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The Ferries and Crossings of the Estuary
of Gironde
There are two connections by ferries, allowing a
combination of travel and tourism on the estuary of the Gironde.
For
the inhabitants and for the tourists who can still recall them,
the ferries of the island of Oléron and the island of Ré are now
just memories.
An impressive series of bridges was built to replace the ferries
that had become congested with long queues during the summer
periods. The bridge to l’île d’Oléron was opened in 1966, the
bridge of the Seudre in 1972, the bridge to l’île de Ré in 1988,
the bridge of Rochefort sur la Charente in 1991. |
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For several years and until
the 2001 tourist season , three ferries made the crossing
regularly, departing approximately every thirty minutes.
Nevertheless, the weekends were particularly busy and it was
better to avoid peak periods during the high season, for example,
the beginning and end of the French school holidays.
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A modern ferry
On April 20th, 2002, a new
vessel made its first commercial crossing.
This new ferry (photo at the top of
this page), of modern design, is built in the "amphidrome"
style, which means that it is constructed symmetrically with an
identical bow and stern.
Vehicles cross in it and are able to
disembark from either end of the boat.
The ferry will not need to reverse, which saves time.
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The crossing Royan-Le Verdon now lasts
15 to 20 minutes instead of 35 minutes as previously. The number
of crossings per day can be appreciably increased.
This new boat called " La Gironde ",
is 71 metres long and can take 600 passengers and 150 cars.
The former ferries " La Gironde " and
"Le Médocain" have been taken out of service and "Le Verdon"
alternates with the new " La Gironde ".
The ferry, pleasure of the crossing and time saving
If you don't wish to take the ferry to
cross to Soulac-sur-Mer and the left bank of the Gironde with
your car, by coming from the North on the A10 autoroute, you've
two options ; either by Bordeaux and the bridge of Aquitaine, or
by the ferry Blaye-Lamarque.
For comparison of the road distance
from the exit Saintes, the A10 autoroute, and Soulac-sur-Mer, we
give the following three options :
- by the ferry Royan – Le Verdon: 50 km
- by the bridge of Aquitaine and the bypass of Bordeaux: 210 km
- by Blaye and the ferry Blaye-Lamarque: 130 km
(tourist option).
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The crossing between Blaye, on the
right bank of the Gironde and Lamarque in the Médoc vineyard by
the Blaye-Lamarque ferry takes about twenty minutes. |
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Camping Les Pins
Campsite at
Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, in a charming area. |
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Hôtel Résidence de Rohan
Charming house,
3 kms away from Royan in a unique environment.
By the sea,
direct access to
the beach. |
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Holiday
village "La Forêt"
Montendre-les-Pins, in a pine forest,
close to the vineyards and the coast |
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Bonne Anse Chalets
Extensive hire fleet in 35 acres of
pine
forest,
4-star facilities, direct
access
to the
beach. |
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Palmyre Loisirs
Campsite, 4 stars. Universe of
sports and games, in a sunny pine forest. |
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Dry dock
"Le Port sur la Rive" at Mortagne-sur-Gironde, estuary of
Gironde, between Royan and Bordeaux.
Storage and relaunching, long
term storage, equipment and
facilities.
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Ma Maison de Mer
Guest House, B&B,
situated in a fantastic location, 150m from the beach and 200m
from the town center. Open all year |
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Blue Sturgeon
Guest House on the port of Saint-Seurin d'Uzet, "the village of caviar"
on the estuary of
Gironde. |
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La Maison du Meunier
Guest House situated on the port of
Mortagne-sur-Gironde. |
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