Project: Young international volunteers, students, researchers, archaeologists will come together for this project which aims to open the Vallauria silver mine to the public in 2023, a site which was mined in the Middle Ages and then from 1750 to 1930 for its lead, silver and blende deposits. Every year for the past 12 years we have worked on securing the site, its access and on carrying out historical and scientific studies. You will participate in the final finishing work on the underground tour circuits. 900m of galleries have been fitted out over about 20km of existing galleries which represents an exceptional industrial heritage and the largest mine in the Alps.
Work: The purpose of these finishing works is to ensure that the entire circuit and all the areas are clean, comfortable and secure. This project will benefit from technical supervision and daily monitoring by an archaeologist. The works to be carried out: stone staircase, securing of dry-stone walls, construction of a wall, installation of a wooden banister, transfer of archaeological material, levelling of the floor, etc. You will work 4 days a week, from 8.30 am to midday and from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Accommodation and food: You will be housed in 4 to 6-person rooms with bathrooms. The meals are prepared by a kitchen team, however you will be asked in turn to help to tidy the dining rooms, tableware and kitchen.
Location: Tende, 2 hours from Nice (by train). The site is isolated in the mountains (altitude of 1,500m), 10km from the village of Tende and 50km from Vintimille (Italy).
Leisure: In addition to the weekend, in the middle of the week, one day will be devoted to visits and activities. You will discover the mountain environment (fauna, flora, hiking at the Vallée des Merveilles archaeological site in the Mercantour National Park) and the historical and cultural heritage of the region (visit to the medieval villages in the Roya valley). You will also be able to enjoy some sports activities, tree-climbing circuits and via ferrata). You will be accompanied by an activity coordinator.
Special requirements: You will be working underground. Take note if you suffer from claustrophobia! Some stones and
occasional buckets of mortar may be rather heavy!