Porte Maillot

Porte Maillot metro station

The Porte Maillot metro station is part of the Paris metro network, located in the 17th arrondissement. It is located at Porte Maillot, a historic gateway to the city of Paris in the west of the capital.

The Porte Maillot metro station is served by line 1 of the Paris metro, which crosses the city from east to west. It is an important stopping point, as it is close to several sites of interest. For example, the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées are within walking distance of the station.

Porte Maillot station also offers connections with other modes of transport. It is part of the Paris-Gallieni international bus station, from which many national and international buses depart. It is also a transfer point for the RER C, which connects with various districts of Paris and the western suburbs.

The Porte Maillot metro station is a popular stop for travelers and tourists alike, thanks to its strategic location and connections with other means of transport.

 The current station is made up of two parallel stations, each of standard configuration with two platforms separated by the metro tracks under an elliptical vault. The trains run on the outer tracks, the others being used as a terminus or garage. Decoration is in the style used for most metro stations: the lighting strips are white and rounded in the “Gaudin” style of the 2000s metro revival (with the exception of the one on the southern platform of the north station), and beveled white ceramic tiles cover the pedestals, vault and spandrels. The advertising frames are brown ceramic, and the station name is written in Parisine font on enameled plates. The platforms are fitted with yellow “Akiko” seats, and are fully equipped with platform doors, as is the northern platform of the southern station (the fourth, bordered by a dead-end track on the east side, has facade modules only at the ends, on the spaces not covered by the trains parked there).

The station has seven entrances.

Inauguration of the station

The Porte Maillot metro station was inaugurated on July 19, 1900. It was part of the first Paris metro line, line 1, which ran from Porte de Vincennes to Porte Maillot. This line was opened for the Paris Universal Exhibition held in 1900. Since then, Porte Maillot station has continued to operate and welcome passengers on line 1 of the Paris metro.

Where does the name come from ?

The name of the Porte Maillot metro station comes from the nearby gate of the same name. The Porte Maillot is one of the ancient gateways to Paris, originally built into the city’s fortifications. It was located to the west of Paris, marking the entrance to the road leading to the town of Maillot, hence its name.

The gate owes its name to the Maillot family, owners of a nearby estate. Over time, the name became associated with the surrounding neighborhood, becoming Porte Maillot. When line 1 of the metro was built, a station was created at this location and named after the neighboring gate.

Thus, the Porte Maillot metro station takes its name from the historic gate nearby, which is associated with the Maillot family and the road leading to Maillot.

Where to go from Porte Maillot ?

From the Porte Maillot metro station, you have several options for exploring Paris and the surrounding area:

1. Arc de Triomphe: The Arc de Triomphe can be reached on foot from Porte Maillot station in just a few minutes. It’s one of Paris’s most emblematic monuments, offering panoramic views of the city from its summit.
2. Champs-Élysées: Continuing from the Arc de Triomphe, you can stroll along the Champs-Élysées avenue. This famous avenue is lined with boutiques, cafés, cinemas and monuments.
3. Palais des Congrès : Located right next to the Porte Maillot station, the Palais des Congrès is a convention and event center that hosts shows, exhibitions, concerts and other cultural events.
4. Bois de Boulogne: If you want to enjoy nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the Bois de Boulogne is just a short walk from Porte Maillot station. This large park offers green spaces, lakes, gardens, footpaths and a variety of outdoor activities.
5. La Défense: Take metro line 1 from Porte Maillot to La Défense, one of Paris’s main business districts. Here you’ll find modern skyscrapers, shopping centers, restaurants and the famous Arche de la Défense.
6. Other Paris destinations: By taking line 1, you can easily reach other Paris sights such as the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Tuileries Gardens and many more.

What’s more, Porte Maillot station is a transfer point for the RER C and the Paris-Gallieni international bus station, offering you the chance to travel further afield in France or abroad.

Numerous public transport lines pass through this metro station: RER C, RATP buses 73, 82, PC, 244 and 274.

What’s nearby ?

The Porte Maillot metro station is surrounded by many nearby sites and attractions. Here are some of the places of interest located near the station:

1. Palais des Congrès : Right next to Porte Maillot station is the Palais des Congrès, a convention and events center that hosts shows, exhibitions, conferences and other cultural events.
2. Bois de Boulogne: The Bois de Boulogne is a vast park to the west of Paris, accessible from Porte Maillot station. This park offers vast green spaces, lakes, gardens, walking trails, picnic areas, outdoor activities and even attractions such as the Jardin d’Acclimatation and Parc de Bagatelle.
3. Arc de Triomphe: A few minutes’ walk from Porte Maillot station will take you to the Arc de Triomphe. This emblematic Paris landmark is located on the Place Charles de Gaulle, offering panoramic views of the Champs-Élysées and the city.
4. Avenue des Champs-Élysées : From the Arc de Triomphe, you can walk down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. This famous avenue is renowned for its luxury boutiques, cafés, cinemas, restaurants and tourist attractions.
5. Fondation Louis Vuitton: Not far from Porte Maillot station is the Fondation Louis Vuitton, a contemporary art museum and cultural center designed by architect Frank Gehry. It houses exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, as well as artistic and cultural events.
6. La Défense: By taking metro line 1 from Porte Maillot, you can get to La Défense, Paris’ business district, known for its modern skyscrapers, shopping malls, restaurants and the Arche de la Défense.

These are just some of the attractions and sites to be discovered within easy reach of the Porte Maillot metro station.