Crossing the Transbordeur Bridge aboard the gondola and visit to the Maison du Transbordeur

Historical sites

Adult €3.20 Child (6 to 11 years old) €2.00 Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) €3.20 Free with the Pass!

Take a ride on the suspended gondola of the Pont Transbordeur, a listed building since 1976, and visit the Maison du Transbordeur, an interpretation center dedicated to the history of the bridge. 

After four years of exceptional work, the Pont Transbordeur has resumed its crossings over the Charente River, much to the delight of walkers. Take your place on the gondola for a timeless four-and-a-half-minute crossing!

Crossings take place every 10 to 15 minutes, on request by simply signaling the pilot.

Arch of the Grand Site de l'Estuaire de la Charente - Arsenal de Rochefort, the Pont Transbordeur, built in 1900 by Ferdinand Arnodin, is a masterpiece of metal architecture and the last structure of its type in France. Set between natural and urban spaces, the Pont Transbordeur is a landmark on the Rochefort Océan territory, symbolizing the entrance to the port of Rochefort on the land side and the opening to the world on the sea side.

On the other side of the bridge, before returning to Rochefort, enter the Maison du Transbordeur. In a fun, digital space, you'll discover the secrets of the ferry and the fascinating story of its inventor, Ferdinand Arnodin. You'll also discover the highlights of the Transbordeur Bridge renovation project.

Opening hours

29 March to 30 June: Mondays 2pm to 6pm, Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6pm.

July and August: Mondays 2pm to 7pm, Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 7pm. Maison du Transbordeur closed from 1pm to 2pm.

September: Mondays 2pm to 6pm, Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 7pm.
Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6pm.

October to 2 November: Monday, 2pm to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 5.30pm.

Closed from November to March.

The last gondola crossing takes place 15 minutes before closing time.

  • Hearing disability

    Visit in relative autonomy. The reception of the Maison du Transbordeur
    is equipped with a magnetic loop. French sign language clips are available on request. The site is also equipped with audiophone amplifiers for hearing-impaired visitors wishing to follow guided tours.

  • Mental disability

    Models and fun modules are available at the Maison du Transbordeur.

  • Motor disability

    The entire site is on one level. Self-guided tour. The parking lots, pathways, gondola access, Maison du Transbordeur and toilets are all accessible to people with reduced mobility.
    At the Maison du Transbordeur, a wheelchair-accessible all-terrain module is available free of charge.
    This system can be used on its own or with a tow bar that can be attached to a bicycle. A wheelchair is available on loan on request.

  • Visual impairment

    Self-guided visit recommended. Tactile modules are available at the Maison du Transbordeur: tactile model of the site, drawings in relief (thermo-inflated), exhibition booklets in Braille and large print, parts of the Bridge in “free touch”.

  • Access by bike

    The Pont Transbordeur site is part of the Accueil vélo certified network of tourist service providers, and is close to the “Vélodyssée” cycle route that crosses the Rochefort Océan region.

    ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Océan Pass: get a 30% discount on bike hire.
    Present your pass at our partner Cycling Tour in La Rochelle and benefit from your discount (your pass must be activated and valid).

  • Access by bus

    Access by bus from La Rochelle in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region: 
    Roy Bry stop - Lines 153 and 155* (*from April to the end of September), bus connection R'Bus network.
    Nouvelle-Aquitaine region bus routes, timetables and traffic changes 

    R'Bus network bus connections :
    Center Commercial stop - Lines B and D. Then walk to avenue Jacques Demy (approx. 7-minute walk).

    R'bus lines, timetables and traffic changes 

    PLEASE NOTE: regional coaches and buses in the R'bus network are not included in your La Rochelle Océan Pass. You must pay for your tickets when you board.

  • Access by car

    Parking available for visitors to the Pont Transbordeur on avenue du 11 novembre 1918. GPS coordinates: 45.920668 -0.964045. Then a 700-meter walk (9 minutes).

    PRM parking spaces on avenue Jacques Demy. GPS coordinates: 45.918136 -0.960674. Then 130 meters to walk (2 minutes).

    ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Océan Pass (adult fare only): receive a €10 discount on the rental of a Yélomobile car.
    Reach the sites included in your pass around La Rochelle, with the yellow-topped Yélomobile car-sharing car: book in advance, for 1 hour or several days, Yélomobile cars make it easy to get around La Rochelle. 

    Details of rates and conditions of access to the Yélomobile service. 

  • Access by train

    The train journey from La Rochelle takes an average of 25 minutes to Rochefort. The SNCF train station is a 50-minute walk from the Pont Transbordeur; bus connections are possible with the R'Bus network (not included in your La Rochelle Océan Pass). 

    ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Ocean Pass: unlimited access to TER NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE trains between La Rochelle and Rochefort.
    In the application, press the “Transport train TER” button, then the button for your destination (La Rochelle < > Rochefort). Generate your ticket by pressing the “Press here to validate your TER train ticket when boarding” button. Your e-ticket appears: it is valid for 2 hours. For your return journey, generate a new ticket by repeating the previous operation.

    Find TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine train timetables easily.

  • Pets allowed

Transbordeur Bridge

Much more than a monument, the Transbordeur Bridge is a tourist site with a host of facilities, including the Transbordeur terraces, the restaurant and the interpretation centre.