Just a stone’s throw from the great metropolis of Nantes is an atypical and unusual place. A place that questions but is too beautiful to be true. As you will have understood, the House in the Loire is an artistic installation that dates back to 2007.
The unusual “Maison” in the Loire
In 2007, the Estuary Biennial took place. This Biennal is an art exhibition in which some of the works are intended to remain installed. The author of The House in the Loire is none other than the French artist Jean-Luc Courcoult. If his work attracts visitors, it is perhaps because he knew how to speak to our dreams. Indeed we all hope to discover abandoned places in incredible configurations.
The birth of a poetic idea
For a story or rumor to be credible, it must always be based on concrete and verifiable elements. Immersing a house in the Loire, suggesting that this phenomenon could have existed, is a skillful artistic manipulation. But to give even more strength and credibility to the story, it must be based on real facts.
To do this, the artist has reproduced an identical house on the banks of the Loire. And more precisely from the establishment of “la Maison du port” in Lavau-Sur-Loire. This pretty House which extends over three levels is, in fact, a former inn that today serves as a creperie.
Jean-Luc Courcoult, therefore, had the Lavau-Sur-Loire inn reproduced identically in cast concrete. All the details were reproduced identically, then this large 1/1 scale reproduction was placed on the right bank of the Loire. But following a capsizing, it will be installed a little further on the left bank. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, during floods or high tides, it was sealed to the rock by stakes.
What is careful about this work is the fact that it is a place that seems to be abandoned. But in the early days, this was not the bias of the artist. He installed lights that came on at night to suggest that someone was resisting the elements and continuing to live there.
Adress : “la Maison dans la Loire”, quai Jean-Pierre Fougerat, 44220 Couëron, France.
Things to see and do around the House in the Loire Valley of Couëron
The Plumbing Tower
Although the Maison de la Loire is a visit in itself, there are other points of interest. Just across the street, for example, is the plumbing tower. This industrial vestige dates from the end of the 19th century. With a height of 70 meters, it was classified as a historical monument in 1993.
The small port of Couëron and the “Ile de la Liberté”
Freedom Island is connected by a small bridge that spans a tiny river. From a small bridge, you can enjoy a lovely view of a pretty little port and the Loire River. This mighty and indomitable river which is in the distance reminds us that it is one of the longest rivers in France.
The Chimney Villa
For those who adore LandArt, there is another crazy house located at Cordemais right near the Electric power station. The Chimney Villa is a piece of Art and was created by a Japanese Artist named Tatzu Nishi. Please note that it is possible to sleep in this unusual place and book this amazing accommodation for a night. You just have to book in advance through the Tourism office of Nantes.
Open to visit only on Sundays from 14 o’clock to 18 o’clock. Near the Cordemais power station.
photo credits: Yann Vernerie