Let's Rebuild a French Fortress: the Fort of Jouy 2025
SERVICE CIVIL INTERNATIONAL BRANCHE FRANCAISE
SCI France / Les Amis du Fort de Jouy
Géville, France
Description
Our local partner works at the renovation and restoration of the XIXth century of the military fort of Jouy-sous-les-Cotes. The fortress is situated in the east of France, not far from Nancy, Verdun and Metz, and its aim was to protect France against potential German attacks in the XIXth century. It was situated in a zone close to the border between France and Prussia, which had been fixed at the end of the war of 1870, lost by France, which had had for consequence the annexation of Alsace and part of the Lorraine (the current department of Moselle) by Prussia. But after the 1st World War, won by France, the territories of Alsace and Moselle are incorporated back into France, also the border between both countries is again moved and the Fort of Jouy loses its strategic interest. Since 2002, the association works on its restoration and development: visits are organized for tourists and it is also often used for cultural and artistic events.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
You will be accommodated literally inside the fort, in the old military barracks, so be prepared for rudimentary accomodation. We will prepare the cots (camp beds), therefore you need to bring your sleeping bag and pillow, a towel and a toiletry bag. To participate in the renovation, additionally to your regular clothes, it is better to bring with you sturdy shoes and clothing. You will also need working gloves (gardening ones are quite okay). Volunteers will be picked up from Commercy station.
Training during the activity
Tasks will be very different from day to day: you may be asked to renovate some walls, paint some doors, to create some mortar and replace some stones of a wall, up on a scaffold... But you could very well be cutting some branches in the ditch and also show French and foreign tourists around the fortress. You'll be working 6 hours a day, 5 days a week to renovate this exceptional heritage building. We are then counting on you to take turns and make sure everyone is having fun! Activities, workshops and visits (surroundings, places mentioned above) are organized in the evenings and on weekends.
Participant profile
To apply please follow the link and fill in the form: https://forms.gle/46X49xqccMK4nVUR9 No specific profile, just be willing to live and work together in a group for 2 weeks and be prepared for physical work that can be hard. Knowledge of France or the area is not at all required, only be interested in getting to know other people and places! note: dormitories are organized by gender for accommodation purposes, but we respect and welcome everyone, regardless of gender identity!
Activity dates
From 12/07/2025 to 27/07/2025
Activity location
Fort de Jouy-sous-les-Côtes, Géville, France
Activity type
Volunteering teams
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Activity topics
Environment and natural protection
Creativity and culture
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 18/06/2025 23:59