The Rochefort Transporter Bridge: Fly over the Charente in its basket!

Crossing a bridge is a unique experience. We are nowhere. Neither on one bank nor the other, but rather on a path between two lands, originally separate and never meant to meet. Witnesses to the genius of their designers, these impressive buildings have become true works of art and authentic monuments to visit during a tourist stay. What would London be without its Tower Bridge? San Francisco without its Golden Gate? Or even… Rochefort without its Transporter Bridge? And yes, there is no need to travel to the other side of the world to discover emblematic historic bridges: the exceptional “ iron lady of Charente-Maritime ” takes us on a unique journey aboard its century-old gondola to cross the Charente between Rochefort and Échillais!

The Rochefort Transporter Bridge: a true architectural feat

The Rochefort region is characterized by the vast expanse of marshland that dominates the landscape, as well as the omnipresence of the Charente River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Rochefort. Navigable for 170 km from Angoulême to Rochefort, this river constitutes a natural obstacle to cross to connect the left bank of Rochefort and the right bank of Échillais. In the 19th century, the ferry was the only way to cross. With the development of automobile traffic and increasingly dense traffic, the construction of a bridge became necessary. The challenge was to find a system that would allow the population to cross without hindering maritime navigation on the Charente River, particularly the ships of the Rochefort Arsenal. Building on its excellent reputation, acquired in particular by the construction of the transporter bridges of Bizerte (1898) and Rouen (1899), it was ultimately the project proposal of the engineer Ferdinand Arnodin that was selected in 1897.

After 27 months of work, the Martrou Transporter Bridge was inaugurated on July 29, 1900. With an undeniable aesthetic dimension, this structure, made entirely of iron, steel, and cast iron, proudly dominates the Charente landscape, like a " triumphal arch " of the century of industry. Due to its monumental appearance, the inevitable comparison with the Eiffel Tower, its ten-year elder, was imposed on the public mind of the time. There was even talk of an "Eiffel Tower on the Charente."

Cross the Rochefort Transporter Bridge on foot or by bike

This image perhaps illustrates the emotion that will grip you when you discover this gigantic metal bridge that spans the Charente, classified as a Historic Monument since 1976. It is the last building of this type still existing and functional in France!

In service from 1900 to 1967, it was then gradually abandoned in favor of other bridges that became more useful, such as the Charente Estuary Viaduct. Reopened in 1994 and renovated between 2016 and July 2020, it now reveals all its former splendor. The Transporter Bridge is once again a popular crossing point for many pedestrians and cyclists who want to easily access both sides of the Charente to discover the Rochefort Océan region. On board this platform suspended between two metal pylons between which a trolley slides on rails, the crossing takes about ten minutes, offering a unique view of the river.

Practical and accessible to all, the Transporter Bridge is a picturesque stop on several cycle routes and cycle paths, such as the Vélodyssée and the Flow Vélo. Dotted with artistic sculptures, the Sentier des Guetteurs trail around the bridge is a popular stroll, close to the river and nature.

A new space open to the public since 2024 on the Rochefort side. The Terrasses du Transbordeur offers landscaped areas with picnic tables and benches for relaxation, as well as a bike stop equipped for parking, repairs, and recharging. A reception building houses the ticket office and a souvenir shop, while the terrace offers a breathtaking view of the Transbordeur Bridge and the Charente River.

In addition, this site is home to the eco-responsible restaurant "Roseaux & Bocaux", managed by Fabienne and her team, which serves fresh, local and seasonal products in jars (reservation required for lunch).

Self-guided tour of the Ferry House in Échillais

At the foot of the bridge, on the Échillais side, La Maison du Transbordeur is an interpretation center whose museum space is entirely dedicated to the history of the Rochefort Transporter Bridge and its construction, but also to the seven other transporter bridges in the world and to river crossings in general. These architectural and technological feats will no longer hold any secrets for you!

Also find " l'Escalle ", a bar and restaurant run by Christine and Thierry, open from Wednesday to Sunday.

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Article written by Lesley Williamson for the Charente-Maritime Guide