Both lines
The two Gironde ferries
The department runs two crossings on the estuary. They do not replace each other: they are 60 km 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 and considerably cheaper: €25 compared with €37 for a car. 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, 10 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 |
When Royan suits the journey
- 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 compared with 10 at Blaye.
When Blaye to Lamarque suits the journey
- 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 compared with €37 for a car.
- You are on foot or by bike: the crossing is short and Blaye's centre is minutes from the ramp.
For Royan to Le Verdon
Times and fares for Royan to Le Verdon
We do not repeat the other line's timetable here. It has its own periods and its own fares for commercial traffic. Both are on royanleverdon.com.
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 60 km 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, up to 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 compared with €37, a motorhome €40 compared with €65. The mouth crossing is longer and uses bigger ships.
Sources
Updated: September 2026