The APARE and the dry stone heritage

Dry stone heritage is one of the characteristic features of the Provençal landscape. It is a witness to the geomorphology of the region, and it also testifies to agricultural and pastoral history. Dry stone is, of course, present in other regions: the Cevennes, Corsica… and other countries: Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Spain, Italy… but it should be noted that Provence possesses a particularly rich dry stone heritage due to the variety and density of work across the whole territory. 
            For a number of years, the APARE has been involved in preserving and developing dry stone constructions. Along with other associations that work to protect heritage, the APARE has produced a considerable body of work: inventories, restoration work in the context of young volunteer work camps, studies on construction techniques, exhibitions and books on the theme, as well as coordinating a number of European programmes: REPPIS, PROTERRA, ALCOTRA… These have allowed regional activities to find their place in a transnational setting.


A number of activities in the field of dry stone construction are carried out under APARE leadership:
•    Production of inventories and development of a database listing dry stone constructions.
•    Organisation of restoration work camps.
•    Promotion of a cultural tourist route exploring dry stone heritage.
•    Proposals for discovery days
•    Proposals for specific training.