|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
crossing
Royan - Le Verdon |
|
|
|
| |
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.
|
|
 |
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.
|
|
| |
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 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).
|
|
|
|
|
The crossing Blaye -
Lamarque |
|
|
| |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Ads by
Bernezac |
|
Airotel Oléron
Campsite at
Le Chateau d'Oleron, the choice of beach and water sports,
family activities and the tranquillity of a wooded park. |
|
|
|
|
|
Camping Les Pins
Campsite at
Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, in a charming area. |
|
|
|
Bonne Anse Chalets
Extensive hire fleet in 35 acres of
pine
forest,
4-star facilities, direct
access
to the
beach. |
|
|
|
|
|
Palmyre Loisirs
Campsite, 4 stars. Universe of
sports and games, in a sunny pine forest. |
|
Palmyre
Loisirs |
|
Parc Club Les Charmettes
Everything on this Haven-owned park
has been prepared to make your holiday as enjoyable and as
relaxing as possible. |
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
Hotel Residence de Rohan
Charming house,
3 kms away from Royan in a unique environment.
By the sea,
direct access to
the beach
|
|
|
|
Mer & Soleil d'Oléron
Four stars holiday
village club with mobile homes. A stone’s throw away from one of the finest
beaches on the Ile d'Oléron |
|
|
|
Camping Les Vignes
Close to Royan
and La Palmyre,
in a quiet area, 10 minutes away
through woods from the beach of La Grande Côte.
|
|
|
|
Activ' Loisirs Les Pins
Family campsite in Ronce les Bains, pine
forest, three heated indoor pools
from April to October. |
|
|
|
Camping
L'Abri-Côtier
In
Saint-Nazaire-sur-Charente, close to Port-des-Barques and
Madam island, Rochefort, La Rochelle, island of
Oleron.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yukadi Village Le Logis
Le Logis,
under the warm Charente sun, 600 metres from the
sea and 10 km from Royan, much of it
situated in a pine forest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
