Rolling and Cutting Stones in Saint-Mihiel

The town of Saint-Mihiel organises volunteering workcamps to restore dry-stone walls and small stone structures that were rebuilt too quickly after the World Wars. These structures add to the town's charm and serve as important refuges for biodiversity, providing homes for insects and birds. Today, the entire area is recognised as a natural zone of ecological interest, and its protection is ensured by the state.

The project focuses on restoring the walls and small stone structures of the Promenade des Capucins, located to the north of Saint-Mihiel, returning them to their original appearance and securing the pathways. Volunteers will remove old mortar, repair cracks and holes, and apply new lime plaster. They will also raise walls and install coping stones to protect the structures over the long term.

For dry-stone walls, volunteers will dismantle and sort stones, sometimes reshaping them, and carefully reassemble them to ensure stability. All work will be carried out in teams, guided by a professional who will teach traditional masonry techniques.

Be prepared for physically demanding work, including handling stones and applying mortar. Some tasks will take place at height. During periods of intense heat, work will be scheduled mainly for the mornings.