Le musée is closed

There are no AC in our buildings. 

Due to the high temperatures, we advise you to visit the museum in the morning. 

 

Le musée is closed

There are no AC in our buildings. 

Due to the high temperatures, we advise you to visit the museum in the morning. 

 

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Tricycle aquatique Vélomar

  • Tricycle aquatique Velomar - detail
  • Tricycle aquatique Velomar - face
  • Tricycle aquatique Velomar - dos
  • Tricycle aquatique Velomar - face 2
  • Tricycle aquatique Velomar - face 3

The Vélomar is a three-wheeled vehicle designed to allow users to pedal across the water, much like a water bicycle. It was invented in 1973 in Fontaines-sur-Saône, near Lyon, by brothers Antoine and Manuel Garcia, who worked as coachbuilders and welders.

Its history at a glance:

  • 1973: The first prototype was created.
  • 1975: The Vélomar attracted attention when its inventors crossed the English Channel on it.
  • 1970s: More than 200 units were manufactured and sold.
  • 2025: The vehicle made a comeback on local bodies of water, notably at Lac des Sapins and the Bordelan lake near Villefranche-sur-Saône.
  • The Floats
    They provide buoyancy and replace conventional wheels when the vehicle is on the water. Their volume must be sufficient to support the weight of both the vehicle and its user.
  • Pedalling
    The user provides the power by pedalling. The mechanical system transfers this effort to the water propulsion mechanism.
  • Stability
    The arrangement of the three floats keeps the vehicle afloat and helps limit tilting. Actual stability depends in particular on the spacing between the floats, weight distribution, and water conditions.