Blaye Lamarque ferry: opening hours, fares and practical information

If you are planning to cross Gironde estuary from Blaye to Lamarque, the Blaye-Lamarque ferry is a perfect option for avoiding the long journey via Bordeaux. This water-based means of transport takes you from one side of the river to the other in less than 30 minutes. During the crossing, you'll marvel at the magnificent view of the Médoc and the Château de Blaye.

This article is designed to provide you with all the necessary information—such as schedules, prices, and helpful tips—to plan your trip hassle-free. No matter how you’re traveling—whether by car, bike, or on foot—the Blaye-Lamarque ferry is available year-round, every day of the week, including holidays.

Stay tuned for all the details!

Blaye Lamarque ferry terminal timetable

The Blaye-Lamarque ferry operates year-round, running Monday through Sunday, including holidays. The schedule varies depending on the season and the day of the week.

Below is a summary of the scheduled times for 2024.

Weekdays

From Monday through Friday, the ferry makes four trips a day in the winter and ten in the summer. Departure times from Blaye are 7:15 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. during the winter, and 7:15 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. in the summer.

Departures from Lamarque are at 7:45 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. during the winter, while in the summer, they are at 7:45 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.

Weekend and public holiday opening hours

On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the service operates five trips in the winter and ten in the summer. For Blaye, departures are at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. in winter, and at 7:15 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. in the summer. Departures from Lamarque are at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. in winter, and at 7:45 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. in the summer.

Seasonal features

The Blaye-Lamarque ferry schedule varies by season. The off-season runs from September 11, 2023, to March 31, 2024, while the peak season runs from June 24 to September 10, 2024. The spring schedule, from May 19 to July 1, 2024, follows the high-season schedule.

We recommend arriving 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to board the flight.

Prices for the Blaye Lamarque ferry

The Blaye-Lamarque ferry offers competitive fares for everyone, whether pedestrians, vehicles, or season pass holders. Fares vary depending on the season, the type of vehicle, and the passenger’s profile. Below is a summary of the fares scheduled for 2024.

Rates for pedestrians

Crossing the Gironde Estuary is available at very affordable rates for pedestrians. Adults pay €1, while the fare for children ages 4 to 12 is €0.50. Children under 4 years old cross for free. These fares remain the same throughout the year, including weekends and holidays.

Rates for vehicles

Vehicles are classified based on their size and height, which affects the applicable rate. During the off-season, which runs from November 1 through March 31, a 50 % discount is applied to the rates for Category 1 vehicles (less than 4 meters in length) and Category 2 vehicles (between 4 and 5 meters in length).

During the high season, from April 1 to October 31, rates increase by 50 % for categories 5 (over 7 meters in length) and 6 (over 2.5 meters in height). The following table details vehicle rates by category and season.

Subscriptions and reduced rates

Subscribers to the Blaye-Lamarque ferry benefit from preferential rates thanks to monthly or annual passes, or 10-pass cards. Each formula is tailored to a specific vehicle category and number of passengers.

Subscriptions and cards are personal and non-transferable. They must be requested in writing and are not available for direct sale at ticket offices. The necessary form is available on the website [gironde.fr/bacs].

The table below summarizes the prices of the various passes and cards, according to vehicle category and number of passengers.

Practical information for your crossing

If you plan to take the Blaye-Lamarque ferry to cross the Gironde Estuary, here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip and make your experience on board as enjoyable as possible. Find out how to purchase tickets, the restrictions and recommendations regarding vehicles, as well as the services available on board and essential safety guidelines.

Ticket Purchase Policies

Tickets can be purchased directly on the ferry when boarding, with the option of cash or credit card payment.

For added convenience, you can also purchase your tickets in advance via the website [gironde.fr/bacs], by selecting the date and time of your departure, as well as the number and type of vehicles. A confirmation code will be sent to you by e-mail. This code must be presented to staff when boarding. Please note that tickets purchased online are neither refundable nor exchangeable.

Restrictions and tips for vehicles

The Blaye-Lamarque ferry accepts all types of vehicle, subject to certain dimensions and weights: maximum length of 12 meters, maximum height of 4 meters, and maximum weight of 3.5 tons. Trucks carrying straw or hay are not permitted for safety reasons.

It is recommended that you arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time and follow the staff’s instructions for parking and disembarking. Vehicles must be equipped with a parking brake and an anti-theft system. Passengers must exit their vehicles during the crossing and may not return to them until the ferry arrives.

On-board services and safety instructions

On board the Blaye-Lamarque ferry, you'll find a range of services to make your crossing as pleasant as possible: an air-conditioned lounge equipped with seats, tables, electrical outlets and free Wi-Fi connection. An outside deck offers a breathtaking view of the estuary and its landscapes. Toilets, vending machines for drinks and snacks, and tourist information on both shores are also available.

As safety is paramount, it is forbidden to smoke, consume alcohol, throw objects overboard, or disturb the smooth running of the ferry. In case of emergency, please follow the instructions given by the staff and pay attention to the announcements.

Conclusion

The Blaye-Lamarque ferry is an ideal choice for those wishing to cross the Gironde Estuary efficiently, quickly, and affordably. Available to travelers by car, bike, or on foot, this service offers flexible schedules, attractive prices, and a variety of onboard amenities. It’s also an opportunity to discover the region’s exceptional sites, including the Château de Blaye—a jewel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—as well as the famous Médoc vineyards, known for their exceptional wines.

For a memorable experience, don't delay in booking your visit to [gironde.fr/bacs]. Embark on an unforgettable journey!

FAQ

How do I take the bac in Blaye?

To board the ferry in Blaye, you must go to the port of Blaye or Lamarque, depending on your point of departure. It is recommended that you arrive 30 minutes before departure to pay the fare based on your chosen mode of transportation.

The ferry, named the Sébastien Vauban Amphidrome, operates four trips a day during the winter and increases to ten trips a day during the summer.

Where to take the ferry across the Gironde?

Crossing the Gironde can be done from two points From Blaye to Lamarque or from Verdon-sur-Mer to Royan. Crossing time is estimated at between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on the line used.

How much does the Royan ferry cost?

The cost of a trip on the Royan ferry varies depending on the season and the type of passenger. During the high season, the fare is 3.60 euros for the Verdon-Royan route and 3.10 euros for the Blaye-Lamarque route.

In the low season, prices drop to 2.80 euros for Verdon-Royan and 2.40 euros for Blaye-Lamarque. A reduced fare is also available for young people aged 14 to 25.

What are the timetables for the Royan ferry?

Departures Ferry service from Royan operates every day of the week according to the following schedule: from Royan at 7:45 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. Departures from Le Verdon are scheduled for 7:15 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:45 p.m. These schedules are in effect from Tuesday, May 7, 2024, through Wednesday, June 26, 2024.