DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Charles de Gaulle Bridge

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°1
Charles de Gaulle Bridge (Côte d’Ivoire)

Weather…

The Charles de Gaulle Bridge is one of the most vital pieces of infrastructure in Abidjan, the economic powerhouse of Ivory Coast. As a primary crossing over the Ébrié Lagoon, it connects the central business district of Plateau with the bustling district of Treichville to the south. Opened in 1967, the bridge was a milestone in urban development and symbolized the economic boom of the early post-independence years. Spanning approximately 492 meters, it facilitates the movement of tens of thousands of commuters daily, significantly easing urban congestion. The bridge's architecture is functional and robust, designed to withstand the immense pressures of growing traffic volumes over several decades. Named after the French General and President Charles de Gaulle, it serves as a reminder of the historical ties between Ivory Coast and France. In recent years, extensive rehabilitation work has been carried out to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge for future generations. It also gives one of the best vantage points for viewing the Plateau skyline and the active boat traffic on the lagoon.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272828272726252425262727
Rain mm266313015820126098479918311050

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Charles de Gaulle Bridge can be crossed both on foot and by car. The pedestrian walkways are safe and offer a beautiful view of the lagoon.
🕒
Typical hours
As a key urban link, the bridge is open around the clock. Traffic restrictions only apply during major events or construction.
📷
Photography
Photography is possible from the sidewalks and the waterfront promenades. The bridge is especially enchanting at night when the lights reflect on the lagoon.
⏱️
Time needed
A pedestrian crossing takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Those enjoying the view and taking photos should allow 20 to 30 minutes.
➕
Combine with
The bridge connects Plateau with Treichville - explore both districts with their markets and restaurants. The nearby St. Paul's Cathedral is also worth a visit.
🧭
Getting there
The bridge is centrally located in Abidjan - easily reachable by taxi or bus. It's just a few minutes' walk from the Plateau station.
💡
Insider tip
Walk across the bridge in the late afternoon, as the low sun bathes the lagoon in warm light. Avoid peak hours to escape traffic noise.

Geography

Coordinates
5.31200, -4.00450

Facts

  • The bridge was officially inaugurated and opened to traffic on April 1, 1967.
  • It spans a total length of 492 meters across the Ébrié Lagoon.
  • For decades, it was one of only two bridges linking the northern and southern halves of Abidjan.
  • The bridge was constructed using reinforced concrete to handle high traffic loads.
  • A major structural renovation project was completed between 2017 and 2019.
  • It is estimated that over 100,000 vehicles cross the bridge every single day.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

AbidjanAbidjan<1 km · SWExplore →
UNIWAX Textile FactoryUNIWAX Textile Factory2 km · SExplore →
SANIA Palm Oil FactorySANIA Palm Oil Factory2 km · SWExplore →
Alassane Ouattara BridgeAlassane Ouattara Bridge3 km · EExplore →
Hôtel Ivoire TowerHôtel Ivoire Tower3 km · NEExplore →
Henri-Konan-Bédié BridgeHenri-Konan-Bédié Bridge3 km · NExplore →
SOTICI PVC Pipe FactorySOTICI PVC Pipe Factory3 km · WExplore →
Cargill Cocoa FactoryCargill Cocoa Factory4 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Charles de Gaulle Bridge (1)

Piscine d'Etat de Treichville🎡 recreation

Located in the lively Treichville district, this state-run swimming pool complex provides aquatic recreation near the Charles de Gaulle Bridge.

🕒 We 12:30-13:30; Fr 12:30-13:30; Sa 10:30-11:30; Su 11:30-12:

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which districts does the bridge connect?
It connects Plateau and Treichville across the Ébrié Lagoon.
Can you cross the bridge on foot?
Yes, there are sidewalks, but traffic is very heavy and noisy.
Are there tolls?
No, crossing this bridge is toll-free.
How is the view?
It has a great view of the Plateau skyline.
Is the bridge lit up at night?
Yes, it has functional lighting, which looks nice at night.
Charles de Gaulle Bridge: where is it located?
Charles de Gaulle Bridge is located in Côte d’Ivoire.
Charles de Gaulle Bridge: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.
Charles de Gaulle Bridge: why is it worth visiting?
The Charles de Gaulle Bridge is one of the most vital pieces of infrastructure in Abidjan, the economic powerhouse of Ivory Coast.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Côte d’Ivoire →

Nearby cities

Abidjan — Charles de Gaulle Bridge (Côte d’Ivoire)
Abidjan
Economic metropolis of Ivory Coast.
Anyama — Charles de Gaulle Bridge (Côte d’Ivoire)
Anyama
A northern suburb of Abidjan.
Bingerville — Charles de Gaulle Bridge (Côte d’Ivoire)
Bingerville
Former capital during the colonial era.

History & landmarks

Palace of Culture Abidjan — Charles de Gaulle Bridge (Côte d’Ivoire)
Palace of Culture Abidjan
The largest cultural event center in Abidjan, situated right on the lagoon, hosts concerts and theatrical performances.
Treichville War Memorial — Charles de Gaulle Bridge (Côte d’Ivoire)
Treichville War Memorial
An important memorial in Abidjan dedicated to the soldiers who fought and died for France in the World Wars.
🗺️
City Hall of Abidjan
The administrative center of the metropolis of Abidjan, from where the autonomous district is governed.
La Pyramide — Charles de Gaulle Bridge (Côte d’Ivoire)
La Pyramide
A distinctive pyramid-shaped high-rise in Abidjan, built in the 1970s as a symbol of the Ivorian economic miracle.
Postel 2001 Building — Charles de Gaulle Bridge (Côte d’Ivoire)
Postel 2001 Building
Another distinctive high-rise in the heart of Abidjan, which historically served as a headquarters for telecommunications.
Plateau Mosque — Charles de Gaulle Bridge (Côte d’Ivoire)
Plateau Mosque
A prominent Islamic building in the business district of Abidjan, featuring a striking blue roof.
Palace of Justice Abidjan — Charles de Gaulle Bridge (Côte d’Ivoire)
Palace of Justice Abidjan
The main courthouse of Abidjan, located in the Plateau district, which impresses with its formal architecture.
🗺️
CCIA Building
One of the most famous skyscrapers in Abidjan's business district, housing many offices after its comprehensive renovation.

More places

🗺️
SOLIBRA Brewery
The oldest and largest brewery in Ivory Coast, producing beverages for the national market.
UNIWAX Textile Factory — Charles de Gaulle Bridge (Côte d’Ivoire)
UNIWAX Textile Factory
The leading factory for traditional African wax print fabrics (Pagne) in West Africa.
SANIA Palm Oil Factory — Charles de Gaulle Bridge (Côte d’Ivoire)
SANIA Palm Oil Factory
A leading company in the processing of palm oil in West Africa, based in Abidjan.
SOTICI PVC Pipe Factory — Charles de Gaulle Bridge (Côte d’Ivoire)
SOTICI PVC Pipe Factory
The largest factory for PVC and polyethylene pipes in West Africa, essential for water and construction infrastructure.
🗺️
Cargill Cocoa Factory
One of the largest cocoa processing plants in Abidjan, converting raw cocoa into semi-finished products.
FILTISAC Packaging Factory — Charles de Gaulle Bridge (Côte d’Ivoire)
FILTISAC Packaging Factory
A leading manufacturer of jute bags and plastic packaging, essential for cocoa and coffee export.
SIR Oil Refinery — Charles de Gaulle Bridge (Côte d’Ivoire)
SIR Oil Refinery
The Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage in Abidjan is one of West Africa's largest oil refineries.
Port of Abidjan — Charles de Gaulle Bridge (Côte d’Ivoire)
Port of Abidjan
The most important port of Ivory Coast and a central hub for West Africa.