The vigilant Nantes residents had spotted his surprise absence in mid-February. the barge nantilus, usually connected to the Chantiers park on the island of Nantes, had escaped in order to recover a winter beauty near Saint-Nazaire. The floating building, which houses a bar, two restaurants and a panoramic terrace, finally returned on Tuesday. However, access to the wharf and the barge is still closed, the pontoons being installed. Reopening to the public is scheduled for end of Mayalmost a month late, traders announce.
Built by naval architect Olivier Flahault, the barge nantilus, 57 meters longhas offered a remarkable view of the Loire, the island of Nantes and the Quai de la Fosse since 2011. This summer, it had undergone ten-year maintenance work in dry dock, particularly at the level of the hull.
When the Nantilus was commissioned, Olivier Flahault was also planning to open a second floating building, a hotel, which ultimately never saw the light of day.