Maison du Transbordeur

About the museum

The Maison du Transbordeur is an interpretation centre open to the public since 2003, devoted to the history of the Pont Transbordeur de Martrou, which crosses the Charente between Rochefort and Échillais. It is located in Échillais, a few metres from the bridge, and also serves as the ticket office for the crossings.

The centre tells the story of the bridge’s construction, anecdotes about its crossings, the life of its inventor Ferdinand Arnodin and the world of transporter bridges in France and beyond. In 2026 the centre reinvented itself with a new exhibition space: the permanent exhibition “Le Pont Transbordeur de Martrou : l’épopée d’un monument unique” traces the history of the structure from its construction to the present day, with striking aerial images.

The house is run by the Communauté d’agglomération Rochefort Océan, which also operates the bridge site. It holds the Tourisme & Handicap, Qualité Tourisme, Accueil vélo and Toutourisme labels.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition on the epic of the Pont Transbordeur de Martrou
• The inventor Ferdinand Arnodin and transporter bridges around the world
• Aerial images of the structure
• Free admission
• Ticket sales for gondola crossings

Permanent exhibition

• Le Pont Transbordeur de Martrou : l'épopée d'un monument unique – The permanent exhibition traces the history of the structure, from its construction to today, with large aerial images.

Founded

2003

Operated by

Communauté d'agglomération Rochefort Océan

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Self-guided visits to the Maison du Transbordeur are free. Other activities on the site are paid. Reduced rate for holders of the Rochefort Océan privilege card or the Maison du curiste card, people with disabilities and their carer, job seekers, students, and holders of the Guide du Routard or Guide Vert.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The entire Pont Transbordeur site has held the Tourisme & Handicap label since 2010 for mental, visual, hearing and motor disabilities; staff are trained, and adapted guided visits, loaned equipment and Braille translations are offered. A car park reserved for people with reduced mobility is located 50 metres behind the house.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The site offers children’s workshops and treasure hunts at €6 per child, the Mission Transbordeur, and an adventure bag at €19 for up to 6 people, including crossings. Free self-guided visits to the house are free for everyone.

Getting there & parking

By car, take the “Échillais” exit from the D 733. Bike racks in front of the house and in the car park; the site is served by La Vélodyssée and Flow Vélo. A ferry crosses the Charente at Soubise from April to September, 5 km from the bridge.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Official souvenir shop and ticket office. There are restaurants nearby: L’Escalle in Échillais and Les Terrasses du Pont Transbordeur on the Rochefort side.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit