Transporter Bridge

Built in 1900 by Ferdinand Arnodin and towering the Charente by 50 metres, the Transporter Bridge has facilitated the river crossing until 1967. Its suspended basket now lead pedestrians and cyclists to cross between Rochefort and Echillais.

Built in 1900 by Ferdinand Arnodin and dominating the Charente by 50m, it facilitated the crossing of the river without hindering river navigation between the arsenal, the port and the estuary until 1967.
The arch of the Grand Site de l'Estuaire de la Charente - Arsenal de Rochefort is a masterpiece of metal architecture and the last structure of its kind in France.
After four years of extraordinary construction between 2016 and 2020, the Transbordeur Bridge will resume its crossings in the spring, from April 1 to November 5, 2023.
Its gondola suspended above the water allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross between Rochefort and Echillais. Classified as a Historical Monument, the Transbordeur du Martrou Bridge and the 7 others spread around the world claim to be registered one day in the World Heritage of UNESCO.
Discover its history at the Maison du Transbordeur on the bank of Échillais. Free visit.

Ticket booths at the foot of the bridge on the Rochefort side and at the Maison du Transbordeur in Echillais.
Crossing every 10 to 15 minutes subject to good technical and weather conditions. The last crossing will take place 15 minutes before closing time.

Opening period

From 01/04 to 03/04/2023
Opening hours on Monday between 10 am and 12.30 pm and between 2 pm and 6 pm. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm and between 2 pm and 6 pm.

From 04/04 to 21/04/2023
Opening hours on Monday between 10 am and 12.30 pm and between 2 pm and 6 pm. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 8 am and 12.30 pm and between 2 pm and 6.30 pm. On Saturday and Sunday between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm and between 2 pm and 6 pm.

From 22/04 to 30/04/2023
Opening hours on Monday between 10 am and 12.30 pm and between 2 pm and 6 pm. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm and between 2 pm and 6 pm.

From 01/05 to 30/06/2023
Opening hours on Monday between 10 am and 12.30 pm and between 2 pm and 6.30 pm. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm and between 2 pm and 6.30 pm.

From 01/07 to 31/08/2023
Opening hours on Monday between 10 am and 7 pm. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 9.30 am and 7 pm.

From 01/09 to 30/09/2023
Opening hours on Monday between 10 am and 12.30 pm and between 2 pm and 6.30 pm. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm and between 2 pm and 6.30 pm.

From 01/10 to 05/11/2023
Opening hours on Monday between 10 am and 12.30 pm and between 2 pm and 5.30 pm. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm and between 2 pm and 5.30 pm.

Spoken languages