Le Phénicien : a bit of history

Barge cruising in the south of France

Le Sud en péniche-hôtel

But, "LE PHENICIEN" has not always been the great vessel it is now. Its story starts in 1959, when it was born to be a freight barge called "HIMALAYA". At the time, the boat was not even motorized. It belongs to the "Freyssinet" class able to navigate along most of French waterways. It got its first Diesel engine some years later. For 41 years, the boat has belonged to the same family that has taken a special care of it, so that the main structure is still in a perfect state today.

This is "LE PHENICIEN" :

• 180 tons of steel
  

• 40 tons of concrete
  

• 5 tons of wood
  

• 8000 hours of work
  

• 2000 liters of diesel
  

• 280 CV main engine
  

• 80 KVA power supply
  

• 3 miles/h cruising speed
  

• 10 pumps
  

• 12 bathrooms
  

• Professional kitchens
  

• Central heating
  

• Air conditioning
  

• Ventilation network
  

• AC and DC Power supplies
  

• "Dark waters" treatment
  

• Drinkable water network
  

• Miles of wiring and pipes
  

• A great deal of Passion
  

Made in the most robust manner (100% welded metal sheets) it has been granted a second life by RHONE CROISIERE.

In August 2000, the construction of "LE PHENICIEN" has started.

From the original "HIMALAYA" only the main hull and the engine (recently replaced) remain. Everything else is new.   

After 9 months of a full reconditioning work on the shipyard, managed by Michel (also the designer), the boat is ready for a second birth. And a second life. 

"HIMALAYA" some years ago...

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