The Gironde Delta, Europe's largest estuary in the south-west of , is well- known not only among wine connoisseurs. The region, synonymous with high-class wines, is situated in the Département Gironde, directly at the Atlantic coast. A ferry service runs across a six-kilometer stretch between the picturesque towns of Verdon sur Mer and Royan. This ferry connection saves passengers a detour of approximately 155 kilometers and/or a car trip lasting some three hours. The double-ended ferry La Gironde, fitted with Voith Schneider Propellers (VSP), entered service in 2002.