Bordeaux Pont de Pierre works: Everything that will change for your travels in summer 2026

This summer, Bordeaux continues its transformation! From Tuesday, June 23rd to Sunday, August 30th, 2026, a new phase of major works begins. While the tram network is generally more fluid than last summer, the Pont de Pierre area becomes the heart of a historic consolidation project.

Why this work? The Pont de Pierre, a masterpiece commissioned by Napoleon I, is sinking by a few millimeters each year. To save this iconic landmark, the Greater Lyon Metropolitan Area is undertaking a 52-month project. This summer, the objective is twofold: to reinforce the foundations of the piers and to modernize the transport infrastructure.

This article details the affected lines (A and E), transport alternatives and how to continue to enjoy Bordeaux's tourist attractions despite the construction work.

THE DATES AND LINES CONCERNED BY THE RULING

Unlike in the summer of 2025, lines C, D and F are running normally. The major disruption is concentrated on the crossing of the Garonne via the Pont de Pierre from June 23 to August 30, 2026.

Here are the lines specifically affected:

• Line A, interrupted between Sainte-Catherine and Stalingrad stations.
• Line E, interrupted on the same section between the left bank and the right bank.

SAVE THE STONE BRIDGE: AN EXCEPTIONAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

After 200 years of service, the bridge is in urgent need of repair. Piers 7 through 16 are settling, and erosion from the Garonne River is weakening the structure. This €50 million project involves divers, stonemasons, and drillers to:

1. Reinforce the foundations with the installation of 16 micropiles per pile, driven 9.5 meters below the riverbed.
2. Re-sealing the deck to stop water leaks.
3. Protect the piers from erosion by installing new riprap.

THE CONSEQUENCES FOR VISITORS AND TOURISTS

Bordeaux remains a top destination this summer. If you're visiting the city, here's how to access the must-see sites despite the ongoing work on the Pont de Pierre:

• The Aquitaine Museum and Saint-André Cathedral are still accessible via line B (not affected).
• The CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art and the Place de la Bourse are normally served by lines C and D this summer (unlike last year), as is the Water Mirror.
• The Cité du Vin is normally accessible via line B.
• The Darwin district and the Right Bank: from the city centre, access is either on foot/bike via the bridge, or via river shuttles or shuttle buses from Stalingrad.

TRANSPORT ALTERNATIVES: HOW TO CROSS?

TBM is deploying a comprehensive system to compensate for the interruption of tram lines A and E:

• Relay buses provide service between the two banks with increased frequency.
• The BATO (River Shuttles) is an ideal and picturesque alternative. A shuttle bus runs between Stalingrad and Quinconces every 25 minutes. Wheelchair accessible.
• The Mobi'Vélo: this free bike taxi service for people with reduced mobility (excluding wheelchairs) and the most vulnerable, between Stalingrad and Sainte-Catherine (7am-8pm, 10am on Sundays).
• Bike sharing: additional stations are installed at either end of the bridge. Allow approximately 10 minutes to walk across.

TIPS FOR YOUR JOURNEYS FROM THE TRAIN STATION AND THE AIRPORT

• From Gare Saint-Jean to the city center, good news! Lines C and D are running normally this summer. It's the most direct route.
• From Gare Saint-Jean to Bordeaux-Mérignac airport: use tram C or D to Porte de Bourgogne, then line A (beware of the break at Pont de Pierre) or favour the 30'Direct Shuttle from the station, which remains the simplest solution.