The Glaz Project association, winner of the departmental participatory budget, has launched a unifying project: the reconstruction of a gabare, a traditional boat emblematic of the Rance valley. Disappeared in 1920, this workboat could well reappear on the waters of the estuary, bringing with it a touch of heritage and a series of cultural, environmental and social initiatives. A large-scale project deeply rooted in the local identity, supported by a group of enthusiasts with backgrounds as varied as they are complementary.
A regional project supported by a diverse collective
The Rance gabare project is the brainchild of Glaz Project, an association founded in 2021 by Dimitri Müller and his friend Jean-Paul Royer. Driven by a shared passion for nautical heritage and a desire to pass on their knowledge, the two have set themselves a goal: to relive the history of gabares, the flat-bottomed boats that plied the Rance valley between the 16th and early 20th centuries.
Today, the project isn't just about restoring a boat: it's also about giving it an active role in the future by transforming it into a vector of solidarity and community involvement. '' The estuary represents 17 communes, 3 conurbations, 107,000 inhabitants this is a large territory, and it's a collective of people from all walks of life. A large territory that benefits from the impetus of a collective bringing together a variety of profiles: artisan carpenters, marine biologists, market gardeners, naval officers, artists or educators. '' The gabare is a rustic, simple boat, not a luxury or speed boat, it's the boat of the average man and woman. You just want to get on board we're a very diverse group," explains carpenter Jean-Paul Royer. This diversity of backgrounds is undoubtedly the strength of the project.
Reviving a local memory
Until the early 20th century, the gabare, a workboat par excellence, was used to transport goods, mainly wood and agricultural produce, between the towns along the Rance and the city of Saint-Malo. These boats were piloted by the "Gabariers de la Rance", a specific trade which has now disappeared, but which remains engraved in the memory of the valley's inhabitants. In 1920, the last gabare was dismantled, and the tradition was lost to history. The Glaz Project aims to bring this nautical heritage back to life. " The descendants of the gabariers are very enthusiastic about our project, and we see a great deal of interest in it at maritime festivals s", confides Magalie Collin, treasurer of the association.
A citizens' dynamic
Supported by nearly 334 votes, Glaz Project has been awarded a 50,000 euro grant from the département to start building the gabare. With an estimated overall budget of 200,000 euros, the project is open to participation by all. The association has also succeeded in rallying people around its initiative: partners such as the Rennes School of Architecture, the Audencia Business School in Nantes, and the ESDAC School of Design have collaborated to study the technical and economic aspects of the project. The financial and human support provided by the community is a key factor in the success of this collective adventure, as Magalie Collin points out: " The real strength of the initiative lies in its citizen base, which brings together a wide variety of people. "
A participative, eco-responsible worksite
The construction of the gabare is also intended to be environmentally exemplary. The construction site will be a participatory one, mobilizing volunteers and local craftsmen to shape this traditional boat.
To achieve this, 12 to 18 months of work are required, and particular attention will be paid to the provenance of materials. '' We have already recovered 20 m3 of wood from an eco-managed forestry operation in Trans-la-Forêt explains Jean-Paul, pointing to the oak used to make the keel.
The worksite will respect an eco-responsible approach, using local tree species and replacing conventional chemical products such as Epoxy resin with wood tar, which is healthier and more respectful of the environment. '' In partnership with the Office National des Forêts, we want to participate in reforestation programs to offset the use of local wood l", explains Dimitri. The location of the construction site has yet to be determined; the collective is looking for a 1,000 m2 plot along the Rance estuary to house a 150 m2 ephemeral building. Construction is scheduled to start in March 2025.
A boat at the service of the community
Once completed, the gabare will do more than just sail the waters of the Rance: it will become a lively entertainment center, hosting shows, educational activities and cultural events. " We want this boat to be a meeting place, where culture, the environment and the local economy intertwine "explains Dimitri. What's more, '' it will be possible to own a small piece of the gabare for as little as 10 euros, as it will be a collective boat belonging to all residents adds Magalie. A maritime counter will be set up on board, as well as a social space. Initiatives to raise awareness of coastal preservation and short distribution circuits for local produce will also be set up.
And the adventure won't stop with just one gabare. If all goes well, the association plans to build a second unit, and will make the plans available to other associations interested in the project. A real driving force for sustainable development and social cohesion in the Rance valley.
