Between Rochefort and Échillais, near the town of Martrou, a unique gondola has been crossing the Charente River since 1900, suspended 50 meters above the water. This structure, known as the Martrou Pont Transbordeur, is a remarkable feat of 19th-century engineering and is now the last of its kind in France. Originally built by engineer Ferdinand Arnodin, the bridge was designed to allow people and vehicles to cross the river without disrupting maritime traffic. At the time, the Rochefort Arsenal and local ports relied on unobstructed river navigation, making a traditional bridge impractical. The solution was a hybrid structure that combined elements of a suspension bridge and a mechanical lift. The bridge was inaugurated in July 1900 after two and a half years of construction. Its design allowed the gondola—a suspended cabin—to move along a rail system between two towering pylons, enabling pedestrians and vehicles to cross without touching the ground. This system allowed the bridge to remain elevated, leaving the river open for boats. At its peak, the bridge could carry up to 16 tons per crossing, including horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians. However, as automobile traffic grew in the mid-20th century, the bridge’s slow gondola system became inefficient. In 1967, it was replaced by a lift bridge, which later collapsed in 1991, making way for the modern Charente Estuary Viaduct. Despite its obsolescence, the Martrou Pont Transbordeur was saved from demolition in 1976 when it was classified as a historical monument. This designation allowed for its preservation and later restoration. A major restoration project between 2016 and 2020 aimed to return the bridge to its original 1900 condition. This involved dismantling and replacing the deck, along with replacing key mechanical components such as suspension cables and carriage wheels. The project, costing about 23.7 million euros, was funded by the French Ministry of Culture and Heritage. Today, the gondola is once again in motion, but only for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge has become a historical and cultural landmark, offering free crossings every 15 minutes. On the Échillais side, an interpretation center provides visitors with insights into the bridge’s history, while the Rochefort side features a viewing area with panoramic views of the structure. The bridge also holds a special place in French cinema, having been used as a set in the film Les Demoiselles de Rochefort. While director Jacques Demy once considered painting the bridge pink for the film, local residents opposed the change, and the bridge’s original dark color was restored during the recent renovation.