Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
Built in 1871, the Batterie de la Pointe is one of the last remaining vestiges of the Paris defense system. Palaiseau was then one of the twenty-two strongholds of the "Séré de Rivières" defense system that surrounded the capital. After the Second World War, most of these fortifications were converted into laboratories. In Palaiseau, only the Batterie de la Pointe has retained its original character. Abandoned since 1980, it had been invaded by vegetation.
To preserve this historical heritage that the City has acquired and to prepare it for a new vocation, international youth camps and then professional integration workshops have already allowed for spectacular renovations. This year, we welcome you back to this remarkable site to rehabilitate part of the counterscarps!
Work:
Supervised by a specialized technician, you will participate in the restoration of the fort's counterscarp retaining walls, as well as the renovation of the wooden railings and guardrails.
For the dry stone walls, your work will involve:
Carefully dismantling the stones.
Weeding and raking the ground.
Rebuilding the walls using traditional techniques.
For the wooden railings and guardrails, you will focus on:
Identifying the elements still in good condition.
Repairing and consolidating the parts damaged by time and weather.
Reassembling the structures to guarantee their solidity and safety.
More than just a renovation project, this is a real human adventure that awaits you! You will have the opportunity to:
Learn traditional restoration techniques.
Contribute to the preservation of a unique historical heritage.
Work in a team in a friendly and rewarding environment.
So don't hesitate and join us!
Accomodation and food
Accommodation and daily life:
You will be accommodated in tents, a 10-minute walk from the Fort de la Batterie de la Pointe, at the Ferme des Granges!
A kitchen and common room will be at your disposal to share friendly moments with other volunteers.
Local and responsible food: The facilitators are committed to providing fresh and seasonal products.
Participatory community life: Manage the shopping, meal preparation and cleaning together.
Take turns cooking and develop your culinary talents! A facilitator will accompany you in this task.
Democratic functioning: Define together the rules of life and organization of the group.
Live an unforgettable human adventure!
Location and leisure
What's on the agenda:
Discovering the region: Walks in the Chevreuse Valley Natural Park, in the Sceaux Park, visit of the Château de la Madeleine, discovery of the Fontainebleau forest, so many places perfect for walks and outdoor activities.
Visiting Paris: Historical monuments (Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Champs-Elysées), museum visits (Louvre, Museum of Natural History), discovery of Montmartre and the oldest streets of Paris, the quays and the summer festivities!
Games and evenings organized by your facilitators and by you!
Many activities and outings will be planned for the afternoons and evenings, but you can also make other suggestions if you wish!
Short remarks:
EXTRA FEES: reduced to 250€ for international volunteers. Pay attention! Our national participants in France pay the regular 360€ of extra fees. International volunteers coming from our partners in other countries than France pay only 250€ of extra fees.