The history of the barge
1943 - Launch on the Rhône
Built as a merchant barge, the barge left the shipyards in the middle of the Second World War. Its riveted hull carried cereals, materials and agricultural produce between Lyon and the Mediterranean, and for four decades it was one of the key links in the river economy.
1990 - Metamorphosis into the floating discotheque "L'Amiral
With river freight in decline, a man from the North of France bought the boat and converted it into a private club. With the main deck transformed into a dance floor and the Marinier’s cabin turned into a Champagne bar, the barge will be rocking the quays of the Canal de Saint-Omer to the sound of the turntables until 2017.
2022 - New destiny
Following the club’s closure in 2017 and a number of hull renovations, the Péniche is now awaiting a new project to match its river and heritage potential.
In 2022, we will be buying it back to offer it a new, more peaceful life, with a total transformation, this time to become a group gîte.
2022-2024 - Total renovation
Spearheaded by a young entrepreneur accompanied by a team of craftsmen, a two-year project has stripped the barge bare: reinforced structure, bio-sourced insulation, 100% renewable electricity, made-to-measure joinery and second-hand furniture.
Local craftsmen are bringing the industrial character back to life, while aiming for high energy efficiency and the quality of the materials used and sustainable development, to make it a unique, high-quality space that provides comfort and durability.
2025 - Birth of Boat'Om, an unusual gîte
Renamed and inaugurated, the barge finally opens its doors to travellers. With 150 m² of living space, 12 berths and a peaceful location right next to the train and bus station, just five minutes from the historic centre of Saint-Omer, Mathurin is the ideal stopover for families, seminars and lovers of the Audomarois marshlands.
About me
My name is Angélique Boulet, and since 2022 I’ve been looking after our boat every day, a former freight barge built in 1940 that I’ve transformed into an unusual bed and breakfast. When I discovered the boat, I immediately imagined a warm, environmentally-friendly place open to all those who dream of sleeping on the water. Two years of work, choosing sustainable materials and meeting local craftsmen gave birth to Boat’Om, a gîte in the heart of the Marais audomarois. I look forward to welcoming you and sharing my favourite walks and addresses.
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