Viaduc de l'île d'Oléron

The Oleron Island Bridge, a work of art that has linked the eponymous island to the mainland since 1966. The view from the bridge is breathtaking.
Pont de l'île d'Oléron
Pont de l'île d'Oléron
Pont de l'île d'Oléron
Pont de l'île d'Oléron
Pont de l'île d'Oléron
Pont de l'île d'Oléron

Dates & opening times

Open all days from 01/01 to 31/12 (all years)

Descriptif

In 1964, the Campenon-Bernard company began construction of the bridge. After 25 months of construction, involving nearly 200 engineers and workers and thousands of tons of concrete, it was inaugurated on June 21, 1966 by André Bore, Secretary of State for the Interior. It cost 36 million 600,000 francs.



When it opened, the cost of passage was the same as for the ferry. The toll was abandoned in 1991. It was the largest bridge in France until 1974 (when the Saint-Nazaire Bridge was built).



Currently the 3rd longest bridge in France after St Nazaire and Ile de Ré (1988), it measures 3027 m, is 10m90 wide and rests on 45 piers.



Crossing the bridge offers beautiful views (of Fort Louvois and the ramparts of Château d'Oléron in particular), which vary greatly according to the time of tide. At low tide, you can see the oyster beds.

Tracking

Viaduc de l'île d'Oléron D2617560, Bourcefranc-le-ChapusFrance

Itinerary

Characteristics

Languages
French
Surroundings
Cycle track/route within 500 m
Waterside
On an island
Sea view
Themes
Engineering structure
Bridge
Categories
20th C

Charges

Gratuit