Passerelle Nelson Mandela, Bicycle and pedestrian bridge in La Rochelle, France.
Passerelle Nelson Mandela is a pedestrian and bicycle bridge made of steel and concrete that spans 300 meters across the water. Its asymmetrical design features a main span of 90 meters supported by a single pylon rising from the water, creating a distinctive profile.
The bridge was developed during the 2010s to improve connections between different neighborhoods that were previously difficult to cross. Its completion marked an important shift in how the city links its communities together.
The bridge carries Nelson Mandela's name and links different neighborhoods while representing values of connection and openness in daily urban life. Walkers and cyclists pass through a space that reflects these ideals as they cross between previously isolated communities.
The bridge is designed with accessibility in mind and features gentle slopes suitable for people with different mobility needs. Walkers and cyclists benefit from good sightlines across the water, especially during daylight hours.
A single 28-meter pylon rises from the water and creates a striking shape that aligns with the tree lines around it. This slender support becomes an instantly recognizable landmark when viewed from different parts of the city.
Location: La Rochelle
Address: All. des Tamaris, 17000 La Rochelle, France
GPS coordinates: 46.15188,-1.16068
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:06
La Rochelle documents over seven centuries of French maritime history through its medieval fortifications and Renaissance architecture. The old port is guarded by three stone towers from the 14th and 15th centuries - the Saint Nicolas Tower, the Tour de la Chaîne, and the Lantern Tower - which once controlled access to the sea. The Great Clock Gate from 1476 connects the harbor front to the old city streets. The city center preserves buildings from the 16th through 18th centuries, with arcaded passages along Rue du Palais and Rue des Merciers. The Fontaine des Pilori dates from the 16th century, while the City Hall features Renaissance facades from 1595. The Musée du Nouveau Monde examines La Rochelle's transatlantic trade connections. The Les Minimes marina now serves more than 5,000 boats, making it one of the largest yacht harbors on the French Atlantic coast. The modern Passerelle Nelson Mandela, opened in 1993, carries pedestrians across the main harbor. Beyond the city center, the bridge to Île de Ré extends roughly 2 miles (3 kilometers) across the Bay of Biscay.
Aquarium de La Rochelle
797 m
Tour Saint-Nicolas
706 m
Vieux-Port de La Rochelle
701 m
Tour de la Lanterne
511 m
Tour de la Chaîne
664 m
Musée maritime de La Rochelle
783 m
Grosse Horloge
880 m
Parc Animalier Charles-Édouard Beltremieux
626 m
La Coursive/Scène Nationale La Rochelle
696 m
France I
692 m
Prefecture hotel of Charente-Maritime
680 m
Musée des modèles réduits
339 m
Clocher Saint-Jean de la Rochelle
641 m
Parc Charruyer
595 m
Plage de la Concurrence
340 m
Casino Municipal
613 m
Église des Carmes
731 m
Bastion du Gabut
661 m
Porte des deux moulins de la rochelle
402 m
Hôtel Leclerc, La Rochelle
834 m
Hôtel particulier, 15 rue Verdière, La Rochelle
791 m
Villa Alsace, La Rochelle
583 m
Slipway
710 m
Admiral Duperré
884 m
The Wave
242 m
World War I Memorial
868 m
La Rochelle front range light
787 m
Reviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes