The project
Dreaming of lavender fields and Provence? Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux offers you a picture-postcard landscape and the chance to get involved in a project that will plunge you into the history of the town's famous quarries...
What do Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, Paris, Lyon, Marseille and New York have in common? It's hard to believe that many of the buildings in these major cities still stand on foundations that originated in this small town in the Drôme region. In the 19th century, the quarrying of stone from the south of France was in full swing. The site had specific infrastructures for extracting and transporting blocks of stone, especially to the Rhône. Mining ceased after the Second World War and the site reverted to its natural state as the years went by. Today, the remains of this activity are still present, and there is a determination to preserve them, in order to pass on their unique history. Thanks to their rich biodiversity, the former quarries could become a sensitive natural area in the near future.
Respecting the site, you will be working to complete an inclined surface on a path that has been damaged by rainwater run-off. On a sloping, wooded and rocky site, you will be creating gutters to allow the water to drain away. This work is a continuation of the projects carried out in 2022 and 2023.
If you love nature, history and travelling, this is the job for you! You don't need any skills, but a good dose of motivation and a good mood will make this project unforgettable.
Accommodation & food
You will be accommodated in individual tents near the 2003 municipal stadium, which is close to sports facilities (football stadium, city stadium, skate park, watersports complex, etc.) and close to the town centre. The site will be for the sole use of the group, who will have keys to control access.
The changing rooms will provide separate areas for toilets and showers. A room will be equipped for meals and be used as a shelter in the event of bad weather (heatwave, storms). There will also be grassy, shaded areas where you can enjoy the outdoors. Together, you'll help to organise community life (cleaning, activities, etc.) and take it in turns to prepare meals using locally sourced produce. As far as possible, we will promote vegetarian meals using local, seasonal produce, while ensuring that all participants' diets are respected and that local gastronomy is discovered.
Location & leisure
The town of Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux (population 9,000) is located in the Drôme department, in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region, on the axis of the Rhône Valley, in an area with a Mediterranean climate. Drôme provençale is a tourist region with many assets. As well as plenty of sunshine, you'll find an unspoilt environment and a warm, friendly atmosphere as you wander through the narrow streets of the mediaeval town. Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux is the ideal place to discover the Tricastin, Drôme Provençale and northern Vaucluse. The city itself boasts an important cultural heritage with its cathedral, townhouses and archaeological collections. What's more, in and around the town, gastronomy takes pride of place with the Tricastin black truffle.
Project host
The town of Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux is attached to its history and heritage. It is a tourist town in the Drôme Provençale region that is also keen to protect the environment. By hosting this third volunteer work camp, Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux aims to reveal the cultural richness of its region by combining heritage and nature.
Interested?
Enquire below and we'll connect you with one of our volunteering team to help you apply or answer any questions. We can help guide you through the process for a hassle free journey to your next project.