The footbridge in La Rochelle is part of a redevelopment scheme along the edges of the railway, the entrance to the station and its public areas. The bridge is not a mere functional connector; instead, it is part and parcel of a broader pattern of walks and footpaths. Continuing on from the station’s public concourses, the footbridge forms a locale in its own right, reaching beyond the standard practical uses of the station. Supple and graceful, curved and tensile, it seems to span the rails with a minimum of effort. Its relationship to its context, expressed via ramps and stairs, will make it possible to incorporate forthcoming programmes (bike lanes, ticket offices, shops, etc.). Sheltered from the elements and wider than a purely functional thoroughfare, it effectively expresses the link between the two sides of the railway and becomes a fully-fledged public space at the point where it doubles in width. This provides a place to pause for a while, suspended above the tracks, allowing users to enjoy a unique view over the city which, depending on the direction in which they are walking, either welcomes them or bids them farewell. The footbridge thus occupies a unique position, providing a particular visual sequence and a unique experience for users in relation to the surrounding cityscape.