How would one go from Paris to Ile de Re by train, TGV if possible? Is the Ile just a boat basin or are there other features, restaurants? What city is the nearest to it?

Cigalechante, thanks for prior information.

Take a train to La Rochelle, then a bus. Le Rochelle is a good place to stay with a picturesque harbour surrounded by cafés and restaurants. The island is a fair size with several small towns and villages; it is linked by a bridge to the mainland. Check train schedules on www.bahn.de or schedules and fares on the much slower SNCF site, www.sncf.com.

Geoff,
Thanks. I am thinking of stopping here on our way to Avignon and Provence. Looks like there is no TGV service to La Rochelle--would you know?

Anthony

I'm sure there are TGVs to La Rochelle, but they may only go there in summer or on certain days of the week. If you look at the connections on the DB or SNCF web sites, you can see what services go there and whether you have to change from a TGV to a local train.

As mentioned in response to your previous post, there are a few direct trains every day from Paris to La Rochelle; in addition, you can also change trains at Poitiers station. TGVs leave from Montparnasse station and take around 3 and a half to four hours to get to La Rochelle. From La Rochelle to the Ile de Ré you would then need to take a taxi, hire a car or go by local bus. Bridge toll is around 18 euros.

The island is a hugely popular tourist destination. Many excellent restaurants (fish and seafood). Entire island is covered with cycle paths. Many pretty towns and villages, including Ars en Ré, la Flotte, La Couarde, St Martin (the capital), le Bois Plage, etc. Many cute shops, bars and restaurants around the harbour in St Martin, for example. Biking, horseriding and watersports are all possible. Some excellent beaches (water is a bit chilly though).
Island supposedly has its own "micro-climate" - but can be very windy.