Practical guide to the Transporter Bridge
- 19th century masterpiece of metallic architecture, Rochefort's Transporter bridge is the last bridge of this type in France.
In the world there remains eight transporter bridges: the bridges at Osten and Rendsburg in Germany; the bridges at Middlesbrough, Newport and Warrington in the United Kingdom; the bridge at Buenos Aires in Argentina and the Bilbao bridge in Spain, and the only surviving bridge in France that of Rochefort.
Today the authorities who direct the eight bridges wish to take steps to join together, and to register the bridges on the World Heritage List.
The access by the « nacelle » or gondola is limited for pedestrians or cyclists use only. To go from Rochefort to Echillais it is very easy, you just have to signal the nacelier or driver. The crossing takes 4 mins 30.
Prices and opening times of the Transporter Bridge are enclosed.
Exceptional closing may be possible for maintenance purposes or bad weather conditions.
Open on Bank Holidays.
A special tarif exists for groups of children and adults who wish to cross by the Transporter Bridge. Bookings are advised . Tel 05. 46. 83. 30. 86 or maisondutransbordeur_cda-paysrochefortais.fr
- La Maison du Transbordeur à Echillais- The House of the Transporter at Echillais
This free museum shows us the different ways of crossing the Charente river in days gone by.
Opening times of the Transporter House are enclosed
Shop.
- Rochefort side: the Transporter Café: situated just next to the bridge, the Café offers a choice of dishes, sandwiches, salads, oysters, pancakes, ice cream, or waffles. Bicycle rental.
Open everyday from April to October from 9a.m. to 10p.m.
Notice boards on each side of the river Charente will allow you to discover the history of the Transporter Bridge.
Picnic areas, toilets and car park.
