The project
In a small valley in the heart of a beautiful Alpine landscape lie the remains of an old abbey from the 12th century. For thirty years, a local association has been dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the site, while simultaneously contributing to life in Clausonne and documenting its current history. This project is just one of many initiatives in which international and local volunteers, people in reintegration programs, and other professionals have been involved over the years. Last summer, the construction of a wooden shelter for hikers was completed. Restoration work on the abbey building is planned for this year.
Volunteer work
You are working on reinforcing the stone walls of the ruins of the apse of Clausonne Abbey. After learning how to make lime mortar, you will set to work repointing the masonry. A local craftswoman will guide you in making and using the mortar, as well as in the placement and sizing of the stones. Every day, two group members take turns preparing meals for the team; the menu is determined in advance. You work on the construction site from Monday to Friday mornings. Generally, the work consists of masonry, preparing tools and meals, and organizing and arranging communal living.
Accommodation
You will stay in a mixed dormitory; a kitchen, toilets, and showers are at your disposal. You are welcome at Ferme du Faï, a former mountain farm. The place lives on thanks to a team of staff working on the renovation of the building, international volunteers, artists and musicians staying there as residents, hikers, and curious visitors. Here, they pay attention to nutrition to reduce the ecological footprint: as much local produce as possible and limited meat consumption. Daily life is organized collectively: planning menus (vegetarian, vegan), grocery shopping, and organizing activities. There is no Wi-Fi, so the connection is weak, but you will meet people from all over the world!
Leisure
The location is situated at the foot of the Aujour mountain, which might encourage you to take a walk in your free time. This spot, surrounded by nature, is ideal for mountain hikes. As a volunteer, you play an important role in managing your time, with the support of the guidance team.
Travel
Clausonne Abbey is a 20-minute walk from the Ferme du Faï mountain farm. The farm is located 2 km from the village of Le Saix and 13 km from the town of Veynes. Nearest train station: Veynes-Dévoluy. Nearest airports: Marseille - Provence. Meeting point: Veynes-Dévoluy train station.
You arrange the travel to your project yourself. IBO asks all volunteers to travel in the most sustainable way possible, so preferably by train or bus. What you at least can do, is compensate your CO2 emissions. You can find more information about this on the website of Milieu Centraal. You can also compensate your emissions via IBO, by donating to our partner’s tree planting project in Uganda. You can read more about that here..
Preparation
IBO offers a good preparation for your volunteering work abroad.You will receive a digital information package and an invitation to a preparation meeting. Read more about the proces from departure until return.
Cost
IBO asks €50 registration fee. In addition, you pay a participation fee of €189 for this project. You can also become an IBO-supporter, then you do not pay a registration fee.
Would you like to know more about how your contribution is made and how it is spent? Read about the costs for participation.
Register
Register as a volunteer at IBO here.