Boat · Demonstrator
L'Hydronaute
A retrofitted Renaud 8000 barge (1987). Its exoskeleton is what makes it solar, electric and silent. You take the helm — no licence required. Navigate and explore the Erdre at your own pace.
At a glance
- What
- Retrofitted barge · solar-electric exoskeleton
- Where
- Erdre riverbanks, Nantes
- When
- First voyage · July 2026
- Who
- BIUTOPIC SAS · ESS / ESUS-oriented
- How
- You pilot · no licence · up to 8 people
On board
Specifications
- Size 9 m × 4 m · 8 m × 3 m hull
- Category Category C · Division 240
- Licence No licence required
- Capacity 8 passengers
- Sleeping 1 double cabin · convertible saloon
- Galley Equipped galley
Navigation
The Erdre winds north of Nantes — « la plus belle rivière de France » — before joining the Nantes-Brest canal. Fifteen kilometres through Natura 2000: herons, kingfishers, otters, over 200 bird species. Twenty-two châteaux line the banks.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a boat licence?
- No. L'Hydronaute is hired under the French inland-waterway licence-free rental regime (bateau sans permis): speed-limited navigation with a mandatory full briefing before departure. Anyone can take the helm.
- Who pilots the boat?
- You do. There is no skipper on board — you take the controls from the start. Navigation on the Erdre is accessible, and the electric-assisted drive makes handling intuitive.
- How many people can come?
- Up to 8 passengers. L'Hydronaute measures 9 m × 4 m with the exoskeleton — there is plenty of room.
- Where do we sail?
- On the Erdre, north of Nantes. Fifteen kilometres through a Natura 2000 zone, twenty-two châteaux lining the banks — named "the most beautiful river in France" by François I. The sailing area will be confirmed once the boat is certified.
- What is the founder rate?
- The rate is shared on request. The first 8 bookings receive a preferential founder rate, which disappears once those spots are taken. A 10% deposit locks your dates, fully refundable if the certification is delayed.
- Is the first voyage confirmed?
- Not yet. First voyages are planned for this summer, subject to final validation of the technical configuration and administrative authorisations (AOT) — booked passengers are the first to receive confirmed dates. You are booking an intention — the outing is confirmed as soon as we have the green light.
Be among the first 8 to sail the Erdre aboard L'Hydronaute. This founder rate disappears at the official opening — and won't come back.
A 10% deposit locks your dates. It will be donated to Plastic Odyssey once your voyage is confirmed.
L'Hydronaute is still in early access: some authorisations and configurations are being finalised.
Availability · July — October 2026
9 dates left in July
July 2026
August 2026
September 2026
October 2026
Click two dates to set your stay.
Early access lets you reserve an intention to sail. The trip is confirmed after final validation of the technical configuration, insurance and required authorisations. If it cannot take place, the deposit is refunded in full.
Request these dates →✓ Rate and availability confirmed by email · Reply within 24 h
Or directly: hydronaute@biutopic.com
TECHNICAL DOSSIER · HISTORY
Original blueprints, general characteristics sheet and delivery photos — Renaud 8000 barge (1987), 9 m × 4 m with the exoskeleton, Category C.
Layout — convertible saloon, equipped galley, double cabin and helm station.