World Wide Panorama - Bridges - September 2004

Pont Martrou - built between 1898 and 1900 by Ferdinand Arnodin

This bridge, tries to solve the eternal problem - build a bridge over a river without hindering boats. It uses a 'nacelle section' which is slung under the raised bridge via steel cable. The nacelle moves across the river when there are no boats. It is one of only 4 such bridges in Europe. Unable to cope with modern traffic needs it was replaced by a newer rising road bridge in 1967. It in turn was replaced by the current viaduct in 1991. These panoramas show the various solutions over the river Charente during the last century.

Special thanks to

Mr. Bernard Piguel - 'Le Nacellier' - the bridge operator - for his assistance.

Karine at the 'Maison du Transbordeur'

You can eat at the cafe on the north bank, cross on the bridge by foot or on bicycle and visit the museum on the south bank.

Maison du Transbordeur - rue de Martrou - 17620 Echillais
Tel. 05 46 83 30 86 - email

This is the original we submitted to the World Wide Panorama - but also available here on our site

Panorama 1 - view from the actual 'Nacelle' in the middle of the Charente - full 360 by 180 degree panorama.

We also have five additional panoramas for you to see.

Panorama 2 - view from the south bank of the Charente as the 'Nacelle' crosses - full 360 by 180 degree panorama.

Panorama 3 - view from near the Museum on the south bank of the Charente as the 'Nacelle' crosses.

Panorama 4 - view from the dismantled 1967 bridge showing the 1991 viaduct

Panorama 5 - view from the north bank, near the cafe and motor house as the 'Nacelle' crosses.

Panorama 6 - Special Panorama which links all the above panoramas using active click points

Show Pont Martrou on Google Maps