These are crossings like no other. They’re practical, economical and unusual! Along the loops of the Seine, eight links allow motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to cross the river by bac.
What exactly is a bac?
A bac is a flat-bottomed boat typical of Normandy. It allows locals and passing visitors to cross the River Seine at several key points. Taking the ferry is something of a tradition. Until 1959 and the construction of the Pont de Tancarville, the Seine between Rouen and Le Havre could only be crossed by these boats. Historically, the first steam-powered ferries date back to the end of the 19th century at Caudebec-en-Caux, Duclair, Quillebeuf and La Mailleraye.
There are currently six river bacs and two sea bacs (which carry lorries) along the River Seine. The river ferries can accommodate an average of ten vehicles and around fifty pedestrians. This represents several million passengers a year for the whole department!
The 8 bacs in Seine-Maritime
- Quillebeuf-sur-Seine <> Port-Jérôme
- Heurteauville <> Yainville
- Heurteauville <> Jumièges
- Yville-sur-Seine <> Le Mesnil-sous-Jumièges
- Berville-sur-Seine <> Duclair
- La Bouille <> Sahurs
- Petit-Couronne <> Val-de-la-Haye
- Le Grand-Quevilly <> Canteleu Dieppedalle
5 ideas for outings
- Cycle along the River Seine and discover the landscapes that inspired the Impressionist painters.
- Discover the Route des Fruits (the Fruit Route) in the heart of the Parc naturel régional des boucles de la Seine Normande and taste local produce (cherries, plums, strawberries, apples, etc.).
- Treat yourself to a good restaurant and stroll through the narrow streets of the charming village of La Bouille. There are about ten places to choose from. Our favourites are Les Gastronomes and Le Saint Pierre.
- Visit the impressive Jumièges Abbey, the Château du Taillis near Duclair or the Matmut Contemporary Art Centre in Saint-Pierre-de-Varengeville.
- Enjoy the family activities on offer at the Jumièges-Le Mesnil leisure park during the summer season.
Good to know
- Crossings are free of charge.
- They are open to cars and motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and even horses on certain routes (ferry 17 between Jumièges and Heurteauville has a special surface for horses to cross). Caravans are generally allowed, but please check with staff before boarding.
- Some lines are not open on Sundays.
- There is no service on 1 May.
Timetables
The 76 Pocket application for smartphones and the www.inforoute76.fr website allow you to keep up to date with the latest news, timetables and traffic disruptions in real time. The services may be disrupted, especially in bad weather.
Thematics