The Paris Métro is characterized by its minimalist design, creating a sense of elegance throughout the underground stations. Unlike in other cities, there are no surface buildings near most of the stations, allowing the beauty of the streets to remain untarnished. Some stations, however, have unique entrances adorned with art nouveau iron flowers that are reminiscent of the works of Hector Guimard. These flowers add a touch of flamboyance to the overall minimalistic aesthetic.
The grandeur and theatricality of certain stations reflect a society that highly values and respects engineers, as seen in monumental structures like the Eiffel Tower and the Pompidou Centre. This same sense of confidence and boldness can be found in the new stations being built as part of the Grand Paris Express scheme, which is set to double the mileage of the Métro by 2030. However, even on the existing network, there are numerous remarkable examples of station designs.
One such example is Cité on Line 4. Due to the inability to construct railway bridges in the heart of Paris, Line 4 had to pass under the river in large waterproof tanks called caissons. The Cité station consists of three caissons: two vertical ones for access and a lateral one for the platforms. The lateral caisson creates a distorted version of the traditional Métro vault and is illuminated with antique-looking white globes. The vertical caissons have a disused appearance and resemble a riveted metal bucket, complete with rusty water dribbling down the sides and intricate staircases ascending in a maze-like manner. While a lift is available, many passengers prefer to climb the stairs, a common practice for Parisians living in tall buildings.
In close proximity to Cité is Ha Noi 1988, a Vietnamese restaurant with a charming flower-decked room and a terrace that offers a view of the Seine. The Pho du Chef dish is highly recommended for those dining there.
Arts et Métiers on Line 11 showcases the epitome of Métro grandeur. The platforms are designed to resemble Captain Nemo’s submarine, with riveted copper panels and portholes through which models of machines float dreamily. The dim lighting adds to the illusion of being deep underwater. This remarkable design was created in 1994 to commemorate the bicentenary of the museum served by the station.
Near Arts et Métiers is a museum of technology that rivals an art gallery in terms of aesthetics. Visitors are encouraged to explore the steam engine section, where they can admire the burnished narrow-gauge tramlines on the wooden floor, once used for transporting heavy exhibits.
Mirabeau on Line 10 stands out for its track loop system, which provides an intensive service to a specific area. At Mirabeau, Line 10 splits to form the loop. Passengers can board trains heading back towards the city, while also witnessing trains coming from the city and heading onto the loop. This particular stretch of the track is on a steep ramp, giving the illusion of trains climbing as they emerge from under the river. The station platform allows passengers to observe the tracks in front of them, with trains tilting as they zoom by, creating sparks that flicker like fireflies.
Near Mirabeau, there is a charming street called rue Jean de la Fontaine that is lined with art nouveau apartment blocks. Several of these buildings, including numbers 14, 17, 9, 21, and 60, are the work of Hector Guimard. The masterpiece of his design is Castel Béranger at number 14, with its iron front gate adorned with intricate curves. It’s easy to imagine Guimard’s Metro triffids emerging from this building and captivating the whole of Paris.
Gare d’Austerlitz on Line 5 offers a theatrical highlight, especially during its river crossing between the Left Bank and the Right Bank. After Saint-Marcel, the trains emerge from the underground and enter the attic of the Gare d’Austerlitz mainline station through a skylight. From there, they cross the river on the elegant Viaduc d’Austerlitz, descending towards the Quai de la Rapée station. During this descent, the trains pass by the Paris morgue, which tries to blend in inconspicuously with the riverbank. This section of the journey is affectionately known as “the toboggan.” Feel free to ride it multiple times to fully appreciate the experience.
Near Gare d’Austerlitz, visitors can enjoy the leisurely gardens of Jardin des Plantes, known for their old-world elegance. The hothouses in the gardens are particularly noteworthy and have a small admission fee.
Bir-Hakeim on Line 6 offers a stunning view of the adjacent Eiffel Tower as the train emerges from a tunnel at Passy on the Right Bank. The viaduct known as Pont de Bir-Hakeim provides a unique perspective of the city and transforms into an enchanting forest at night when the lanterns hanging from its iron trees illuminate the surroundings.
For those wanting a culinary experience near Bir-Hakeim, Comptoir Principal offers saucisson and pomme purée at prices lower than the average for the area. Its location on a corner allows for a terrace table with views of the Eiffel Tower on one side and Line 6 trains passing over the ornate viaduct on the other.
Line 14 is considered the masterpiece of the existing network. Its stations resemble sets from a science fiction film and have been designed to be future-proof. Upon descending the glittering escalator at Gare de Lyon, passengers are greeted by a concrete hall of great severity. To the right, behind a glass screen, lies a large “tropical garden” that is supposedly watered by regular automatic “thunderstorms.” The Gare de Lyon station on Line 14 is a sight to behold, and frequent commuters are accustomed to its unique features.
Within close proximity to Gare de Lyon, there is the Train Bleu, a station buffet reminiscent of a bygone era. The gilded interior and frescoes depicting scenes from the Riviera create a sumptuous atmosphere. Beyond the main “gold room” is a cozy bar that resembles a railway carriage and provides a more affordable option for a glass of wine.
The Paris Métro is a testament to the city’s commitment to engineering and design. Each station tells a unique story, and exploring the underground network is a journey that unveils the hidden treasures of Paris.
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