, and carry out plastering, jointing, and roofing using traditional techniques. Expect physically demanding work at times, with some tasks carried out at height. During periods of extreme heat, work will be limited to mornings. The project is certified "100% Ecology" and employs methods that respect both the site and the environment. In case of extreme weather, such as heavy rain or heatwaves, the schedule may be adapted to ensure your safety and that of everyone involved.

Group life

Beyond working hours, volunteers come together to organise daily life on the camp. Often divided into teams, they plan menus, help with the shopping, prepare meals, and ensure the cleanliness of shared spaces. Fully involved in shaping your experience, you will also take part in decision-making regarding group activities and daily organisation! In order to reduce the environmental impact of our projects, we prioritise vegetarian menus, which meet all the nutrional needs of participants. There will be French volunteers on the workcamp. Some of them might not speak English. This can be an opportunity for everyone to develop new language skills and innovatove ways of communicating!

Accomodation

Accommodation is provided in tents, just a few meters from the project site. Everything is organized on-site with respect for the environment, aiming for the most eco-friendly lifestyle possible and testing solutions that could be applied to other projects. Be prepared to experiment and share your suggestions!A day on the workcamp

What you will find on site:
One small tent per person + a few tents to store luggage
Access to sleep in some chalets nearby in case of storm
Dry toilets at the campsite, and flush toilets available a little bit further
Private solar showers on site, and inside collectives showers a little bit further
Washing machine available at the neighbours'
Outside undercover kitchen
An undercover dining/living area and relaxation space
Free Wi-Fi nearby

A day on the workcamp

The day's schedule may vary depending on the camp leaders, the group, and the weather. Volunteers play an active role in their workcamp and can adjust the schedule, in coordination with the team. Keep in mind that every workcamp is different, and each experience is unique. Stay flexible and proactive! In general, volunteers spend around 20 hours per week working, and have two days off dedicated to cultural outings, on-site activities, and free time. Here's what a typical day on a worksite might look like:

8am-12h30pm: Work
10:30am-12:30pm: Meal preparation
12:30pm-1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm-2pm: Clean up
2pm-3:30pm: On-site activities
3:30pm-6pm: Free time
6pm-7:30pm: Free time
6pm-7:30pm: Meal preparation
9pm-9:30pm: Dinner
9:30pm-10:30pm: Evening activities