The Île de Ré railway (also known in French as the ‘Petit Train de l’Île de Ré) served the island known as the Île de Ré, which lies off La Rochelle, on the west coast of France. The railway ran between Sablanceaux (Rivedoux Plage) and Les Portes en Ré, also serving the main towns of Saint Martin de Ré and Ars en Ré. The line was about 36.5 km in length (excluding minor branches to La Flotte and Baleines lighthouse). History of the Line The proposal to build a railway on the Île de Ré island was first discussed in 1877 by the Conseil General de la Charente Inferieure, to provide a service for the vineyards and to improve the transport of salt from the ‘salines’ to the ports. Discussions continued for over 20 years and the railway was eventually authorised and built by the Compagnie de Chemin de Fer Économiques de Charentes during 1896-1898 and was opened on 9 July 1898. With the introduction of road buses and motor lorries to the island, and with increasing financial difficulties, the train service was reduced from 1929 and ceased in 1934. In 1936, the track was lifted between Sablanceaux and St.Martin. In 1942, during the World War II occupation, the line from St.Martin to Les Portes was brought back into service and the Sablanceaux to St.Martin section was restored. The whole line finally closed in June 1947. Train Operations The railway served the settlements of Les Portes en Ré, Saint-Clément des Baleines, Ars en Ré, Loix (le Feneau), La Couarde, Le Bois, La Noue, La Flotte, Saint Martin de Ré, Sainte-Marie, Rivedoux and Sablanceaux. At the start of the 20th century, 2 trains per day completed the return journey. Locomotives and Rolling Stock At the opening of the line, four locomotives were used, supplemented by a fifth in 1904. There were 11 passenger coaches, of which one provided first class accommodation. Two or three vans were used for baggage, and 24 for merchandise. The wartime revival of 1942-1947 used a rail-converted lorry to carry passengers, accompanied by a trailer for goods. Infrastructure and stations The metre gauge track was laid directly onto the ground surface, and in some parts of the route, along roads. There was no active signalling on the line. In order to improve safety at the entrance to St.Martin, through the Porte Thoiras, a regulation was made that