Mudpie Fridays >> Bordeaux >> Gironde Ferry – Royan to Verdon – Good To Know Before You Go

Gironde Ferry – Royan to Verdon – Good To Know Before You Go

We have travelled down to the Gironde area of France a couple of times now. First when the boys were little staying at Hourtin La Plague and now more recently visiting Montalivet during the May half term. The Atlantic Coast is a reasonably long drive from Calais and therefore anything that can be done to reduce the time spent in the car is attractive. Such as a boat trip across the Gironde Estuary. However until our return journey this time the Gironde Ferry felt like too much hard work.

The timings never seemed to work since we were always travelling out of season. We weren’t sure what to expect, and if it didn’t work out, we would have added extra time to an already long journey. Yet on our return, we decided not to stop overnight and so the promise of a reduced journey time was too attractive not to try. Plus, only thirty minutes from Le Verdon-Sur-Mer meant we decided to try the Gironde ferries for the first time.

Crossing the largest estuary in France from Verdon to Royan.

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Gironde Ferry – Royan to Verdon

We found that the signage to the port of Verdon, easy to follow and plentiful. However, if you would prefer to use an address for your sat nav:

Au Verdon : 19 avenue du phare de Cordouan 33 123 LE VERDON-SUR-MER
À Royan : rue de la Galiote 17 200 ROYAN

When do they leave?

Travelling in the UK May half-term meant that we were not in high season. During high season, the ferry service will run almost constantly with a new Gironde Ferry leaving every forty-five minutes or so, giving you much more flexibility. You can check the times of the ferries here on the official website. They operate on an almost daily basis unless the weather forecast makes a ferry crossing unsafe.

How in advance should you arrive ahead of your crossing?

It was suggested to arrive thirty minutes ahead of your preferred departure time. After dragging the kids out of bed we were a little later than planned and turned up fifteen minutes before the sailing.

Although there were several lines of cars waiting to board the Royan ferry. There were also a fair amount of English camping cars and motorhomes. After paying (see below) we just joined the queue and waited to board. I would anticipate that they started letting vehicles board around ten minutes before sailing.

However, there were cars still turning up right up to 9 am when the ferry left. I was standing in line for the coffee queue inside the ferry and could still see vehicles driving through where we had queued. I guess as long as there is space they will let you on.

How do you pay?

This is the one thing that worried me. I guess because I am so used to booking tickets for these sorts of things online. However, it is not possible to book tickets in advance. Instead, where you enter the queue there are several little kiosks and you just drive up and pay before getting in the queue. We paid by card. I did not notice a ferry terminal, although I am guessing there is something similar if you are travelling by foot.

Price wise it was 51€ in total. 37€ for the car, we had bikes on top but they did not charge extra for these. Then 4€ for an adult and 2€ for a child.

Amenities on the Gironde Ferry

The crossing is only around half an hour and that includes getting in and out of your car. So it passes very quickly one minute you are near the Gironde River, and the next you can see the blue of the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. Along with the huge Cordouan lighthouse.

On board, there is seating both outside and inside. Inside it is in rows with large windows. It surprised me how many people opted to sit outside in the wind! There are also several toilets and a little cafe. Selling mainly tea, coffee, soft drinks, croissants and panne chocolate. I am not sure if this is because it was a morning crossing and if they sell lunch items later in the day. One coffee, three apple juices and 3 pastries with a small pot of Pringles cost around 17€.

The cheap foot passenger prices could also make this an optional excursion if staying locally. Since the boys always enjoy a ferry ride travelling from the left bank in Vendon to the right bank in Royan.

Exiting the boat

We exited at the Port of Royan, which was a bit of a free for all, and not as well organised as boarding. Our route took us out through the town centre and an industrial park. Meaning if you want to stock up on oil, salt, wine etc then there is ample opportunity. Plus we passed several petrol stations.

I am glad that we avoided the Bordeaux ring road and caught the Gironde Ferry. Looking at the sat nav it saved us 105 miles and an hour and forty minutes. Not only that but it afforded us a moment of relaxation on an otherwise long travel day.

Have you been on the Gironde Ferry? Let me know about your experiences in the comments below.