Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas crosses the Garonne in northern Bordeaux, linking the riverbanks near the Cité du Vin. Opened in 2013, it is Europe’s tallest vertical-lift bridge: its central span rises to let large ships pass. Wide paths outside the four support towers give pedestrians and cyclists space to cross and look along the river. Pause on the bridge for views of Bordeaux, the Cité du Vin and Pont d’Aquitaine, or come after dark to see the structure illuminated. Check the lifting schedule if you want to see it in operation.
A lifting bridge over the Garonne
Opened in 2013, Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas is one of Bordeaux’s newest river crossings. It is a vertical-lift bridge, built to let cruise ships and tall sailing vessels continue along the Garonne. When a ship needs to pass, the central section rises clear of the waterway.
The bridge is 575 metres long and 77 metres high. Four support towers carry the lifting span and guide its movement. It is described as Europe’s tallest vertical-lift bridge, a large-scale piece of engineering that is easy to appreciate from the riverbank as well as from the crossing itself.
The bridge takes its name from Jacques Chaban-Delmas, who was mayor of Bordeaux from 1947 to 1995 and served as prime minister under President Georges Pompidou. Its 2013 opening followed ten years of studies and construction.
Walking and cycling across
Wide cantilevered walkways run outside the support towers and are reserved for people on foot and bicycles. From these paths, you can look across the riverbanks and see the bridge’s four towers up close. From a distance, the deck reads as a simple line across the water, with the towers rising above it.
The crossing gives views towards the Cité du Vin, Pont d’Aquitaine and the city of Bordeaux. Benches provide places to pause and take in the river. The bridge also fits into longer walks along the Garonne: a riverside route connects it with Pont de Pierre and passes former harbour areas now used as parks and leisure spaces, including the Botanical Garden.
If you want to see the lift in action, check the schedule on the bridge’s website before setting out. The central span rises for maritime traffic, so a visit timed to a ship passage gives you a view of the bridge changing from road crossing to open channel.
The bridge after sunset
The bridge is illuminated at night, and its lighting uses energy-efficient LEDs designed to bring out the clean lines of the structure. Sunset is another good time to pause by the river, with views towards the old town and across the water. The paths and benches make it possible to stay and watch the changing light rather than simply cross.
The bridge is an outdoor stop, so you can take it in from the riverbanks or walk across without arranging a tour. Going up the towers is a different matter: access may require special permission or a guided tour. Check with the relevant organiser before making plans around an ascent.
Häufige Fragen
Can you walk or cycle across Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas?
Yes. Wide paths outside the support towers are reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.
How can you see the bridge lift?
Check the lifting schedule on the bridge’s website and plan your visit around a ship passage.
Can visitors go to the top of the bridge?
Access may require special permission or a guided tour. Ask ahead if you want to go up.
When is a good time to visit?
Sunset and after dark are good times for river views and to see the illuminated bridge.
