You may not have known it, but the first metro line went into service in 1900. Linking Porte de Vincennes to Porte Maillot, this very first line enabled its users to access the 1900 Olympic Games. Almost 120 years later, there are now no fewer than 16 metro lines , including 302 stations. While we usually complain about certain lines on the Paris metro – sometimes considered dirty or hellish – why not highlight those that stand out for their history, architecture and beauty…
The most beautiful Paris Metro stations:
đź“Ť Louvre-Rivoli station, line 1
Why we love itâť“
It’s one of the most beautiful stations on the Paris metro… Created in 1968 on the initiative of AndrĂ© Malraux, the Louvre-Rivoli station was given a facelift in 2016, with a new layout and 9 new statues.
đź“Ť Arts et MĂ©tiers station, line 11
Why we love itâť“
Inspired by the world of Jules Vernes, the Arts et MĂ©tiers station takes you into the world of Belgian artist François Schuiten. The station’s copper plates and portholes give it a submarine look…
Among the most beautiful Paris Metro stations: đź“Ť Pont Neuf line 7
Why we love itâť“
Station Pont Neuf was created in Paris in 1926. Since then, imposing coins have appeared from one quay to the other, evoking the Monnaie de Paris, whose headquarters – the HĂ´tel de la Monnaie – is just across the street. We’re particularly fond of admiring the coin display cases and the old money balance…
đź“Ť Concorde station, line 12
Why we love itâť“
In Paris, Concorde station takes you on a journey to the heart of the 1789 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Here, in 1990, artist Françoise Schein spread this fundamental text across the entire surface of the vault and walls, letter by letter.
đź“Ť Bir Hakeim station
Why we love itâť“
Formerly known as Grenelle station, it wasn’t until 1949 that this Parisian station took on the name we all know today: Bir Hakeim. For Bir Hakeim station, American artist Judy Ledgerwood designed a work of painted glass entitled Night and Day, which lets in light day and night.
📍 Cité station, line 4
Why we love itâť“
Located 20 meters below ground, the Cité station is enchanting with its lampposts, giving us the impression of being transported to another time. See you on line 4!
đź“Ť Bastille station, line 1
Why we love itâť“
On line 1, Bastille station refers to history, its history. A magnificent fresco depicts the various stages in the storming of the Bastille. Would you like another shot of history before taking the metro?
đź“Ť Franklin D Roosevelt station, line 1
Why we love itâť“
Franklin D. Roosevelt station was given a facelift when Line 1 was automated. We love its gilding and subdued lighting.
đź“Ť Abbesses station
Why we love itâť“
With its white and blue earthenware and yellow seats, Abbesses is the epitome of a typical Parisian metro station. But did you know that the Abbesses station was also the deepest in Paris, lying 36 metres below ground? Inaugurated in 1912, today we like to see the light at the end of the tunnel by admiring its splendid murals.
đź“Ť Gare de Lyon station, line 14, one of the most beautiful metro stations in Paris
Why we love itâť“
In 2017, Gare de Lyon station went green with an underground tropical greenhouse. A nice change from the urban jungle!
đź“Ť Cluny la Sorbonne line 10
Why we love itâť“
On line 10, Concorde station is obviously one of Paris’s most beautiful metro stations. Look up to admire Jean Bazaine’s mosaics bearing the signatures of famous Sorbonne students such as Rimbaud, Sartre and George Sand…