Saint-Paul

Saint-Paul metro station

The Saint-Paul metro station is located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, France. It is located on line 1 of the Paris metro. The station is close to the famous Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, Paris City Hall and the Marais district.

The Saint-Paul metro station is one of the oldest in the Paris network, having opened in 1900 to coincide with the Universal Exhibition. It takes its name from the proximity of the Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis church, just a few steps away.

The Saint-Paul metro station is an important access point for tourists and locals alike, providing access to many of the French capital’s historical and cultural sites. The nearby Marais district is known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, art galleries, trendy boutiques and lively cafés.

In short, the Saint-Paul metro station in Paris is a station in the metro network that serves the Marais district and offers convenient access to many of the city’s sights.

Saint-Paul is a standard configuration station, with two platforms separated by the metro tracks and an elliptical vault. A 15-meter-long crypt, whose ceiling rests on closely-spaced pillars, has extended the station at its eastern end since the switch to six-car trains in the 1960s, and a skylight just beyond brings in some daylight. The 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, and beveled white ceramic tiles cover the pedestals and spandrels. The vaulting is white, while the crypt columns are covered in small, dark tiles. The advertising frames are in white ceramic, and the station name is inscribed in Parisine font on backlit panels incorporated into wood-trimmed boxes. The platforms are equipped with green “Akiko” seats and landing doors.

The station has a single entrance.

Inauguration of the station

Saint-Paul metro station was inaugurated on July 19, 1900, when the first Paris metro line (line 1) opened. The occasion was the Universal Exhibition held in Paris that year. The Saint-Paul metro station has been in service ever since, welcoming passengers on a daily basis.

Where does the name come from?

The Saint-Paul metro station takes its name from the Saint-Paul church, which is located near the station. The Saint-Paul church is a Catholic church located in the Marais district, in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. It was built in the 17th century and is renowned for its Baroque architecture.

When the metro station was inaugurated in 1900, it was named after the Saint-Paul church to indicate its geographical proximity. It’s common practice in the Paris metro to name stations after famous places, monuments or streets nearby.

The Saint-Paul metro station inherited its name from the Saint-Paul church, an important landmark in the district and a historical and cultural reference point for the city of Paris.

Where to go from Saint-Paul ?

From the Saint-Paul metro station, you have several options for getting to other Paris destinations by public transport. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral: You can take metro line 1 from Saint-Paul and get off at Châtelet station, then walk a few minutes to Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. It’s one of Paris’ most emblematic monuments.
2. Musée du Louvre: Take metro line 1 from Saint-Paul and get off at Louvre-Rivoli station. From here, you can reach the famous Musée du Louvre, home to a vast collection of works of art, including the Mona Lisa.
3. Marais district: The Marais district is within walking distance of the Saint-Paul station. It’s packed with picturesque streets, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and cafés. It’s the ideal place to stroll and discover the area’s medieval architecture and charming squares.
4. Center Pompidou: Take metro line 1 from Saint-Paul and get off at Hôtel de Ville station. Nearby is the Centre Pompidou, a famous museum of modern and contemporary art. Here you can admire works by renowned artists and enjoy superb panoramic views of the city from the terrace.
5. Jardin des Tuileries: You can take metro line 1 from Saint-Paul and get off at Tuileries station. This emblematic garden is located close to the Louvre and offers a peaceful setting for strolling, relaxing or enjoying breathtaking views over the city.

These are just a few of the many possibilities. The Paris metro is a convenient way to get around the city and explore its many interesting sites and neighborhoods.

Many public transport lines pass through this metro station: RATP buses 69, 76 and 96.

What’s nearby?

The Saint-Paul metro station is located in the Marais district, one of the liveliest and most historic parts of Paris. Within easy reach of the station, you’ll find a host of sights, stores, restaurants and other attractions. Here are some of the points of interest near the Saint-Paul station:

1. Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis church: This is the church that gave the metro station its name. It is located just a few steps from the station and is a notable example of 17th-century Baroque architecture.
2. The Marais district: Step out of Saint-Paul station and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Marais district. This historic district is renowned for its cobbled streets, private mansions, museums, art galleries, designer boutiques, cafés and restaurants.
3. Place des Vosges: Just a few minutes’ walk from the Saint-Paul station, you’ll find the magnificent Place des Vosges. The oldest square in Paris, it is surrounded by elegant residences and art galleries.
4. Musée Picasso: Located in the Marais district, about 10 minutes’ walk from the station, the Musée Picasso houses an exceptional collection of works by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso.
5. Hôtel de Ville de Paris: Saint-Paul station is also close to the Hôtel de Ville de Paris, the city’s town hall. It’s an impressive building and a major landmark of the capital.
6. Center Pompidou: Around 15 minutes’ walk from the Saint-Paul station, you’ll find the Centre Pompidou, a famous center for modern and contemporary art. The building itself is a unique work of architectural art.

These are just a few examples of what you can find near the Saint-Paul metro station. The area is packed with historic sites, boutiques, museums, art galleries, restaurants and other attractions well worth exploring.

Anecdote

During the First World War, on the night of April 12-13, 1918, German Gotha aircraft bombed the area around the station. A 300 kg bomb damaged the station’s Guimard aedicule, located on the median separating rue Saint-Antoine and rue de Rivoli, leading to its demolition in 1922 and replacement by a simple wrought-iron surround.