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 information you need, such as timetables, prices and useful tips for planning your hassle-free journey. Whatever your mode of transport - whether you're a motorist, cyclist or pedestrian - the Blaye-Lamarque ferry is at your disposal all year round, every day of the week, including public holidays.

Stay tuned for all the details!

Blaye Lamarque ferry terminal timetable

The Blaye-Lamarque ferry operates all year round, from Monday to Sunday, including public holidays. The timetable varies according to the season and the different days of the week.

Below is a summary of the timetable for 2024.

Weekdays

Between Monday and Friday, the ferry makes four daily crossings in winter and ten in summer. Departure times from Blaye are 7.15am, 9am, 11am, 3pm, 4.30pm and 6pm in winter, and 7.15am, 9am, 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.30pm, 6pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm in summer.

Departures from Lamarque are at 7.45 am, 9.30 am, 11.30 am, 3.30 pm, 5 pm and 6.30 pm in winter, and at 7.45 am, 9.30 am, 11 am, 12.30 pm, 2 pm, 3.30 pm, 5 pm, 6.30 pm, 8 pm and 9 pm in summer.

Weekend and public holiday opening hours

On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, the service operates five rotations in winter and ten in summer. Departures from Blaye are at 9am, 11am, 3pm, 5pm and 6:30pm in winter, and at 7:15am, 9am, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4:30pm, 6pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm in summer. Departures from Lamarque are at 9:30, 11:30, 15:30, 17:30 and 19:00 in winter, and at 7:45, 9:30, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00, 18:30, 20:00 and 21:00 in summer.

Seasonal features

The timetable for the Blaye-Lamarque ferry is seasonally adjusted. The low season runs from September 11, 2023 to March 31, 2024, while the high season covers the period from June 24 to September 10, 2024. Spring schedules, from May 19 to July 1, 2024, are in line with those of high season.

We recommend arriving 30 minutes before boarding time.

Prices for the Blaye Lamarque ferry

The Blaye-Lamarque ferry offers competitive fares for everyone, whether pedestrians, vehicles or season ticket holders. Fares vary according to season, vehicle type and passenger profile. Below is a summary of fares for 2024.

Rates for pedestrians

The crossing of the Gironde estuary is offered at very affordable rates for pedestrians. Adults pay €1, while children aged 4 to 12 pay €0.50. Toddlers under 4 years of age cross free of charge. These rates remain constant throughout the year, including weekends and public holidays.

Rates for vehicles

Vehicles are classified according to size and height, which influences the applicable rate. During the low season, from November 1 to March 31, a discount of 50 % is applied to fares 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're planning to use the Blaye-Lamarque ferry to cross the Gironde estuary, here's everything you need to know to prepare for your trip and make your experience on board as pleasant as possible. Find out how to purchase tickets, vehicle restrictions and recommendations, as well as the services available on board and essential safety instructions.

How to buy tickets

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.

We recommend arriving 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time and following the staff's instructions for parking and disembarking. Vehicles must be equipped with hand brakes and anti-theft devices. It is imperative for passengers to disembark from the vehicles during the crossing and not to return to them before arrival.

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 cost-effectively. Available to travellers by car, bike or on foot, this service offers flexible timetables, attractive prices and a range of on-board amenities. It's also an opportunity to discover the region's exceptional sites, including the Château de Blaye, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the famous Médoc vineyards, renowned 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 at Blaye, head for the port of Blaye or Lamarque, depending on your point of departure. It is advisable to arrive 30 minutes before departure to pay the fare according to the means of transport chosen.

The ferry, named the Sébastien Vauban amphidrome, offers four daily rotations in winter, rising to ten in 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 crossing on the Royan ferry varies according to the season and the type of passenger. During the high season, the fare is set at 3.60 euros for the Verdon-Royan trip and 3.10 euros for the Blaye-Lamarque trip.

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 from the Royan ferry run every day of the week according to the following schedule: from Royan at 7.45am, 9.45am, 11.15am, 12.45pm, 2.30pm, 4.00pm, 5.45pm, 7.00pm and 8.15pm. Departures from Le Verdon are scheduled at 7.15am, 9.00am, 10.30am, 12.00am, 1.45pm, 3.15pm, 5.00pm, 6.30pm and 7.45pm. These timetables apply from Tuesday May 7, 2024 to Wednesday June 26, 2024.