Pont Jacques-Chaban-Delmas, Vertical-lift bridge in Bordeaux, France
The Jacques-Chaban-Delmas Bridge stretches 575 meters across the Garonne River with its central span rising to a height of 77 meters.
The bridge, designed by architect Charles Lavigne and opened in March 2013, represents the fifth road crossing over the Garonne River in Bordeaux.
Named after a former mayor of Bordeaux, the bridge connects the Bacalan district on the right bank to the Chartrons district on the left bank.
The bridge features dedicated lanes for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, while its lifting mechanism allows large vessels to pass underneath through the Garonne River.
Four concrete towers support the 2,600-ton central metal section, which rises through a system of pulleys balanced by 600-ton counterweights.
Location: Bordeaux
Inception: March 2013
Architects: Charles Lavigne
Official opening: March 2013
Height: 77 m
Length: 575 m
Longest Span: 110 m
Made from material: concrete
Part of: road bridge
GPS coordinates: 44.85828,-0.55180
Latest update: November 28, 2025 14:27
This collection brings together some of the most outstanding transport structures worldwide, representing engineering ingenuity and technical daring from various eras. From the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge of Japan, which holds the global record for span length at 1,991 meters (6,532 feet), to the Landwasser Viaduct in Switzerland, built in 1902 and opening directly into a mountain tunnel, each structure tells a story of overcoming geographical challenges. These constructions connect areas separated by bays, straits, deep valleys, or waterways. The Hangzhou Bay Bridge in China stretches 36 kilometers (22 miles) across the waters of the East China Sea, while the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in the United States cleverly combines two modes of crossing over 37 kilometers (23 miles). In Scotland, the Forth Bridge has spanned the estuary since 1890 with its three distinctive steel cantilever spans, and in Bordeaux, the Jacques Chaban-Delmas Bridge stands out as Europe's tallest bascule bridge. Beyond facilitating transport, these structures have become visual landmarks and destinations in their own right. The Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado overlooks the Arkansas River by 955 feet (291 meters), while London's Millennium Bridge offers a direct pedestrian route between the Tate Modern and Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Each of these sites warrants a visit to appreciate the scope of technical achievement they embody.
City of light and stone, Bordeaux tells a piece of French history with every street. From the gilded facades of the 18th century to the redesigned quays along the Garonne, the Gironde capital combines classic elegance with modern dynamism. Strolls can be enjoyed among the columns of the Grand Théâtre, the reflections on the Water Mirror, the streets of Old Bordeaux, and the lively terraces of Saint-Pierre. Here, wine is not just a beverage; it's a culture. The Cité du Vin, museums, and traders remind us that vineyards have shaped the identity of an entire region. Bordeaux is also a forward-looking city, influenced by alternative venues like Darwin, bustling markets, and UNESCO-listed heritage. A city that embodies both tradition and innovation, blending art, cuisine, and river calmness.
Bordeaux offers photographers a range of subjects spanning from medieval architecture to contemporary structures. The medieval Porte Cailhau and the Grosse Cloche represent the city's historic gateways, while the Pont de Pierre, the oldest bridge in the city, crosses the Garonne River. The Place de la Bourse with its Miroir d'Eau attracts visitors and photographers alike. The Basilica of Saint-Michel dominates the southern district with its freestanding bell tower, and the Grand Théâtre displays neoclassical design at Place de la Comédie. The city also presents its Roman past at the Palais Gallien, an ancient amphitheater ruin, as well as the Pey-Berland Tower beside the cathedral. Along the waterfront, Quai Richelieu and Quai des Chartrons provide perspectives on the river and the historic warehouses of the wine trade. The Jardin Public represents a formal urban park, while more recent developments such as the Cité du Vin and the modern Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas showcase contemporary Bordeaux. From the pedestrian Rue Sainte-Catherine to hidden passages like Passage Sarget, the city offers numerous opportunities for different photographic approaches.
Cité du Vin
485 m
Bassins de Lumières
1.5 km
Darwin ecosystem
1.2 km
Base sous-marine de Bordeaux
1.4 km
Les Halles de Bacalan
536 m
Jardin botanique de Bordeaux
1.6 km
Cap Sciences
239 m
Saint-Louis-des-Chartrons
1.8 km
Musée Mer marine
940 m
Temple des Chartrons
1.9 km
Entrepôt Lainé
1.9 km
SENSAS Bordeaux
1.1 km
Jardin botanique de la Bastide
1.6 km
Hôtel Fenwick
1.8 km
La Fabrique Pola
378 m
Formes de radoub de Bordeaux
853 m
Maison hollandaise, 28 quai des Chartrons
1.7 km
Musée de l'Histoire Maritime de Bordeaux
1.4 km
Halle des magasins généraux
1.3 km
Magasin aux vivres de Bordeaux
713 m
Église orthodoxe grecque de Bordeaux
1.5 km
Musée du Vin et du Négoce
1.4 km
Marché des quais de Bordeaux Chartrons
1.5 km
Église Saint-Rémi de Bordeaux
1.3 km
Sainte-Marie de la Bastide
1.7 km
Distillerie Sécrestat
1.1 km
Passage quai des Chartrons, Bordeaux
1.3 km
Immeuble, 116 quai des Chartrons
990 mReviews
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