Once upon a time, the Lutèce, a historic fireboat from Paris firefighters built in 1937 with a heroic past. Among its feats of arms, there has been the rescue of the Moulins de Pantin in 1943. But this floating hero was almost promised to an undesirable destiny: being crushed by scrap merchants to disappear forever. A happy turnaround made the Lutèce fall in the hand of Renaud Barillet following an auction.
After sailing to the rescue of people in the city, the fireboat is then subject to a rescue mission. Cultplace founder – to whom we owe staple venues in Paris including the Bellevilloise, Poinçon and Griffon – Renaud Barillet challenged himself to bring the Lutèce back to the Parisian and Seine canals. The boat from the 30’s then started a change to become a venue thought up for Île-de-France locals.
The project has it all to become a new hot spot, not only in Paris but the entire Île-de-France. This upcoming and never-before-seen floating place – expected for 2023 – is to live to the pace of a festive and cultural program, while greeting Île-de-France inhabitants and tourists on board. From the Canal de l’Ourcq to Meaux, the Lutèce will sail around Île-de-France willing to democratizing cruises on the Seine with affordable offers.
This 20-m long boat can accommodate up to thirty people. The deck, almost at the level of the water is likely to be a great stage for floating concerts. Foodies can also enjoy a plancha area, and the hold will be a convivial lounge with a small bar. The story of the Lutèce will be told with screenings while the specific features of the boat will be used in an original way. Some pieces, such as the propeller are said to be displayed on the dock.
“The Lutèce is a Swiss army knife Île-de-France citizens can get”: this is how Renaud Barillet considers the project. Understand: each and everyone is invited to make their contributions through suggestions, propositions from different associations and organizations so that the place can evolve to fit locals’ desire. Cultplace also solicits the support of the Ville de Paris, the Région Île-de-France, the Ville de Pantin, the Voies Navigables de France, as well as yours.
To enable this project to come to life, a crowdfunding campaign is to be launched from February 7, 2022, on the Dartagnans platform specialized in the preservation of the heritage. By sponsoring this adventure, you help rescuing this boat while enjoying considerations that can go up to a poster of the Lutèce with a custom-made thank note, or even your name engraved on the hull of this historic treasure.
Official website
bateaulutece.fr
