The Remains of Arzeliers

CODE: SJ/ESC54

Work:

You will work on consolidating the stone masonry walls of the ruins of the ancient village of Arzeliers. After learning how to make plaster mortar, you will work on the top sections of the stone walls exposed to the elements. A local craftswoman will guide you in using the mortar on-site during workshops dedicated to preparing and firing traditional local plaster. Each day, two group members will take turns preparing the team's meals; the menu will be defined in advance. You will work on the site during the mornings from Monday to Friday. Generally, the work involves masonry, preparing tools and meals, as well as organizing and setting up collective life.

Accomodation and food

You will be accommodated in individual tents at the municipal campsite. The site will be equipped with a large tent housing the kitchen and the group's collective meeting area during the stay. You will have access to the campsite's sanitary facilities and equipment. Here, we pay attention to our diet to reduce our environmental impact: we eat local food as much as possible and reduce our meat consumption to twice a week. Daily life is organized collectively: planning menus (vegetarian, vegan, etc.), grocery shopping, activities, etc. We organize trips for groceries, if necessary, using the vehicles available on site.

Location and leisure

Location : The work site is located a few kilometers from the accommodation site, which you can reach on foot or by shuttle.

Leisure : You will enjoy the natural environment of the Laragnais area and its many easily accessible swimming spots, such as the Méouge or Riou gorges, or nearby towns like Sisteron. The mountainous landscape might make you want to go hiking. Discovering this place with a group of international volunteers will enrich your experience. Here, you will be the protagonists of your stay: you will play an important role in organizing your time with the support of the leadership team.

Project hosted by

For 20 years, volunteers from all over the world have been committed to preserving the remains of a former village in ruins. Will you be the next one to join the adventure? Located between the Alps and Provence, the ancient village of Arzeliers stands on a hill, offering a panoramic view of the Durance valley. There are remains of 12th-century buildings: a castle, a chapel, traces of fortifications, and several houses. For several years, in partnership with the municipality of Laragne, the association Les Villages des Jeunes has been working to maintain and promote the remains of the Arzeliers castle. The various works organized on this site aim to consolidate the ruins of this precious architectural work, while enriching its history through the intercultural encounters unique to international workcamps.

Directions to meeting point

Meeting point at Laragne-Montéglin train station on September 15th, 2026, from 3 pm onwards.

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