Maison dans la Loire
A surreal art installation of a house seemingly submerged in the Loire River, offering a unique and thought-provoking visual experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Maison dans la Loire
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A surreal art installation of a house seemingly submerged in the Loire River, offering a unique and thought-provoking visual experience.
"Looks stunning would love to visit this place!"
🚢 Boat Tour Essential
Book a boat tour for the best views of the 'Maison dans la Loire'.
📸 Capture the Illusion
Visit during daylight for optimal lighting to photograph this surreal art piece.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Floating House
Loire River
A surreal art installation of a house seemingly submerged in the Loire River, creating a striking visual paradox.
River Cruise Views
Loire River
Experience the 'Maison dans la Loire' from the water on a boat tour for the most immersive and unique perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the 'House in the Loire'
Understanding the Art's History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Boat Tour Essential
Book a boat tour for the best views of the 'Maison dans la Loire'.
📸 Capture the Illusion
Visit during daylight for optimal lighting to photograph this surreal art piece.
Loire Valley Day Trip
🧐 Understand the Art
Learn about its history as a salvaged art installation for a richer experience.
Recommendations for base town in Loire Valley
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Boat Tour Essential
Book a boat tour for the best views of the 'Maison dans la Loire'.
📸 Capture the Illusion
Visit during daylight for optimal lighting to photograph this surreal art piece.
🧐 Understand the Art
Learn about its history as a salvaged art installation for a richer experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently amazed by the surreal and thought-provoking 'Maison dans la Loire' art installation. The unique visual of a house seemingly submerged in the river is a major draw, with many praising its artistic merit and intriguing backstory. The best way to experience it is via a boat tour, offering unparalleled views and context.
"Did the river Loire swallow the house or is there a different explanation?
The biannual Estuaire Art Exhibition in 2007 unveiled the work of Jean-Luc Courcoult.
Originally placed it in another location. Unfortunately, the river’s swift current swept it right off its foundation and sent it sailing—then sinking.
Fortunately, it got salvaged in 2012 and got moved moved 15 miles.
And the house? It is a replica of an inn in the nearby town of Lavau-sur-Loire."
Robin Irwin
"Looks stunning would love to visit this place"
Martin Chambers
"Excellent"
jean robert le gall (JR BZH)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The 'Maison dans la Loire' is best accessed by boat. Consider booking a river cruise on the Loire River, particularly with services like Marine et Loire, for the most direct and scenic approach.
While the house is situated in the Loire River, direct car access to the artwork itself is not possible. Viewing from the riverbanks may offer limited perspectives.
Public transport options are limited for direct viewing. Boat tours are the recommended method for experiencing the 'Maison dans la Loire' up close.
For the best photographic opportunities, take a boat tour during daylight hours to capture the surreal illusion of the house in the water.
Boat tours often provide commentary on the artwork, offering insights into its creation and history. Check with local tour operators for specific guided options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to view the 'Maison dans la Loire' itself is free as it's an outdoor art installation. However, you will need to purchase tickets for boat tours that offer viewing access.
As an outdoor art installation, the 'Maison dans la Loire' can be viewed at any time. However, boat tour operating hours will dictate when you can see it from the water.
There is no admission fee for the artwork itself. Costs are associated with boat tours or any organized excursions that facilitate viewing.
The 'Maison dans la Loire' was created in 2007 by artist Jean-Luc Courcoult as part of the Estuaire Art Exhibition.
The artwork is a permanent installation. However, boat tour availability may vary seasonally, so it's best to check schedules in advance.
📸 📸 Photography
Daylight hours offer the best lighting conditions for capturing the surreal effect of the 'Maison dans la Loire'. Early morning or late afternoon can provide softer light.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and any specific restrictions in the area before flying.
A wider lens can help capture the full scale of the installation. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance the water's reflection and the sky.
The closest you can get for detailed photos is typically from a boat tour. Land-based views may be more distant.
The most iconic viewpoints are from the water, offering a 360-degree perspective. Ask your boat tour operator for the best photo spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Make sure to choose a boat tour that is family-friendly and offers clear commentary. The story of the house being swept away by the river can be a captivating tale for younger audiences, turning the visit into an educational and exciting experience.
📸 Photographers
Utilizing a wide-angle lens is advisable to capture the full scope of the artwork in its riverine setting. Consider using a polarizing filter to manage reflections on the water and enhance the sky. Access via a boat tour is crucial for obtaining the most compelling angles and close-up details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and Its Story
Fortunately, the artwork was salvaged in 2012 and relocated approximately 15 miles downstream to its current position. The house itself is a replica of an inn that once stood in the nearby town of Lavau-sur-Loire, adding a layer of local history to the artistic statement. Its survival and relocation have only added to its mystique and narrative.
Viewing the 'Maison dans la Loire' offers a moment of surreal contemplation. It prompts questions about our relationship with nature, the impermanence of structures, and the power of art to transform landscapes. The artwork's journey from a fleeting installation to a resilient, relocated piece makes it a compelling stop for art enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Experiencing the 'Maison dans la Loire' from the Water
Booking a boat tour not only offers the best photographic opportunities but also provides context. Guides often share the fascinating history of the 'Maison dans la Loire,' including its dramatic relocation after being swept away by the river. This narrative enhances the visitor's understanding and appreciation of Courcoult's creation.
When planning your visit, it's wise to check the operating schedules of boat tours, as they can be seasonal. Experiencing the 'Maison dans la Loire' from the river offers a memorable and picturesque encounter with contemporary art in a stunning natural setting.
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