Bring the medieval fortress back to life (2)

CODE: ANEC06

Location: Montaigu-le-Blin, Auvergne-Rhône Alpes, France

Context

Located in the heart of the Bourbonnais region in northern Auvergne, the village of Montaigu-le-Blin offers a rich historical and cultural heritage. Overlooking the village, the Montaigu-le-Blin fortress, dating back to the 13th century, was built to defend the crown of France and Bourbonnais against the counties of Auvergne and Forez. With its rich history, international volunteers have been welcomed at the castle since the 1980s to help maintain and promote it, and enliven local life during the summer. This year, five international workcamps are organised at the fortress over the summer. You will participate in the first session of the year!

Mission

Come and join the preservation and enhancement efforts of this exceptional heritage! Around the castle, you will carry out several restoration tasks. Guided by a technical supervisor, you will help maintain the masonry by learning traditional techniques: removing and re-pointing the walls, making lime and sand mortar, and handling the tools. You will also assist with maintaining the woodwork: safety barriers and building with pallets for relaxation areas. Finally, you will take part in maintining the fortress's environment: clearing brush, pruning shrubs, maintaining the vegetable garden, and renovating the dry toilet cabins. Protecting such a building takes time and energy; come contribute to the effort!

Daily life

Beyond the 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 organization!

Accomodation

Accommodation is in tents, 10-15 minutes on foot from the fortress and 5 minutes on foot from the centre of the village. Everything is organised on-site with respect for the environment (waste sorting and composting) with the goal of promoting a more ecofriendly lifestyle.

What you will find on site:
- A campsite is provided by the town
- An alternative shelter is available at the town hall in case of severe weather
- Tents are provided by the association (1 per person)
- A small cabin with an indoor kitchen (sink, fridge, stove, oven, dishes, games)
- 2 individual toilets in solid structures
- 2 individual showers in solid structures
- Outdoor sinks
- Some basins and soap to wash your clothes
- A large marquee under which tables and chairs will be set up