While vacationing in Charente-Maritime, a visit to the Île de Ré is a must. To get there, you’ll need to cross an impressive bridge spanning nearly 3 km: here’s everything you need to know about the Île de Ré Bridge.
A Bit of History About the Bridge
Before World War II, as automobile traffic began to grow, it became essential to modernize the maritime routes connecting Île de Ré to the mainland. The first ferries were introduced in 1940, quickly becoming a true symbol of vacations on Île de Ré. Although the journey was relatively short, it was a small adventure for the tourists of the time, who disembarked at Sablanceaux in the commune of Rivedoux-Plage. Arriving on Île de Ré was enough to mark the beginning of the holidays, far away from work. The island's popularity grew, and soon monumental traffic jams formed between the ferry terminal and the end of the ring road, located 7 km away. Thus, the construction of a bridge began in February 1987, funded by the Charente-Maritime department. The bridge connecting Île de Ré to the mainland was inaugurated in May 1988. At over 2.9 km long, it broke records and became one of the longest bridges in the country, second only to the Saint-Nazaire Bridge.
The Île de Ré Bridge: How It Works
The Île de Ré bridge was built 42 meters above sea level by Bouygues using a cantilever technique, which involves creating arches capable of supporting significant loads. Comprising a total of 796 segments distributed across six concrete viaducts, its construction progressed rapidly at a rate of 20 meters per day. The structure is not rigid and rests on sliding bearings attached to the piers rising from the sea. The Île de Ré bridge was designed to withstand heat-related expansion, strong winds, earthquakes, and impacts. It serves as the main route for supplying the Île de Ré with water and electricity. You can cross it on foot or by bike free of charge, while motorized vehicles are subject to a toll. Each toll fee contributes to funding the "CAP Ré" eco-tax, which supports the preservation of the island.
Toll Rates for the Île de Ré Bridge
Payment is made at the Belvédère toll station, located before the bridge access on the way to the island. Round-trip rates without subscription:
- €16 (from June 20 to September 11) or €8 (from September 12 to June 19) for light vehicles, with or without a trailer
- €3 for motorized two-wheelers
- €18 for two-axle heavy vehicles over 3 meters in height or exceeding 3.5 tons
- €40 for heavy vehicles with more than two axles over 3 meters in height or exceeding 3.5 tons
You can opt for a subscription valid for three years (available for purchase at the toll booth) if you plan to make frequent trips between the mainland and the Île de Ré, ranging from €50 to €350 depending on the selected package.
How to Get to the Île de Ré?
The Île de Ré Bridge is located in France, in Charente-Maritime, Poitou-Charentes. The Île de Ré is an island off the French coast, connected to the mainland by the Pont de l’Île de Ré. This bridge spans 2,926.5 meters in length with a graceful curve, reaching 42 meters above the sea. It is the second longest bridge in France, composed of six viaducts. The Île de Ré has become one of France's most sought-after coastal destinations—a Riviera for thinkers, a St-Tropez without the glitz. It’s a retreat for thoughtful actors, pop singers, former prime ministers, high-ranking officials, and business leaders, as well as many ordinary French citizens.
There’s no shortage of things to do and see on the Île de Ré. Check out the travel guide at laviedevoyage.fr. Thanks to its famous bridge leading to the villages, the island is easily accessible by various means of transport. La Rochelle is located just across the bridge, and its train station is close by. Several buses connect all the villages of the Île de Ré to the center of La Rochelle and its train station. However, cycling remains by far the most popular mode of transport. The Île de Ré has a dedicated cycling network, offering bike paths and rental services. In short, as the saying goes, any means of transport will do!