The other crossing
The two Gironde ferries
The department runs two crossings on the estuary. They do not replace each other: they are sixty kilometres apart and they do not accept the same vehicles.
Take Blaye to Lamarque if you are moving between the right bank and the Médoc and your vehicle is under 3.5 t: it is shorter, more frequent and half the price. Take Royan to Le Verdon if you are coming down the Atlantic coast, or if your vehicle is too heavy for the first.
| Blaye and Lamarque | Royan and Le Verdon | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Upstream, facing the Médoc | At the mouth, facing the ocean |
| Crossing | 20 min | 20 to 25 min |
| Distance | 4.5 km | 6 km |
| Sailings a day | 5 winter, 9 summer | 8 winter, 18 summer |
| Ships | Sébastien Vauban | La Gironde and L'Estuaire |
| Adult foot | €6 | €7 |
| Car | €25 | €37 |
| Motorcycle | €15 | €18 |
| Motorhome | €40 | €65 |
| Accepted | 3.5 t maximum | Lorries and coaches, up to 4.45 m high and 4 m wide |
| Reservation | Not possible | Lorries and coaches only |
Three times Royan is the right line
- Your vehicle is over 3.5 t. Blaye refuses it, Royan carries it. This is the most common reason to switch. Weight limits.
- You are coming from Charente-Maritime, or heading down to Soulac and Lacanau. Driving up to Blaye to cross and back down the Médoc makes no sense when the mouth is on your route.
- The last Blaye sailing has gone. Royan runs longer and more often, up to 18 sailings in summer against 9 at Blaye.
And three times Blaye is better
- You are moving between the right bank and the Médoc châteaux: that is the journey this crossing exists for.
- You want the lower fare: €25 against €37 for a car.
- You are on foot or by bike: the crossing is short and Blaye's centre is minutes from the ramp.
Partner site
Times and fares for Royan to Le Verdon
We do not repeat the other line's grid here. It has its own periods and its own commercial fares, and a separate site covers it.
Visit royanleverdon.comQuestions about both lines
What is the difference between the two Gironde ferries?
Blaye to Lamarque crosses upstream, 4.5 km, and refuses anything over 3.5 t. Royan to Le Verdon crosses the mouth, 6 km, costs more but carries lorries and coaches. They are not two options for the same journey: they are more than sixty kilometres apart.
Can you reserve on either line?
On Blaye to Lamarque, never. On Royan to Le Verdon, lorries and coaches can reserve; cars and foot passengers still board in order of arrival.
Which one takes a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes?
Royan to Le Verdon, the only one of the two that will, within 4.45 m high and 4 m wide. At Blaye it is refused at any fare.
Which is cheaper?
Blaye to Lamarque, by a wide margin. A car is €25 against €37, a motorhome €40 against €65. The mouth crossing is longer and uses bigger ships.
Sources
Updated : September 2026