Discover the Transporter Bridge
During your walks around the campsite l’Abri-Côtier, the transporter bridge is a must, as this steel lace structure (like the Eiffel Tower) is magnificent.
Built between 1897 and 1900, it is one of the last 8 bridges of this type in the world still in operation. Classified as a ” Historic Monument ” in 1976, it allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross the Charente since 1994, between Rochefort and Echillais.
On November 28, 2019, the bridge regained its nacelle after 3 and a half years of restoration. The reopening to the public took place in 2020, the year of its 120th anniversary, and it once again ensures the crossing of the Charente between Rochefort and Échillais.
Book your stay at the Abri-Côtier campsite to admire this bridge more closely and test its unusual mode of transport!
A crossing above the waves
You can continue your walk to the Corderie Royale by taking the Fluviobus, river shuttle that will allow you to admire the Arsenal de Rochefort from the Charente (combined tickets Ferry / Fluviobus possible).
Once you have made your crossing, you can walk along the “Chemin de Charente”, a promenade designed for pedestrians, hikers and cyclists.
This walk is part of the Sentiers de l’Arsenal, cycling routes around the campsite.
The House and the Café du Transbordeur
A hundred meters from the bridge, on the Chillais side, the Maison du Transbordeur presents exhibitions on the various transporter bridges and traces the entire history of that of Rochefort.
On the Rochefort side, it is the Café du Transbordeur that welcomes you for a gourmet break.
The Fluviobus
You can continue your walk to the Corderie Royale by taking the Fluviobus, river shuttle that will allow you to admire the Arsenal de Rochefort from the Charente (combined tickets Ferry / Fluviobus possible).
The Chemin de Charente by bike
If you are cycling, take the Chemin de Charente from the Transporter Bridge to the Corderie Royale. This Greenway runs along the Charente which makes a large meander surrounding the city of Rochefort.
Theatrical visits and 1900 tours
On many occasions, such as the Rochefort en Accords festival, the Pont Transbordeur is the place for musical and festive entertainment. In addition, every Thursday in season, dramatized tours of the Transporter Bridge are organized: period costumes and fun animations make you relive the entire history of the bridge.
To stay in the world of the Belle Époque you can also continue your journey back in time by visiting the Musée des Commerces d’Autrefois thanks to a combined ticket (on sale at the Pont Transbordeur).
For a complete bike ride
If you want to make a Full bike loop from the campsite following the Arsenal Trails, know that you can make a first crossing of the Charente from the Port of Soubise (4 Kms from the campsite) by taking the “Rohan”, ferry that passes 11 passengers and their bikes to the hold of Rochefort (behind the station of Lagunage, paradise for water birds).
You will return after your walk on the banks of the Charente by taking the Transporter Bridge.
To find out +: on the Transporter Bridge, the Fluviobus and the Rohan.
