Philanthropic Institution Nièvre, France

5.0
(65 reviews)65

Volunteer to help build a medieval Gothic edifice in France!

Top Host
This host receives lots of worldpackers and has a high average rating, being recognized by the community as a Top Host.
Help a sustainable project
13 travelers confirmed that this host is actively contributing to a more sustainable future for everyone!
Higher chance of approval
This host has recently approved volunteers and is looking for more applications.
Connect with nature
46 travelers recommend this experience for reconnecting with nature
Connect with international travelers
45 travelers recommend this host to meet travelers from all around the world
Accepts couples and pairs of volunteers
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What you offer

30h

Hours per week
Help out and collaborate with your host only a few hours per week.
Building & Repairing
Help with a wide range of repairs or building.
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What you get

2

Days off per week
Have some time off for yourself, go explore the city or rest for a while.
Shared Dorm
You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.
Breakfast
You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.
Lunch
You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.
Dinner
You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.
Use our equipped kitchen
Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.
Free Laundry
You can use our laundry room freely.
Get free drinks or beverages.
Drink up! Get free and tasty drinks for yourself.
Pick Up
We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.
Support
Get help from the Worldpackers support team in case you need it, at any point of your trip.
Verified Host
This host has been verified by our team before joining the community.
WP Safeguard
Did something not go as planned? Contact our team.
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Availability

Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Stay at least
2 weeks
Stay up to
1 month

The Experience

We're looking for volunteers to help build a medieval Gothic edifice in Burgundy using 13th-century techniques and materials. We provide food and lodging in exchange for your help 5 days a week. There's a kitchen where you can prepare your meals. The benefits are using sustainable materials, learning new skills, making new friends, and lasting memories in a positive environment. Opus Gothique is a family-run nonprofit eco-friendly association.

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Requirements

  • Fluent English or Fluent French
  • Between 18 and 70 years old
  • Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

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65 Reviews

5.0

Host & Team

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Philanthropic Institution

4.5

Learning & Fun

5.0

How this experience will transform you

  • 46 Get in touch with nature
  • 45 Meeting international travelers
  • 38 Practicing English
  • 29 Meeting locals
  • 28 Immersing in the local culture
  • 23 Creating true social impact

This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals

  • 13 4. Quality education

China

5

Being a part of this project is one of the best decisions I have ever made and am proud to be the first Chinese volunteer here. Sam, a true leader, is also a man with huge wisdom and a sense of humor. He has been always patient with the volunteers both at work and in our daily lives. I managed to make mortar, build a wall with rocks, and make fire under his guidance. I have also learned a lot from Mark for example how to do carving with different tools and we had lots of fun in the archery games in which I broke the record among the volunteers. I will definitely come back sometime. Thank you!

7 months ago

Australia

5

I echo the sentiment of so many, hands down one of the best decisions of my life to be a part of the organization. It is truly family and friends for life from all walks. Too many great things to say, but the highlights are Sam's passion and dedication his father's work and the project, his patience (especially tractor driving 😊) and generosity to everyone. Mark is a crowd fav for his incredible meals and weekend exploration of so many great places. And Jim! So knowledgeable and patient with everyone. Miss you all so much already. At the organization you will learn to love a GOOD rock!

7 months ago

United States

5

Ditto to all of the comments speaking to Sam, Jim and Mark's character (hi you three- miss you!). It is overwhelmingly obvious that these guys really care about this project and the volunteers. 💕 A few technical details I think might be helpful if you're considering applying! - there are gloves & boots on site, but I was glad I brought boots because the ones there were big for me - If you have any phobias (like spider), make sure to communicate them before you arrive. (Ex. Spiders, slugs, bees) - volunteers work together to cook dinner & clean kitchen/bathroom (team spirit! 👏)

7 months ago

United Kingdom

5

This was my first ever volunteering experience, and it massively exceeded my expectations! Sam is the most incredible host and meets your every need. Jim was an amazing teacher and a good laugh. Mark cooked the most amazing meals and took us on the most amazing day trips! It truly felt like a home away from home. The work is physical and can be hard at times, but Jim is flexible and if you're feeling exhausted he will switch up your job to suit your needs. I met some friends for life during my time here (including chippy the cat). I already have plans to return next year!

7 months ago

Italy

5

I loved the time I spent at the organization. Sam is a very kind and admirable person. Jim is funny and he's a good teacher. Mark is generous, will always show us around when there was a chance and he cooks delicious meals! Thank you all, I felt at home! The job could be hard some days mainly depending on the weather but it's very satisfying and I've learned a lot. I will be back.

7 months ago

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About the host

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Hosted by Sam

Top Host
This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.
Response Rate
This host usually answers to 50% of the messages
Response Time
This host usually writes back in 5 days
4 published videos
This host has 4 published videos showing a little bit about their place

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