Last Updated: 17 September The Gare de l'Est , one of Paris's main railway stations, is an architectural gem and a nerve centre of the French rail network. Nestling in the 10th arrondissement, this historic station has a fascinating story to tell. In fact, it is much more than just a transit point for passengers.
It is a living witness to the history of Paris and France. In this article, we will delve into the world of Paris-Est station, exploring its origins, architecture, importance in the rail network, and the exciting anecdotes and secrets it holds. Its location in the north of the city makes it an essential gateway for travellers from eastern France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and beyond. It is a point of convergence, a crossroads where thousands of travellers cross paths daily.
But beyond its practical function, the Gare de l'Est is imbued with an atmosphere rich in history and fascinating anecdotes that set it apart from other Paris stations. The Gare de l'Est is more than just a railway station.
It is also the silent witness to many historical and cultural events. In the second part of this article, we explore seven fascinating aspects that make this Parisian station unique. From the Haussmannian panorama that opens up its doors to the moving historical fresco that adorns its walls to the films that have been shot there, we'll reveal all the secrets and curiosities that make the Gare de Paris-Est a must-see in the French capital. Curiously, Gare de l'Est is not located to the east of Paris, but rather to the north.
This apparently unusual location is explained by the need to bypass the high hills of Belleville, Romainville and Fontenay-sous-Bois. When the station was being planned, some had advocated that the railway line linking the capital to the eastern regions should start at the Gare d'Austerlitz or the Gare de Lyon, but these locations were not chosen. Gare de l'Est stands at an altitude of 46 metres in the 10th arrondissement, close to its larger neighbour, Gare du Nord.
