Masonry at the Fortress of Cluis-Dessous

In the heart of the bocage, in a town of 1000 inhabitants, come and revive the fortress of Cluis-Dessous (12th-15th centuries).

You will clear and build part of the surrounding wall of these imposing ruins, registered in the inventory of Historical Monuments, using lime mortar and local red sand. You will also participate in clearing the area around the wall and in the work of archaeologists at the very beginning of the work.

The fortress is installed on a rocky outcrop by the river. It preserves the remains of the house, the chapel, the keep on a clod, the châtelet of entry as well as the surrounding wall with protective towers. It belongs to the municipality. The Cluis site safeguarding association is responsible for the consolidation work program. The fortress is the seat of cultural events: theater festival, regional archery competitions, etc.

During the first part of the work, INRAP archaeologists will be by our side to analyze and study parts of the wall, prior to our masonry work.
Each trainee is encouraged to participate in all of the tasks, from cleaning the wall to masonry, including making mortar and transporting materials and cuttings.

The site has three supervisors for fifteen participants. The restoration work is organized over five days, three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon.
Accommodation and meals take place at the municipal campsite located 500 meters from the site.
Everyone brings their tent and participates in the preparation of meals.
Reception at Châteauroux station for train travelers.

For leisure: swimming and canoeing at Lake Eguzon located 15 km away (think of the swimsuit), theatrical performances (Shakespeare) within the fortress and, depending on the group's interests, visits to castles , an important Gallo-Roman site, visit to the valley of the Impressionist painters, the residence of Georges Sand, village festivals ...
If you are a musician, a sportsperson, think about bringing an instrument, a racket ...