Volunteering at Opus Gothique: Help Build a Castle in the French Countryside

Are you looking for a unique travel experience in France that goes beyond sightseeing? Imagine spending your days learning traditional stonemasonry, cooking with international travelers, and helping to bring a medieval-style castle to life. That’s exactly what I experienced when I volunteered at Opus Gothique, a hands-on castle building project in Burgundy, France.

This wasn’t just another stop on my European trip—it was a chance to step back in time, contribute to a living dream, and discover the authentic beauty of rural France.

Getting to Opus Gothique

My journey to build a Gothic style castle began with a stay with Friends in the Netherlands and a visit to Luxembourg. (We will have a longer post about the whole month in Europe soon).

After making my way to Paris and spending one night, I set out for the Burgundy countryside. From Paris, I took a two-hour train to Nevers, France and then a bus 1.5-hour bus to Château-Chinon, where I was met by Sam, the owner and volunteer coordinator. From there, we drove approximately 20 minutes to the castle build site in Saint-Léger-de-Fougeret.

The journey itself was a glimpse of what was ahead: winding country roads, forests, and quiet villages that felt frozen in time. By the time we arrived, I knew this was going to be far from the usual tourist itinerary.

What Is Opus Gothique?

Opus Gothique is the lifelong dream of Don, a 90-year-old former anthropologist who has dedicated his life to medieval studies and hands-on craftsmanship. Instead of simply researching castles, he decided to build one from the ground up, using traditional techniques.

The project includes stone towers, underground passageways, and hidden rooms, all constructed in the authentic Gothic style. Each volunteer contributes to bringing Don's extraordinary vision closer to reality.

My Volunteer Experience

The team of volunteers I worked with included Francisco from Mexico, Nico from Columbia, and 0ther travelers from Wales, Australia and Spain.

During my stay, I was able to carve stone blocks and place them onto the in-process Chateau (castle in French), worked on building a storage shed for more wood and supplies arriving in the off-season, and tear down stone walls in the community for building materials. The work was physical but incredibly rewarding—there’s nothing like seeing your efforts literally become part of a castle.

Life as a Volunteer in France

Volunteers stay on-site in shared accommodations that are rustic yet comfortable. Our sleeping area was spacious, with two sleeping areas, lockers, a bathroom and, a wood stove to keep warm during chilly nights. A separate kitchen house and shower facilities made it easy to cook and clean up after a day’s work.

Meals were a group effort: each volunteer took turns cooking, often sharing recipes from home. One night might be Mexican-inspired, the next a Welsh classic. Cooking together was as much a part of the cultural exchange as the construction itself.

Don: The Heart of the Project

What truly makes Opus Gothique special is Don himself. At 90 years old, he still carves stone daily with an incredible level of precision. Around meals, he shared his knowledge of history, taught us bits of French, and even talked about his love for comic books. His passion and vision inspired everyone on-site.

Meeting Don reminded me that dreams don’t expire with age—and that passion can shape not just stone, but people.

Exploring Burgundy on the Weekends

While weekdays were devoted to castle building, weekends were free for exploring the surrounding Burgundy region. From visiting famous French châteaux to wandering through cobblestone towns and tasting local wine, there was no shortage of history and charm.

Some highlights included:

• Strolling through Vezelay France with lunch at a true French cafe

• Touring centuries-old castles in the Loire and Burgundy regions

• Discovering hidden corners of rural France far from the tourist crowds

Why Volunteer at Opus Gothique?

Volunteering at Opus Gothique is ideal for travelers seeking hands-on, meaningful experiences in France. Here’s why you should consider it:

• Unique Cultural Exchange: Meet volunteers from around the world.

• Learn Traditional Skills: Try your hand at stonemasonry and medieval construction techniques.

• Rustic French Living: Stay in the countryside, cook your own meals, and live like a local.

• Explore Burgundy: Weekends are free to visit small towns, vineyards, and historic châteaux.

• Be Part of a Dream: Contribute to Don’s once-in-a-lifetime castle building project.

By the way, when you volunteer with Opus Gothique, your room and meals are free for your service. Find out everything you need to know at their website: Opus Gothique

Final Thoughts on Volunteering in France

Travel is often about seeing new places. Volunteering at Opus Gothique gave me the chance to do something meaningful—work with my hands, build connections, and become part of an extraordinary vision in the French countryside.

If you’re looking for a way to volunteer in France that combines history, culture, and adventure, I can’t recommend this experience enough. You won’t just be visiting a castle—you’ll be helping to build one.