Fabienne and Jeff, two Alsatians recently moored in the Camargue

Fabienne et Jeff vivent à l’année dans leur vedette hollandaise, dans le port de Saint-Gilles. Midi Libre – Xavier Terrien

Fabienne et Jeff ont amarré, en juin 2024, leur bateau dans le port de Saint-Gilles. Ad vitam.

They haven't yet laid their doormat on the north quay, but it's just like that. "This is our home", smiles Fabienne, 64 years old. A Dutch star purchased eleven years ago, at an unbeatable price, 37,000 euros. The apartment is not expensive. "We didn't have an expandable budget, concedes Jeff, Jean-François for short, 63 years old. We bought it in Holland, it's 30% cheaper."

"We got scared"

Originally from Alsace, the young retirees fell in love with the town of Camargue. "We knew the Camargue, Nîmes, Arles, Aigues-Mortes. We lived in a big city for 50 years, we got tired of it!,Jeff breathes. Here, it’s a small village (14,500 inhabitants all the same, editor’s note). There's everything, we don't have to take the car, and it's not bourgeois." Another strong argument: "Don't repeat it too much, but the price of the location is advantageous, he confides. In Frontignan , in Hérault, it’s double." In short, a little paradise.

But to get there, they went through hell on their floating house. "To come from Alsace, we came at the wrong time, with floods and a lot of wind. The flow of the Rhônes had doubled. We got scared."

It’s not for lack of marine fiber. Their passion for boats piqued them… "33 years ago, replied Jeff, straight away. I have always loved the sea and boats, I joined the Navy for two years and, since then, it has never left me." "It has always been my husband's thing", nods Fabienne, a former saleswoman in a café. He was a customer. Hence their meeting. The rest of the story is more stormy since, made redundant at 51, Fabienne took on a series of jobs. "They did not rehire, at the time." Deaths in their respective families were also difficult pitfalls to overcome. So, retirement, they got off to a good start. Sailor. “We don't want to go back (understand “on land”). Except maybe when we're less mobile.”

With a little gymnastics, Jeff and Fabienne have access to all the modern comforts on board. Terrace set up on the deck for the barbecue, air conditioning, sofa, armchairs… and even a wood stove, which sits in the middle of the living room! “We didn't know we would come here, at the time. We redid everything, tore everything out, changed the parquet floor, remembers Fabienne. It wasn't like that, there was just a table and two benches.” So cozy that family and friends announced their arrival, “to see where we were. We are making the most of the village campsite, La Chicanette!”

When they are not fishing for catfish, Jeff and Fabienne cycle in the countryside, with their dogs, Maya and Praline, faithful guardians of the ship. Or like to swim in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Simple things, "the boat spirit", it seems. "If you are looking for petit-bourgeois comfort, this life is not for you, unless you have a very big budget." Or know how to do DIY. “In terms of maintenance, it is no more expensive than a house”, assures the former heating ventilation air conditioning technician. He built himself a 440-litre tank with a pump and five filters to draw water from the canal and use it to wash himself and his dishes.

On the port of Saint-Gilles, the couple is not yet very well known. "We haven't been here long, we haven't yet formed many bonds." Let's bet it won't take them much time. They already know the association of La flotière saint-giloise, and will be at the forum of associations, at the end of August.

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