It’s a new start for the guinguette, from the Quai du Châtelet, in Orléans. It has just changed its name and managers. After 10 summers there, the Sardine team threw in the towel last year. The town hall of Orléans has therefore launched a call for tenders to animate the place. “We had 5 files, all 5 very good” Explain Martine Grivot, the mayor’s special adviser on the Loire. In the end, it is the file of three Orléans, partners for the occasion, who was selected: the association Shruti Box for the music and the bar managers the Ten Casks and the restaurant Gurgling. All are now at the helm of the Ponton, the new name of the guinguette.
It’s a magical place and we thought there was something to do on this pontoon
” It really is a magical place. Myself, I spent wonderful evenings there. And so with the Dix Fûts and Glougou, we thought there was something to do. It is also the desire to participate in the local dynamism ” Explain Emmanuelle Hullot, in charge of musical programming. What counted a lot in the candidacy of the three new managers was their will to offer 100% local or almost on the stage as at the table. ” Me, I already try to do a lot of local and organic in my restaurant Le Glouglou.” Explain Felix Leblanc. “For example, I offer natural wines without inputs, I will continue at the guinguette“. The manager of the Dix Fûts also relies on the local : of the 4 beers on sale at the guinguette, 2 beers will be from Mardié and Chécy and another from Lamotte-Beuvron. There will also be cider from a farm in Loury.
– City of Orleans
On stage and music, the managers of the Ponton also want to program as many local artists as possible. “We want to do without intermediaries and by favoring local talent. For example, we will have Orphéum Black, Chatain, Liz Van Deuq and almost all our DJs are from Orléans because there are very good DJs here.” says Emmanuelle Hullot. For this programming, the city of Orléans helps up to 25,000 euros.
Giant barbecues open to all
Among the novelties from the guinguette, there will be workshops around the Loire, the environment, bicycles. “We really want to be visible to Loire à Vélo tourists” insists Emmanuelle Hullot. Finally, on 3 Sundays this summer, the Ponton will offer BBQs. ” We will provide barbecues. We take care of the embers and security and you bring your sausages or your vegetables. The only condition will be to have a small drink or an accompaniment. But the idea is really to make the Ponton a place of life and exchanges.”
The Pontoon, it’s quai du Châtelet, in Orléans, until September 25th. Tuesday to Saturday, 4 p.m. to midnight and Sunday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.