Rochefort, Charente-Maritime,  about 50 kms north of Cozes, is the location of the famous Pont transbordeur de Rochefort, a ferry-bridge built in 1900 to facilitate the bridging of a river used by tall masted ships.    Above may be seen the gondola (used by foot passengers and small vehicles) that is suspended from a wheeled vehicle, which is hauled across a high gantry to convey the gondola across the river.    The gantry is supported by two pylons on each bank of the river.    There are just six such transporter-bridges remaining in use worldwide.

  

Below: The "Hermione"


 
in a dry dock  at Rochefort, the "Hermione" is a replica, being built to the
original plans, of a nineteenth century warship sunk by the British navy,
during the American War of Independance.
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In an area north-east of La Rochelle (about 25 Kms north of Rochefort) is
a network of rural canals leading to the sea from Coulon near Niort.



Often called the "Green Venice" area, Conducted tours may be taken,
or one may hire a boat and explore at leasure.



One of the many green, leafy, shady, tranquil backwaters.