Saïga: 76 Years of Transformation on the Water

1950 – The Early Years as Rojajo

The story of the Saïga barge began long before she carried that name. Under the name “Rojajo”, the vessel first appeared in the newspaper La Vie Batelière in 1950. The article reported that Father Beschuyt, parish priest of Mortagne, blessed the boat, which at the time belonged to Rodolphe Demanet, upon her launch from the Mory shipyard.

Like many Freycinet-type barges, Rojajo was built to transport goods along France’s inland waterways. Coal, timber and construction materials were among the many cargoes she carried, playing an active role in the river transport economy for decades.

With a carrying capacity of up to 250 tonnes of freight — equivalent to around ten articulated lorries — the vessel represented an efficient and environmentally friendly means of transport. A single 280-horsepower Volvo engine was sufficient to move this impressive load capacity.

A Few Years Later – Acquired by “Doudou the Bargeman”

The vessel was later purchased by the man many knew as “Doudou the Bargeman”. He would operate the barge throughout his professional career, until 2013. For more than thirty years, the boat travelled along France’s inland waterways, carrying a wide variety of cargoes from one port to another according to the demands of each freight contract.

Depending on the period and operational needs, Doudou was joined on board by his sister or his mother-in-law. Together, they shared the daily life of traditional bargemen. This family-based way of working reflected the spirit of solidarity and the passing down of knowledge that once characterised the inland waterway transport community.

It was Doudou’s wife who later chose the name Saïga, in tribute to the saiga antelope, an iconic species of the arid steppes of Central Asia, renowned for its remarkable ability to adapt and survive in harsh environments.

2013–2017: A Travelling Theatre Barge

After the end of her commercial transport career, Saïga embarked on a second life that was as unexpected as it was original. Between 2013 and 2017, the barge was converted into a public venue in order to host the travelling theatre project “Mobile Homme”.

Moored successively in Beaucaire, Aigues-Mortes and Saint-Gilles, in the south of France, she became a unique place for creativity, cultural exchange and social interaction.

For several years, Saïga hosted theatre performances, artistic events, workshops and a variety of public activities. This new chapter once again demonstrated the barge’s remarkable ability to adapt, finding in culture a new purpose and a new way to bring her spaces to life.

2017 – A New and Unconventional Life

In 2017, Saïga underwent yet another transformation, moving even further away from her original purpose. The vessel became a unique multifunctional venue designed to host events, performances, workshops and a variety of immersive experiences. The aim was to create a space that encouraged social interaction, shared experiences and a break from everyday life in an unusual waterside setting.

Thanks to her generous interior volumes and distinctive layout, the barge offered a wide range of possibilities. Artists, associations, companies and private individuals were able to develop diverse projects on board, ranging from cultural events to participatory workshops.

One of Saïga’s most remarkable features is her 5-metre-deep diving shaft — or rather 5 metres high, as it is built directly into the structure of the vessel itself.

This rare and unusual feature opens the door to a wide range of creative possibilities and gives the barge a truly unique character. A genuine technical curiosity, it perfectly illustrates Saïga’s ability to reinvent herself and accommodate ever more original projects.

2023 – New Projects on the Horizon

In 2023, several new ideas emerged around Saïga, including the concept of a floating piano bar. Although the project never came to fruition and remains on the drawing board, it highlights the creative potential of this truly unique barge.

With a rich and distinctive history behind her, Saïga has successfully evolved through the decades, taking on several different roles while preserving her identity and character.

Today, Saïga is ready to begin a new chapter in her story. Now available for sale, this unusual barge offers her future owner the opportunity to continue this remarkable adventure and bring new projects to life on board.

Would you like to learn more? Discover her full listing by clicking here!

Cornelia Helena: A life on the water for nearly a century

1930 – Freight Barge for commercial transport

Built in the 1930s, the Luxemotor barge Cornelia Helena was born in the Netherlands for the transport of goods.

At that time, she plied the Dutch waterways, playing a full part in the country’s inland commercial activity.

Robust and purpose-built for work, she embodies the utilitarian vessels that shaped the history of waterborne transport in Europe.

Her distinctive profile and sturdy construction reflect Dutch shipbuilding expertise, making her a valuable witness to the history of inland navigation.

1990 – Conversion of the barge into a livable space

After several decades devoted to commerce, a new chapter begins in the 1990s.

Extensive work was carried out, largely by H2O, to transform the barge into a livable space while respecting its original character.

The vessel’s purpose evolved: from a freight barge, Cornelia Helena became a true floating home, designed for cruising, onboard comfort, relaxation, and the enjoyment of exploring waterways in pleasant conditions.

In doing so, she embarked on a second story, focused on travel and the art of living life afloat.

1998 – Raised salon extension

In 1998, a new phase of renovation further improved livability with the raising of the salon.

This transformation provided more space, better views of the surroundings, and increased natural light, making the living area more pleasant for everyday life.

From this period onward, Swiss-German owners took the helm and fully embraced the barge for cruising.

Each year, they embarked on long voyages lasting several weeks across France and Europe, exploring canals, rivers, and diverse landscapes. Over the course of these journeys, Cornelia Helena became a true travel companion.

2001 – Repainted exterior and change of owners

In 2001, the barge was completely repainted on the outside, regaining an elegant and refined appearance that highlighted its classic lines.

This refresh was part of the ongoing improvements made over the years to preserve the vessel’s charm and character.

New owners, still Swiss-German, then took the helm and continued the adventure, exploring in particular the loops of the Burgundy canals.

These journeys became true tourist cruises, punctuated by gourmet stops, visits to charming villages, historic castles, and the region’s renowned vineyard landscapes.

2023 – Acquisition by a French Owner

More recently, in 2023, Cornelia Helena was purchased by a French owner who chose to use her as a floating home.

The boat then underwent several successive moorings. She first stayed at the Port de l’Ancienne Écluse in Saint-Usage before moving to Lechâtelet-sur-Saône.

In this rural setting, the barge lived completely autonomously for several months. She then continued her journey to Auxonne, where she moored on the Saône River, at the foot of the castle, for several months.

Today, Cornelia Helena is back at the Saint-Jean-de-Losne marina, alongside other boats.

With nearly a century of existence, this Luxemotor barge continues to write her story, blending inland waterway heritage, travel, and life as a floating home. A unique journey that perfectly illustrates the many lives a boat can have.

This vessel is currently for sale! Interested? Discover more about her by clicking here.