Rouens. For a year, they have been living in a barge on the Seine: “We love this life! »
By Adrian Filoche
Published on
“We are not like the others. We like things a little marginal! » a year ago, Stéphanie Wiktor lives on a barge along the Seinea Rouen (Seine Maritime), with her husband and three children aged 16, 7 and 5. Moored at the Éric-Tabarly promenade, between the Corneille bridge and the Mathilde bridge, the little family opened the doors of their unusual home to us.
“It’s a vacation, without being on vacation”
It all started with a small ad seen on Leboncoin. “I saw him pass, somewhat by chance. We weren’t particularly looking for accommodation at that time either,” says Stéphanie, who was then living in Montville, north of Rouen. She tells her husband and children about it. Bank! Everything is decided very quickly. “On a still our home in Montville. Basically, we had to alternate. But in reality, we stay on the barge all the time. We even put our house up for rent! “, she notes. And to add: “It’s really relaxing to live on a barge, along the Seine. It’s a vacation, without being on vacation. »
The houseboat dates from 1917.
The first advantage is this large terrace facing the Seine. “It’s a real pleasure to have a drink in the evening on the banks of the Seine. We don’t do better, ”notes Stéphanie, all smiles. The family is even equipped with a small barbecue for grilling.
200 m², three bedrooms, living room, equipped kitchen, etc.
From the outside, you really don’t expect so much space. However, once inside, we discover spacious rooms: a fitted kitchen, a beautiful living room, three bedrooms and also a cellar. The total area is 200 m².
In terms of equipment, there is all the necessary comfort: washing machine, internet box, oven, television… and even a fireplace. “Yes, yes, it works, confirms Stéphanie. It is used all winter! »
The government that sits proudly is purely decorative. There is no longer an engine, so the barge cannot move. Anyway, she has her assigned place: “We can’t sit where we want. On a specific location. On payment of rights to VNFs [Voies navigables de France, NDLR]. »
No water bill
The ship is also equipped with a very efficient filtration system which pumps water from the Seine and treats it. “It’s a big plus. We don’t pay for water, suddenly, ”she says. Despite everything, for “total lack of confidence”, she prefers to buy bottles for the consumption of the family.
As for day-to-day life, Stéphanie confides that she has “the same life as Monsieur and Madame Tout-le-monde. We do our shopping in Rouen, drives in Mont-Saint-Aignan, we order on Uber Eats, we have packages delivered ”. In addition, her husband is in the process of passing the boat license: “We would like to have a small boat to go for walks on the Seine. »
A few downsides, lots of upsides
The first days on board the barge, Stéphanie harbored some concerns, especially for her children because they could fall into the Seine. “I admit that it is not super secure. So we are always very careful. We never let them play alone on the terrace. »
After a brief period of adaptation, children and parents quickly got used to it. “There is always a little creaking noise, but by force, you don’t hear it anymore,” notes Stéphanie. Among the other disadvantages, isolation: “When it’s hot, it’s quickly stuffy. And in winter it can get quite cold. It’s not as isolated as a house, that’s for sure. »
Level advantage quality / price, it’s still great!
But the benefits are more numerous, she says. “Even when it’s hot, there’s always a bit of air. And then, we are right in the city center, 10 minutes from the cathedral and five from Saint Mark’s Square. And to add: “It is also very practical for my husband, who is a surgeon at the Clinique de l’Europe. When he has call duty, there is less travel compared to Montville. We’re right next door! »
The life of sailors
During the day, he regularly sees passers-by, athletes or cyclists pass by. Some can’t help but glance in the direction of the barge. “Honestly, I don’t mind. If I were in their place, I would surely do the same! “Acknowledges Stephanie.
It must be said that the life of a sailor piques curiosity! “We are not real, but we have neighbors who are real sailors. With the neighborhood, there is a real spirit of mutual aid. We love this life! It’s not like when you live in an apartment building,” concluded Stéphanie. Here they are represented all in the same boat.
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