A must-see to come to theOleron Island (unless traveling by boat), the viaduct bridge from Oleron is the final stretch before arriving at your vacation spot! Here's what you need to know about one of the longest bridges in France.
Where is the Oléron Island Bridge located?
The bridge from Oleron (or Oléron viaduct) connects the continent to theOleron Island, in Charente-Maritime. It starts from the municipality of Bourcefranc-le-Chapus, next to Marennes, until Oleron Castle, on the south-east coast of the island. The crossing time is approximately 3 minutes.
When was the Oléron bridge built?
Construction work on the viaduct bridge over theOleron Island began in 1964, under the direction of the Campenon-Bernard company. It was inaugurated on June 21, 1966. It will therefore celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026. A symbolic work of the "Trente Glorieuses", the construction site will be marked by strikes by workers, who demanded more working days. Before the construction of the bridge, it was necessary to take the ferry (flat-bottomed boat used to cross the Coureau d'Oléron) and very often, to queue, much to the annoyance of tourists in a hurry.
How long is the bridge?
The bridge from Oleron was for a few years the longest bridge in France. It stretches over a length of 2,862 meters, 23 meters above the sea. It is dethroned by the bridge of Saint-Nazaire (3356 m), put into service in 1974. If we take into account the access ramps, it is the second longest viaduct in France with a total length of 3027 m. As for its Charente neighbors, know that the Pont de l'island of re measures 2926 m, the Pont de la Seudre: 1024 m, and the transporter bridge of Rochefort : 175 m.
Is the Oléron Island bridge toll-free?
Unlike that of theisland of re, the road bridge of theOleron Island is free! No toll in sight! When it opened in 1966, the bridge was toll-charged, but it became free in 1994. Although the idea is not unanimous, the project to make the bridge of theOleron Island (including the introduction of an ecotax) is regularly mentioned. But for the time being, crossing the bridge remains free! Let's hope it lasts!
DID YOU KNOW? The viaduct bridge from Oleron also allows the transport of water, telephone and electricity in its hollow deck made up of a tunnel!
Can you cross the bridge on foot or by bike?
The answer is yes. The bridge of theOleron Island is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. A cycle path and a sidewalk allow crossing the bridge on foot or by bike in each direction of traffic. As for motorized vehicles (cars, campers, heavy goods vehicles, buses, motorcycles, scooters, mopeds), the speed is limited to 70 km/h and no overtaking is permitted.
Real-time traffic information
At the height of the tourist season, nearly 30,000 cars cross the bridge every day! Also, to know the traffic conditions and plan your arrival at the campsite, you can follow real-time traffic on https://oleron-info-trafic.fr/home.
The Oléron Island Bridge is open every day, 24 hours a day. However, in the event of strong winds, traffic restrictions or even closure may apply temporarily to ensure the safety of users.
photo@Mutichou