Volunteering in France

To search for projects currently available in France please visit the VFP Open Projects Directory.

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	"This workcamp was really the best one I had out of the four I did this summer" Helping at the Camino festival near Toulouse. Nestor Bailly ~ 2009
	“This project involved creating a mosaic wall to be mounted in a poor neighborhood in Paris. We worked with a professional mosaicist who led us through the process of creating the design and then actually making the mosaic. We began with talking to the residents in the neighborhood, then incorporated their ideas into our design. We spent three weeks making the mural, which measured 6 by 3 meters. It is incredibly beautiful, and we are all very proud of our work and the skills we acquired. In our spare time we celebrated Bastille Day by dancing in the streets, went to several museums, and just enjoyed getting to know each other. As in every project, they participants are from many different countries, and just learning about each others’ cultures and how to get along in a group together is a large part of the experience. This time, there were two groups of us living together, so 27 people including our group leaders, in one apt. It was sometimes a challenge having enough personal space, but, remarkably, we got along really well. Even all of us sharing the one shower didn’t seem to be a major problem. Amazing!” Joanna Liss / France ~ 2009
	At an MTV Project in Centre de Beaumotte ~ Franche-Comté region VFP Volunteer Gregory Heilers Jura Mtns with German volunteer, Konrad Sternisko in 2008 Gregory Heilers / France ~ 2008
	"I formed many close friendships with people from all over the world; from Mexico to Korea, from Moscow to London to Lebanon.  We all had more in common than one might have guessed; our common commitment to peace and pluralism opened the door for a common ground that made our differences important, but surmountable." Tim McKernan / France ~ 2007
	Painting a mural in Montlieu de Garde "The month I spent in France was probably one of the best months of my life. I really enjoyed working alongside volunteers of all different nationalities as well as with the inhabitants of the village. As I often mentioned to my friends at Gourgeon, I can think of no better way to travel than through a workcamp: I met wonderful people, got a workout, visited interesting local sites, built relationships, and constructed a wall as a symbol of international goodwill and cooperation." Mika Nagasaki Photo Credit: Melissa Weitner/France 2003
	Volunteers helped clear the site of a 12th century priory and the ruins of a feudal castle. Eric Cholette / France ~ 2002
	The Parc Natural Régional du Narbonnais and the village council of Sigean decided to restore the callade (old pavement) of a street of the village. Here we see Ezgi (from Turkey), Silvia (from Italy), Ferda (from Turkey) and Catarina (from Italy) finishing the middle path. Hillary Cote / France~ 2002
	Restoration of a medieval tower in southwest France. "In July 2001, I spent three weeks on a workcamp in Bourg-sur-Gironde, a medieval village by the Dordogne river in southwest France. My stay was filled with activities. In Bourg, an ancient wall separates the lower part of the village closest to the river from the upper part. Our work consisted of repairing an old tower that was part of this wall. " Eric Spaulding / France - 2001

“I could begin in a lot of ways, but I’ll begin by saying that the most important thing to know about work camps is that it’s not really about work. The real “work” of a work camp is the effort it requires to gather a dozen people from all around the world, who may or may not speak one common language, and attempt to do something productive, without a leader. At least, that is what our two “animators” told us the first day we arrived--they said, "We are not your leaders, in this experiment, everyone is a leader." This statement made us feel afraid, like it was easier to think that we had been subjected to sit outside in this weird park with mosquitoes buzzing around our heads than to think we chose to do this out of our own free will…. "...But honestly, if I could tell them—Kat, Greg, and Jérôme—that I had wanted to leave but now felt something akin to not wanting to leave, that would be my most honest testimony. At the end of three weeks, I have learned French, made friends, seen things I never would have seen at home, and met people I never thought I’d be able to meet. I have eaten enough crevettes and mussels and wild oysters to pay back the $300 I spent to come here. I have discovered that gonché, that grassy, almond-tinted cheese is my favorite dessert and pineau my favorite dessert wine. I have seen the famous Pont Transborder. I have shopped in a French WalMart. I have tasted a truly authentic Pain au Levain, the kind so raw and fibery it makes your stomach hurt. I have seen a jazz band of French grandpas scat like Louis Armstrong. I have learned a lot of bad words. I have looked forward to the sound of the turtle dove. I have hitchhiked. I have swum in a dirty lake in the middle of the night and I have loved it. I have come to the conclusion that life is really beautiful.” Anelise (I-an) Chen ~ 2009

“I can only summarize my whole experience as: “The best experience ever.” I was able to leave by myself, being responsible of my stuff, share with different people from so many different backgrounds and learn from so many different cultures. I shared with the local population and got to know their real situation, their concerns and expectations and finally, I had the opportunity to visit France and practice my French. All this tells how wonderful I feel and just let me tell you that I’m already waiting for the next summer (or if possible this winter) to do something similar again!!” Edgar Yesid Rodríguez Forero Carrera ~ 2009

I participated in a two-week Volunteers for Peace trip to La Ferte Sous Jourre in France. My group consisted of 12 teens (ages 15-17) from all over the world! We lived on a campground near a river in a beautiful French town. Together, we renovated an old wash house and built a well that now leads to a natural water source. The work was messy (we got our clothes dirty and smelly), but it wasn't too difficult because we cooperated. We worked for four hours in the mornings on weekdays.

Everyday, two teens would stay behind to prepare breakfast and lunch, wash dishes for
everyone, and clean the tents and the toilets. In the evenings, they would also prepare dinner and clean up after-wards. The living conditions were comfortable. The food was mediocre; it depended on which teens were cooking that day. All of this added to the unique experience and gave us something to bond over.

While volunteering was fun, many good memories were also formed outside of the work site. We had camp meetings with our three camp leaders to decide what kind of activities we wanted to participate in. We had dances with people of the town, hosted an International Food Festival, kayaked, met the mayor, met with other work-camps nearby, visited the beach, shopped, explored the French countryside, and visited a medieval town. We also set aside a day to see Paris, which was fantastic. The capital was a 40 minute train ride from our town. A large emphasis was placed on learning about each others' cultures. We taught each other our different languages and showed off traditions. I learned French and Spanish dances, Italian games, and about the Korean school system!

The friendships we formed will last a long time. We keep in contact through Facebook. This winter, I will be visiting one of my new friends in Switzerland! This trip through VFP has been a interesting, eye-opening, and, above all, fun experience!” Paulina Karpis ~ 2009

“In fourteen days, the volunteers I was working with had become my friends. We worked together, lived together, ate together, and became a family together. I had never been with a more culturally diverse group of people. Italians, Germans, French, Koreans, Americans, and even Swiss! Saying goodbye was hard, there’s a great chance I won’t see the other volunteers again unless I cross a couple of oceans. Still, I am supposed to visit Jonas in Switzerland this Winter, and Joe is coming to New York next summer. In a less expensive way of communicating, Mattia and I play chess once a week, even if it is through a computer. Even though we’re on opposite sides of the globe, he still beats me every game.” Jane Karpis ~ 2009

“Altogether going to this workcamp was one of the best experiences of my life and one that I would gladly repeat.”
Soumya Shastri ~ 2009

"This summer I had the amazing opportunity to go to France, and I had a wonderful experience! I made new friends, learned a little French, embraced the French culture, and learned how to renovate and fix the facade on a church. The work was hard but nevertheless fun! After work we volunteers were allowed to go on walks, or go on organized daytrips to nearby towns, or to the beach! This summer was by far one of the best, and I would defiantly do it again! I recommend this for anyone with a sense of adventure, an open mind, and free time! I am happy to say I’ve helped make the little town (Cornellia de Vercol) a little more beautiful." Vita Kurland ~ 2009

“In early August, I helped repair a wall at a historic site in Rambouillet, France. I choose this project because I wanted to learn about different cultures and hopefully visit Paris. Over the course of 14 days, I accomplished many of my goals. I had a great experience working with the camp leaders and the teens from France, Germany, Italy, Russia, and Turkey.” Matthew Strader ~ 2009

For this senior project “I felt Concordia offered a well thought out wonderful plan. We worked hard and each afternoon we went in a mini bus to tour Abbeys, Towns, Swim in the Mediterranean Sea, visit Gorges, and have picnic in beautiful spots. The volunteers became good friends that I will remain in contact with. We had wonderful gatherings with the Villagers...an international dinner, a picnic where I sat with local people...who when I met them later in town they would come up to greet and kiss me! There was a Medieval Festival held during our stay..the Village provided us with costumes we worked to set up their meal and so were invited to share in it for free.” Lois DeZura ~ 2009

“Our group was so well-fitted, it really made working at Le Fai enjoyable. For example, when we had to prepare meals or do the dishes we would create a party out of it by playing music and dancing. Furthermore, on our weekends (when we were free), we went traveling to other parts of France, which was very exciting and adventurous” Julie Choueiri / France ~ 2008

“The teenagers from the other countries were the best.  There was not one person I did not like.  I am still friends with 3 of the girls I met from my volunteer work through your organization.  I hope to visit one of them over the Christmas holiday and have them visit me in the summer.  I was the only American there, and being from California, everyone thought I lived like the TV show O.C.  I had to break their hearts and tell them otherwise. The work we did on repairing the wall was very good. It was hard work but very rewarding.  We were working to repair a wall and walkway, but had so much fun doing it that we never realized what time it was.” Desiree Rose / France ~ 2008

“It was also a very rewarding experience to work with the other international volunteers.  Their idealism and energy kept the project interesting and dynamic.  I formed many close friendships with people from all over the world; from Mexico to Korea, from Moscow to London to Lebanon.  We all had more in common than one might have guessed; our common commitment to peace and pluralism opened the door for a common ground that made our differences important, but surmountable.  Many of us formed very close bonds which will never fade.Through this experience I learned much about myself and my capabilities.  Although I have traveled the United States extensively and held many different jobs, this is the first time I have completely left my 'comfort zone'; I went somewhere thousands of miles from friends and family, where no-one knew me, starting totally from scratch in a new situation.  I had studied French assiduously before going to France, but I was unable to really communicate until I had the immersive experience.  The social norms of physical contact, affection, and personal space are different there, and it took personal flexibility and adjustment to become comfortable in my new environment.  However, I grew to love the people, the culture, and the environment in which I had placed myself.  I became comfortable with the French language to the point where I can now go to a strange city and navigate alone, take the subway, shop, and talk to people in the street, all in my “new” language!   Now that I know how rewarding it can be, and I have taken the first, most difficult step, I plan to volunteer for a new project every year, and am working to encourage volunteerism on my own time.  I shall always carry and cherish the lessons I have learned, the friends I have made, and the discoveries I have made about my self.” Tim McKernan  / France ~ 2007

"These workcamp experiences have all been absolutely wonderful (gee, I've used that word a lot!). I would (and have) recommend them to anyone with some flexibility and a sense of adventure as well as a desire to do some good in the world. (But best of all is what the experience does for the volunteer herself.) They are truly life broadening. And even though I am usually the oldest, and much older than most of the other volunteers, I always feel welcome and an integral part of the group. I am already contemplating my next, as well as dreaming of returning to Paris to see the garden in bloom!" Joanna Liss / France - 2005

"I participated in two of the teen workcamps in France this summer (one in Barbaira and the other in Bessines), and you connected me with the only other North-American participant for Barbaira, Tess from Colorado. In regards to all that, I would just like to say a very sincere THANK YOU for everything you and VFP have done. It was an absolutely amazing experience and a great segue into future volunteering for me. From Barbaira especially, I forged great friendships with people from so many different countries who I am still in frequent contact with. The volunteers not only enjoyed each others' company, but we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture of the village who were so involved they had dinner with us some nights! The animateurs/leaders (Franck and Jean-Marie) were intent on providing us the best experience in the village and France, we always had some exciting festival to go to or activity with the villagers to coordinate. I owe a lot of this camp's success to the leaders. In terms of the work we did, it was basic masonry and not too straining as you could choose the level of work you did. We worked in the forest of the Alaric mountain, and working only in the morning prevented us from dying in the Mediterranean sun!
One thing I would request for the vfp website is to specify that this camp was mainly in French instead of English as it says in the description. There was some translation in English, but the coordinators really only spoke French. This was fine for me, but some of the people who came (from Italy, Mexico) expected the camp to be run in English and had a hard time with the translation at times. That aside, this particular camp was fantastic and I am so grateful to VFP for helping me find it!" Amy Johnson / France - 2005

"The month I spent in France was probably one of the best months of my life. I really enjoyed working alongside volunteers of all different nationalities as well as with the inhabitants of the village. As I often mentioned to my friends at Gourgeon, I can think of no better way to travel than through a workcamp: I met wonderful people, got a workout, visited interesting local sites, built relationships, and constructed a wall as a symbol of international goodwill and cooperation." Mika Nagasaki / France - 2003

"…through your organization I participated in a workcamp outside of Paris, in a town called Roissy-en-Brie. I just wanted to write a quick note to thank you for facilitating the most wonderful experience I've had in my life. The camp was nothing like I expected but I got more out of it than I thought possible. It humbled and empowered me, taught me more about myself and others than I imagined, and introduced me to people who became my family. This was my first trip abroad and I couldn't have had a better experience or imagined doing it another way." Joy Jackson / France - 2003

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