Transporter Bridge

Built in 1900 by Ferdinand Arnodin and towering 50 metres above the Charente, it facilitated river crossings without hindering 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.
The gondola suspended above the water allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross between Rochefort and Échillais. Listed as a Historic Monument, the Transporter Bridge and seven others around the world are hoping to be included one day in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Discover its history at the interpretation centre, the Maison du Transbordeur on the Échillais bank (free admission).
Visit the souvenir shop at the Rochefort reception centre, which now features a panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views of the bridge.

Ticket offices are located at the foot of the bridge on the Rochefort side and at the Maison du Transbordeur on the Échillais side.
Crossings take place every 10 to 15 minutes, subject to good technical and weather conditions. The last crossing will take place 15 minutes before closing time.

The transporter bridge makes its final crossing 15 minutes before closing time.

In the event of a red heatwave alert, the site is open from 8.30 am to 1 pm; guided tours are then rescheduled for the morning. The site offers the following services on both banks of the Charente: Drinking fountains / Water bottle refill points / Free water distribution.

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