We invite you to discover heritage in a different way, through our technical courses combining know-how and experimental archaeology, by visiting our restoration sites or by taking part in our educational activities focusing on the art of building in the Middle Ages.
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Located at Bernoy le Château in the Aisne département (Hauts de France), the Berzy-le-Sec site lies six kilometers south of the town of Soissons, on a promontory overlooking the Crise valley.
Berzy-le-Sec boasts an exceptional historical heritage.
Two Neolithic polissoirs (classified as Historic Monuments in 1899), a Merovingian necropolis (archaeological excavation in 1982), the remains of one of the first water mills in the Crise valley (9th century), a magnificent 12th-century Romanesque church (classified M H in 1886), which faces the ruins of an interesting Gothic castral building (12th/16th century) classified M H in 1926, 13th-century wall paintings illustrating scenes from the Old Testament, 14th-century manor houses and a charming 16th-century flamboyant chapel built at the foot of the castle wall in the south-east corner of the fortified gate.
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Introductory and advanced training in flat tile and wood roofing techniques, through the restoration of the chapel roof, the tile kiln and other castle buildings. The course will cover materials and techniques, tile manufacture and selection, tile installation (support, laying, eaves, hip, verges, etc.) and zinc and copper work as the project progresses.
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Other volunteer activities during your stay
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Guided tour of the château, church and restoration site...
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Group living and accommodation
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During your stay, you'll be supervised by two counselors. The technical supervisor will teach you everything he knows, and the pedagogical supervisor will help you organize daily life and activities.
The time set aside for work is around 32 hours a week for adults. Work on the site runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. .
You'll take it in turns to prepare meals as part of a team. You'll have the chance to share recipes from your own region, and to sample the countless specialities of other regions and countries. If you're already a "chef", that's perfect; if you're not... Get cooking!
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- Hard-standing accommodation is available subject to availability, free of charge for spring and autumn courses, with a surcharge payable to ASPAM Berzy for summer courses. The camp is held in a gîte with rooms for 4 to 6 people;
- Possibility of a room in a guest house, subject to availability;
- Possibility of camping in and around the château (sanitary facilities + shower available).
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No special skills are required to take part.
Once you have pre-registered, please contact us by phone or e-mail.
The telephone call will enable us to get to know you better and give you more details about the site (organization, arrival arrangements, etc.).
You can ask us any questions you may have, and let us know what you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
We'll welcome you on Monday August 4 at 10:00 am (meeting point in the church).
(You can arrive as early as 8:30 a.m.)
Departures will be organized on Friday August 8 from 4:00 pm.
- Access by train: Paris-Laon line (accessible from Paris Gare du Nord), stop at Soissons station, then take the TAD (bus) to Berzy, stop opposite the château. TAD (€2.30 per journey): a TAD line operates like a conventional bus line. However, they are minibuses and do not run continuously. There is one line (number 3) running from Soissons station to Berzy Le Sec Mairie (it stops opposite the château). Payment only in cash with top-up.
To travel, you must reserve your journey by telephone at least the day before by calling "MOBILINFOS" on 03.23.53.50.50 (Monday to Saturday, 8.30am to 6pm, except public holidays).
The association also organizes shuttles from Soissons train station to take you to the château.
- Access by car : The château is close to the church of Berzy le Sec (hamlet of BERNOY le Château), with on-site parking. Don't hesitate to car-share!
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