Royan – Le Verdon
Ferry Across the Gironde
A ferry runs between Royan and Le Verdon-sur-Mer across the Gironde, where the Garonne and Dordogne rivers meet.
This crossing is convenient for travellers heading to destinations like Soulac-sur-Mer, Hourtin, Lacanau, and possibly Cap Ferret. Taking this route can save you a significant amount of travel time, as the drive via Bordeaux takes over 3 hours. This is clearly shown on the map below, which features two crossings: the ferry service between Royan and Le Verdon-sur-Mer, and the more southern ferry from Blaye to Lamarque.
Ferry Map Across the Gironde
How does the crossing work?
The ferry from Royan to Le Verdon is operated by the French department of Gironde. The ferry takes about 30 minutes to make the 7-kilometre crossing. In comparison, driving around would take you 233 kilometres.
Navigation
You can navigate to Rue de la Galiote in Royan and follow the signs to the departure point. When you arrive at Rue de la Galiote, itโs important to stay in the right lane. The left lane leads to the harbour but not to the ferry entrance, which isnโt clearly indicated. Youโll often see cars waiting in the right lane, which may cause you to hesitate, but this is the correct lane. If you donโt join here, youโll have to take a long detour.
Tickets available at the port
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the waiting area, where youโll wait for the ferry to arrive. In the summer, it can get quite busy, and you may need to wait for the next ferry. Be sure to factor this into your travel plans. Boarding in Le Verdon is much simpler.
Image source ferry: Defietsster.be
Ferry Crossings on the Gironde
Ferry Price for Royan-Le Verdon-sur-Mer
There are different rates for the high and low seasons, with the high season starting as early as April.
Price calculation for Royan-Le Verdon
The rates for this crossing are combined. For example, if youโre travelling by car with 2 adults, the cost will be โฌ37 + 2 x โฌ5 = โฌ47. If youโre bringing 2 children under 13, the total increases to โฌ51. Adding a caravan? That will cost an additional โฌ23, bringing the total to โฌ74.
Ticket | Low season | Peak season (April - Aug) |
---|---|---|
Adult | โฌ2,50 | โฌ5 |
14 - 25 age | โฌ1,30 | โฌ2,50 |
5 - 13 age | โฌ1 | โฌ2 |
0 - 4 age | Free | Free |
Car | โฌ17 | โฌ37 |
Camper | โฌ40 | โฌ50 |
+ Caravan | โฌ16 | โฌ23 |
Bike | Free | Free |
Alternative: Blaye to Lamarque Ferry
There is also a ferry service between Blaye and Lamarque. This route is especially useful for holidaymakers staying in the Lesparre-Mรฉdoc area.
It serves as an alternative to the Royan to Verdon ferry, located at the northern tip of the Gironde estuary, which stretches up to Bordeaux.
By using the Blaye-Lamarque ferry, you can avoid the busy roads around Bordeaux.
Video of the journey
The video below gives you a good idea of what to expect.