A STONE PATH TO THE CASTLE

CODE: CONCF-33405

Project and work

Do you love picturesque villages and nature? Come help showcase Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert, a medieval village in the south of France. Nestled in the heart of the Herault Gorges, it is listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France.” It is also a major stop on the Way of St. James, attracting pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
The castle above Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert has a great view of the Herault Gorges. Only a few pieces of the walls are left today, but the site is still amazing because of the scenery. A local story says a giant helped build it, which gave the castle its name and adds a sense of magic to this historic place.
You will participate in the restoration of the stone path leading to the castle, a hands-on and rewarding project. During this work, you will discover the traditional techniques of “calade” construction. You’ll learn how to select the right stones, how to cut them, and how to arrange them to secure, restore, or rebuild the paths.
This work is essential for enhancing our heritage and providing residents, visitors, hikers, and tourists from all walks of life with better conditions for exploring! It’s a rewarding experience that combines heritage discovery, outdoor activities, and intercultural encounters!

Accommodation and meals

You will be housed in a permanent structure, a fully equipped hiker’s lodge with a kitchen and bathrooms. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag or sheets. Community life will be at the heart of the experience: you will share daily tasks and prepare meals together. A budget will be allocated to the activity team, and you will help with grocery shopping and meal preparation, prioritizing healthy and local products.

Location and leisure

Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert is a charming town in the south of France. Nestled in the Gorges de l’Herault, it is surrounded by limestone cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation. In the heart of this unspoiled setting, you can enjoy outdoor activities (hiking, swimming, canoeing and kayaking…) and discover cultural and festive events during the lively summer season.

Partner

This is our first partnership with the town of Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert. We are working in collaboration with municipal services dedicated to heritage, tourism, and the environment. This project contributes to the promotion of the town’s hiking trails.

Additional comments

This opportunity is open to anyone who enjoys outdoor activities and cares about
preserving our heritage. Be sure to bring gloves, appropriate clothing, and sturdy shoes for the workday. Also remember to bring your sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen, as well as your swimsuit and a beach towel! Days will be very hot, but nights can still be cool. If you’d like, you can also bring music or a traditional item from your country or region to share your culture with the other participants.

Foreigners belonging to the European Union must bring with them a personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and everybody must, in any case, bring their insurance certificate. If health issues happen on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and then be reimbursed once back in their home country.

Meeting point

Meet in the afternoon in SAINT-GUILHEM-LE-DESERT. The exact meeting point will be communicated at a later date. Regional buses (No. 668) run to the town during the day from the Mosson tram stop in MONTPELLIER. Plan to arrive at the Montpellier train station early enough to ensure you catch the bus.
Train reservations can be made approximately four months in advance on the SNCF website, link below: https://www.sncf-connect.com/
Whenever possible, please prioritize low-carbon transportation (train and bus rather than air travel) for a sustainable international project.