Restoring a historic path to the Rochemaure castle
Rochemaure, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France June 28 - July 19, 2025
Volunteer project: Dominated by its medieval castle and emblematic suspension bridge, Rochemaure offers a picturesque setting steeped in history. The commune is keen to welcome a team of international volunteers for summer 2025!
You will be helping to restore a historic path leading to Rochemaure castle. Currently too badly damaged, this path forces walkers to use the road, which reduces the safety and accessibility of the site. Your task will be to develop and make safe a section of the path by carrying out several works:
• Creation of calades (paved paths made of local stone) to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
• Construction of steps to facilitate climbing and make the path more accessible.
• Layout of the trail to ensure a more pleasant and safer passage for visitors.
This project is a great opportunity to discover traditional techniques while contributing to the enhancement of the local heritage. Your work will improve access to Rochemaure’s tourist sites, and provide residents and visitors with a safer, more pleasant path. You’ll work 5 hours a day, in the morning, Monday to Friday, and will walk 10 minutes to the site.
Language: English
Possible free time activities: Visiting Montélimar leisure center, swimming in the lake. Sports facilities: stadium, tennis court and pétanque. Visiting local markets to discover Ardèche specialties such as goat cheese, chestnut cream and traditional charcuterie. Entertainment: concerts and festive meals every Friday. Exploration: visit the village and the Château to explore the local heritage. The GR42 hiking trail is a perfect itinerary for hikers, with magnificent panoramic views over the Monts d’Ardèche and the Rhône valley.
Accommodation: For this adventure, you’ll be accommodated in tents on a plot of land close to sanitary facilities and a kitchen. You’ll enjoy a natural setting ideal for a friendly outdoor experience, while having access to essential comforts for your stay. Remember to bring a sleeping bag and a ground mattress for added comfort. This outdoor accommodation is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an immersive experience, bond with other volunteers and enjoy nature while taking part in a useful and rewarding project!
Location: Rochemaure is a commune of 2,200 inhabitants in the Ardèche department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Nestled at the gateway to Montélimar, it enjoys a privileged location between the volcanic landscapes of the Massif Central and the Rhône Valley.
Nearest bus/train station: Montelimar
Nearest airport: Lyon
Age range: 18 - 30 years old
Preserving the natural and historical heritage of Moustiers
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France August 16 - September 6, 2025
Volunteer project: Since 2021, the commune of Moustiers has been hosting international volunteer projects to preserve and enhance its natural and historical heritage. In the past years, international volunteers helped with the restoration of the Madeleine cave trail, an emblematic site popular among visitors. They improved the access, safety and the aesthetics of the trail. Volunteers also worked on the Apiary Wall - a testimony to the local beekeeping know-how. The work involved cleaning the access path, restoring the steps and laying new stones to preserve this unique heritage. Following the success of these projects, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most beautiful villages in France, is keen to welcome a new team of volunteers to help enhance its rich heritage.
This year, the project will focus on completing and securing a staircase (adding steps, laying paving stones). The volunteers will develop a path to facilitate access to the site, will consolidate dry-stone walls, and add a touch of vegetation. You will be guided by a technical supervisor (a stone specialist) and will learn traditional techniques while contributing to a concrete, sustainable project. Join us this summer to continue the development of a natural heritage site!
Language: English
Leisure activities: You can stroll the streets of this typical Provençal village steeped in history. You can also go up to the Chapel of Notre Dame de Beauvoir, classified as a historical monument, which overlooks and offers an exceptional view of the village and the Verdon valley. You will meet the pottery craftsmen and visit the village museum. You can also visit the Verdon Natural Regional Park and learn more about this preserved place. The residents, community volunteers and elected officials will be happy to meet you.
Accommodation: You will be accommodated in a building adjoining the church, located in the center of the village, with access to a kitchen and sanitary facilities. The work site is only a 10 minute walk away.
Location: Located in the heart of the Alpes de Hautes Provence department and the Verdon Regional Natural Park, the town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has a rich built and natural heritage.
Nearest terminal: Dignes-les-Bains
Nearest airport: Marseille
Age range: 18 - 30 years old