One aspect of the Paris Métro that stands out is its minimalistic design. Many of the stations are simple white vaults underground without any surface buildings. Some station entrances are marked by art nouveau iron flowers, designed by Hector Guimard in the early 1900s, which add a touch of flamboyance to the overall minimalistic theme. The grandiosity of certain stations reflects a society that highly values engineers and encourages them to make bold and impressive statements, similar to iconic structures like the Eiffel Tower and the Pompidou Centre. This sense of confidence and pride will also be evident in the new stations being built as part of the Grand Paris Express scheme, which will double the length of the Métro by 2030. However, there are already some remarkable examples of design on the existing network.
One such example is the Cité station on Line 4. Because it was not possible to build railway bridges in the heart of Paris, Line 4 had to be constructed underground. The station is located under the river and is made up of three large tanks called caissons. These caissons include vertical ones for access and a lateral one for the platforms. The design of these caissons is unique and adds a distorted version of the traditional Métro vault. The station is illuminated by antique-looking white globes, giving it a captivating atmosphere. There is a disused vertical caisson that adds an intriguing element to the station, while the other caisson resembles a large bucket with rusty water dribbling down the sides. The station is equipped with primitive crisscrossing staircases that lead to the ticket hall, and although there is a lift available, most passengers prefer to walk up the stairs.
Nearby, there is a Vietnamese restaurant called Ha Noi 1988 that offers delicious food in a flower-decked room with a terrace overlooking the Seine. One of their recommended dishes is the Pho du Chef.
Another notable station is Arts et Métiers on Line 11. This station is themed around the concept of being inside Captain Nemo’s submarine. The entire vault is covered in panels of riveted copper and portholes that showcase floating models of machines. The dim lighting adds to the illusion of being submerged deep underwater. Arts et Métiers station was created in 1994 to celebrate the bicentenary of the museum it serves.
Close to the Arts et Métiers station is a museum of technology that is as aesthetically pleasing as an art gallery. In the steam engine section, there are burnished narrow-gauge tramlines on the wooden floor that were originally used for transporting heavy exhibits.
The Mirabeau station on Line 10 is known for its flamboyant features, including the art nouveau signs designed by Hector Guimard. The station is part of a track loop, which allows for intensive service in a specific area. From the station’s platform, you can observe trains coming from town and heading towards the loop as they climb a steep ramp. The trains are tilted and you can see sparks fizzing underneath them, creating a mesmerizing visual.
Near the Mirabeau station, there is a street called rue Jean de la Fontaine that is lined with art nouveau apartment blocks. Several of these buildings were designed by Hector Guimard, including number 14, Castel Béranger, which is considered his masterpiece. Its iron front gate features intricate and decorative curves, similar to Guimard’s iconic Métro signs.
Gare d’Austerlitz on Line 5 offers a theatrical experience for passengers. This section of Line 5 includes a river crossing between Gare d’Austerlitz on the Left Bank and Quai de la Rapée on the Right Bank. The trains emerge above ground after Saint-Marcel and enter the attic of Gare d’Austerlitz mainline station through a skylight. The trains then cross the river on the Viaduc d’Austerlitz, which is a single-span elegant structure. As the trains descend towards Quai de la Rapée station, they pass by the Paris morgue, giving passengers a unique and somewhat macabre view. This downhill stretch of the track is known as “the toboggan” due to its steepness and curves, creating an exciting experience for riders.
Nearby Gare de Lyon is the Jardin des Plantes, a sprawling garden with beautiful hothouses. The garden has an old-world elegance that transports visitors to another era.
Line 6 of the Paris Métro has a spectacular run of elevated stations starting at Passy on the Right Bank. The line crosses the river on Pont de Bir-Hakeim, offering passengers stunning views of the nearby Eiffel Tower. Bir-Hakeim station provides an opportunity to admire the bridge you have just crossed. The lower deck is used for road and pedestrian traffic, while the upper deck carries the Métro trains. The upper deck is supported by stanchions that resemble iron trees. At night, when the lanterns are lit, the station and the bridge create a magical atmosphere.
Close to Bir-Hakeim station is Comptoir Principal, a restaurant that offers saucisson and pomme purée at prices below the norm for the area. The restaurant has a terrace table with views of both the Eiffel Tower and Line 6 trains crossing the ornate viaduct.
Line 14, which opened in 1998, is considered the showpiece of the Paris Métro. Its stations have a futuristic design and are spacious to accommodate future needs. Gare de Lyon station, in particular, features a concrete hall that exudes a sense of severity. Behind a glass screen, there is a large “tropical garden” that is supposedly watered by automatic “thunderstorms”. Line 14 commuters have become accustomed to this unique feature.
Near Gare de Lyon, there is the Train Bleu, a grand station buffet that is known for its lavish interior and frescoes depicting Riviera scenes. It is accessed from the Gare de Lyon concourse via a grand staircase. Beyond the main “gold room,” there is a cozy bar area that resembles a railway carriage. From there, visitors can enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower and watch Line 14 trains pass by.
Overall, the Paris Métro is not only a functional transportation system but also a showcase of beautiful and artistic design.