Immersive journey to the heart of history and traditional navigation.

"The Yoles of Bantry, Ness, and Viking boats on the Seine" takes place at Porte de Seine, along the banks of the river. Organized by the Yole 27 association and the town hall of Porte de Seine, it invites the public to a lively immersion in the history and practices of traditional navigation. Through workshops, demonstrations, conferences, and activities accessible to all, this proposal revives the spirit of Viking expeditions by combining fixed-seat rowing, sailing, and cultural discovery, in a setting that is both historical and friendly. The Yole 27 association, committed to the transmission of maritime heritage, plays a central role in this event. It trains crews and perpetuates the practice of the yoles of Bantry and Ness, wooden boats measuring 11.64 meters designed for river and coastal navigation. Strong, stable, and versatile, they exhibit characteristics similar to those of Viking longships, used in major expeditions, including that of William the Conqueror in 1066. Ancient techniques remain relevant today. The program offers a complete immersion, suitable for all ages and levels. A key two-hour session allows participants to discover fixed-seat rowing in the conditions of a Viking expedition before moving on to sailing. Participants are welcomed with a historical introduction that sheds light on the connections between yoles and longships, as well as the role of William the Conqueror. They then learn the technical gestures of rowing—vocabulary, coordination, cadence—and practice propulsion as a team. Mini-regattas between yoles of Bantry and Ness complement this learning in a friendly atmosphere. In parallel, a reconstructed Viking camp comes to life with tents, tools, and objects inspired by the era, offering the public a concrete glimpse into the daily lives of the Vikings. A replica of a longship, the ARGWIKOR, is presented with explanations about its construction, usage, and historical role. Historians also engage to illuminate the Viking expeditions and their legacy, particularly around the figure of William the Conqueror. Children benefit from dedicated activities that combine creativity and discovery: presentation of ship models, making cardboard longships followed by a fun race, puppet shows depicting Viking adventures, maritime knot workshops, and painting contests on the theme “The Vikings and their conquests by the Seine.” More than just a demonstration, this event open to all celebrates transmission, highlights the ingenuity of the Vikings, and sheds light on a maritime heritage that is still relatively unknown. It is part of a broader program, with complementary activities planned in Le Vaudreuil in July 2027 and at Lake of Two Lovers in September 2027. Practical Information: All public Free