Media...

France down under

TGV magazine (section ‘balade’) - March 2008

« Higher than the Eiffel Tower, the Millau Viaduct – 343 meters at its highest point over 7 pylons – represents a real technological and human prowess with an impeccable silhouette. Some 14 000 tons of iron and 205 000 tons of concrete were used for the building of it. Impressive seen from above, it is even more mind-blowing from underneath. One of the most original way of tackling this curious monument consists in getting as close to it as possible, by water way, during a boat cruise on the river Tarn. The trip starts from the pier within the charming village of Creissels and ends at the astonishing troglodytic village of Peyre. Following the ride, return by mini-bus, via the construction site tracks of the viaduct ».

A restful ride down the Tarn river

Midi Libre – 28/07/2007

« Boats are like trains, if you miss them, you have to wait for the next one. So at best, arrive a few minutes before boarding in order to enjoy the small trip between reception and the pier. And here we go, we're off. Among reliefs, stone village and viaduct, Aveyron is going all out. The Bateliers, not only guide the boats by also play tourist guides. Underneath the viaduct, all heads are raising in one go. All eyes on the work. Nearly forgetting it's about a boat ride ».

Aveyron - Destination France

Automne 2007

“One of the most stunning views comes from a boat ride beneath the viaduct with the Bateliers du Viaduc at Creissels, just outside Millau. Using a combination of motor and oars, the skilled boatmen steer passengers, six to a boat, across the ripples and rapids of the Tarn to glide beneath this architectural masterpiece. The journey finishes at Peyre, a troglodyte village of honey-coloured stone dug out of a sheer cliff with panoramic views of the bridge. Yet another in the Plus Beaux Village de France and the perfect contrast to all this 21st century technology. This is a great job, Alain, the boatman, confided. Passengers always enjoy the trip and we all enjoy the contact with people and being out on the river. What could be better?”

Millau Viaduct... by boat

Fluvial magazine – November 2006

« An invitation to glide downstream from Creissels and going under the highest viaduct in the world. The perspective view offered during the trip with the Bateliers emphasizes even more the impression of height and the airy style of the work. In flat bottom boats, inspired by those used since the beginning in the region, let yourself be guided and discover the history, the fauna, the flora and the geology of the Grands Causses along the Tarn riversides.
In order to enjoy fully the quietness of the place, the boats are driven by a silent engine or using the traditional bargepole. About 10kms downstream from Millau, Peyre village, graded « Most beautiful village of France » in 2003, will enable you to discover a rich troglodytic past. Another way to « go over the bridge ».

Word of mouth works well

La Dépêche - 24/08/2006

« A cultural ride of 90 minutes by boat, between Creissels and Peyre, going underneath Millau Viaduct. The idea is pleasant and has tempted many from its launch in Avril 2006 : « we've even had to refuse people in order to maintain a qualitative service » Quentin Simon assures, commercial director of the Bateliers du Viaduc. « Customers' satisfaction is very noticeable, and word of mouth is the best of all publicities. You can get it wrong with everything, but not that ». A wish for next season? « The same again, but better. There are always things to improve, notably on all that is not necessarily seen : transport vehicule or prints ». In short, general satisfaction for the Bateliers du Viaduc, who, needs to be reminded, have just been awarded the prize of business creation launched by the Communauté de Communes ».

Ride on the Tarn... but under the viaduc

Aveyron Magazine – July/August 2006

« And here is what could become the queen activity this summer in Millau : a nice and comfortable boat trip on the Tarn. The national media did not get it wrong as all terrestrial channels, from Channel One to Channel Six via Canal+, have relayed in the news bulletins. »

Sailing under the Millau Viaduct

The Aveyronnais ‘dimanche’ - 02/07/2006

« As you are going dowstream, the viaduct gets closer and closer and allows itself to be discovered. Even if going under the viaduct is the flagship product of the excursion, the « Bateliers » also make every effort to enable you to discover the fauna and flora around the Tarn river. It is on board that Quentin Simon, Frédéric Jeanneau and the other « Bateliers du Viaduc » allows the visitors to approach the monument. A calming, surprising, rewarding ride... where the viaduct ends up eventually forgotten to give a large place to the fauna and the flora of the Tarn riversides. « Our boats will stand up to the toughest treatment in terms of stability, it is impossible for them to turn over. » specifies Quentin. Passengers now reassured, we're now reaching the next small rapid and even areas with a lot of rocks. Our boatman takes the opportunity to talk to us about the numerous species which populate the Tarn riverbanks : wild boar, roe deer and other game, of course, but also beavers, herons and the famous 'farios' trouts, the fisherman's dream. »