Freycinet sized barges, which are an integral part of water transport’s history, draw their name from the European Freycinet standard governing the dimension of locks and canals since 1879, with which they comply. Such river boats must not exceed 38.5 metres in length and 5 metres in width, like this venerable old lady that has seen 73 spring times. She was made in the Waechter shipyards near Antwerp in 1952 and bears the moniker ‘Bestiole’. Her upper deck can be reached by a metal swing gangway, linking the former tow path, now densely covered with foliage, to a metal security gate, after which there is a walkway leading to the barge’s rail. It was restored in the 1980s, during which the hold was transformed into a workshop and the forecastle into living space. It now boasts two decks of living quarters with a total surface of approximately 200 m².
The upper deck is comprised of a teak-deck platform with a small swimming pool, above a forecastle transformed into living space, linked to the rear quarters and the wheelhouse. The interior can be reached via three separate entrances: one at the bow leading to the upper and lower decks, another at the stern near the wheelhouse above the sailors’ quarters and the last through the glazed opening in the forecastle. The upper deck is separated into two parts: the wheelhouse, which still boasts mahogany woodwork, bevelled mirrors, plus1950s copper handles, and, at the front, a section converted in the 1980s into a vast and bright living room with a view of the river and city. The wood panelled walls and fairly generous ceiling height of more than 2 metres perpetuate the ambiance of the 1950s part. The kitchen, with an old cooker riveted to the floor as if refusing point blank to abandon ship, separates the forecastle from the quarter deck.
An ample staircase descends to the lower deck which was formerly the hold but is today an approximately 60-m² artist’s studio, standing between the water’s reflection to port and the green riverbanks to starboard. Four cabins with en suite shower rooms can be reached via an interior corridor into which light streams through portholes. Beneath a painted metal ceiling, there are wooden floorboards. The portholes, windows and patio doors are double glazed. The boat is approved as ‘water-worthy’ according to its up-to-date compulsory technical assessment. Its engine is in fine condition and it possesses all the required gear and tackle.