Rochefort Transporter Bridge – Brouage Citadel loop from Bords

Rochefort Transporter Bridge – Brouage Citadel loop from Bords

Moderate

riders

Rochefort Transporter Bridge – Brouage Citadel loop from Bords

03:04

76.6km

260m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The route includes a crossing by ferry. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 17, 2026

This route includes a ferry crossing

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.

After 19.3 km for 158 m

Open: • Monday: 2:00 PM-6:00 PM • Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 AM-12:30 PM & 2:00 PM-6:00 PM (otherwise closed)

After 19.6 km for 158 m

Open: • Monday: 2:00 PM-6:00 PM • Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 AM-12:30 PM & 2:00 PM-6:00 PM (otherwise closed)

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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19.5 km

Rochefort Transporter Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

In the 19th century, the only way to cross the Charente was by ferry. But this one was disturbed by the tides. It would have been necessary to build a bridge, but it would have blocked the maritime traffic, then very important on the Charente. It was therefore decided to build this transporter bridge, which was inaugurated in 1900.

The pylons and bridge deck are fixed. A mobile nacelle is suspended from the deck and circulates between the two banks of the Charente thanks to a trolley.

The transporter bridge operated from 1900 to 1967, then was replaced by a lift bridge, itself destroyed in 1991. The transporter bridge has resumed service and now allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross for €2 or €3 each way -feedback.

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32.0 km

Port-des-Barques dike

Highlight • Structure

As early as the 19th century, the town of Port-des-Barques had coastal defenses which were gradually reworked over the course of the storms. In February 2010, during storm Xynthia, overall nearly 400 houses and several businesses were affected by the water. Since this dramatic event housing estates have been downgraded and deconstructed and the dyke has been reinforced.
Here in clear weather, view of Fouras and the island of Aix opposite, as well as the island Madame.

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33.0 km

La Passe aux Boeufs

Highlight • Other

Madame Island is connected to the mainland by a sand and pebble road, called the Passe aux Boeufs, about 1 km long, accessible only at low tide. It is a tombolo, a dune cord made up of deposits of sedimentary and fluvial origin, which is welding Madame Island to the mainland. This pass is particularly popular during the summer period, with many tourists who cross it on foot, by bike, or even by car. However, it is not really a passable road with a road bike, but it can be admired from the coast.

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33.7 km

The Carrelets of Port-des-Barques

Highlight • Structure

superb passage with a view of an alignment of squares

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48.5 km

Brouage Bicycle Museum

Highlight • Monument

For a bike hiker, this must-have is even more so!
Come and discover the history of the velocipede through the ages. From the Balance Bike to the bicycles of our times today, you will be able to observe the various developments brought to the bicycle.
Exhibiting many rare pieces put in situation by scenes and objects corresponding to their time, the Brouage bicycle museum can claim to be one of the most attractive in France.
To visit absolutely, because in addition the owner is a passionate more than sympathetic and available.
Admission is € 5 per adult and free for children under 12 accompanied by their parents.

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48.6 km

Brouage Citadel

Highlight • Castle

The stronghold of Brouage is a former salt trading port named Jacopolis-sur-Brouage, which became a Catholic war port wanted by Cardinal Richelieu who named it Brouage in 1627 to compete with the Huguenot stronghold of La Rochelle. Brouage is also considered to be perhaps the birthplace of the geographer Samuel de Champlain who participated in the founding and colonization of New France, and who is the founder of the city of Quebec in Canada.
A military port on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean until the beginning of the 18th century, the town is today inland and surrounded by marshes.
Attention: inside the citadel the streets are almost exclusively paved.

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57.0 km