Stone-cutting at the Houssoy keep

Organised by "REMPART Ile-de-France Group (GRIF)"

Accessible from age 17

Come and discover stone-cutting on the Houssoy keep, an impressive medieval tower overlooking the Ourcq valley, listed as a Historic Monument.

The Houssoy keep is the last vestige of an ancient fortified site dating back to 1311. Its square shape bears witness to an unusual layout for its time. It is located near the town center of Crouy-sur-Ourcq, opposite the train station. The ASBVO association, which works to safeguard and promote the natural and built heritage of the Ourcq Valley, has set itself the task of saving the Houssoy keep! It is supported by the Commune and the REMPART Île-de-France group in organizing volunteer workcamps to restore the monument.

Volunteers are working to restore the keep's porte-à-pont levis. Since 2017, their work has involved revegetating the masonry, cutting and laying new stones to replace the most damaged ones, and restoring the semicircular arch of the drawbridge! This year, restoration work will continue on the doorway, focusing on the semicircular arch. Volunteers will be introduced to the stone-cutting and masonry techniques needed to restore the arch jambs. All levels accepted, beginners welcome.

The group will be accommodated in a gîte close to the keep. We'll take turns preparing meals and taking care of the housekeeping. A workcamp is an opportunity to discover heritage and restoration techniques, but it's also an experience of collective life!

During rest days and evenings, activities and outings will be proposed, or can be organized by the group according to its aspirations. So you can discover a region with a remarkable heritage!

Accessibility for people with disabilities

This site is accessible to people with disabilities. Before pre-registering, please contact the association to discuss your requirements.

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from Sunday 20 October
to Saturday 2 November 2024

Registration deadline : 20th October

2 rue du Houssoy
77840 Crouy-sur-Ourcq
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40 € * Registration fee 1st site
30 € * Registration fee
*Fees to be paid on registration (including insurance), accommodation fees to be paid to the local association.