Paris Insiders Guide
Paris Insiders Guide
  • What's On

    What's On in Paris

    June 2025 in Paris
    July 2025 in Paris
    August 2025 in Paris
    September 2025 in Paris
    Paris Activities Month by Month
    • What's On

      What's On in Paris

      June 2025 in Paris
      July 2025 in Paris
      August 2025 in Paris
      September 2025 in Paris
      Paris Activities Month by Month
      Paris Events Calendar
      Museum Exhibitions Calendar

      Performances

      Paris Ballet Calendar
      Paris Opera Calendar

      Holidays

      Christmas in Paris
      Christmas Day in Paris
      New Years Eve
      New Years Day in Paris
      Easter in Paris
      Valentines Day in Paris
      Bastille Day Celebrations
      Christmas in Paris

      Christmas in Paris

    • What to See

      The Eiffel Tower

      Skip-the-Lines at the Eiffel Tower
      Visiting The Eiffel Tower
      See all…

      Paris Attractions

      The Top 8 Tourist Attractions
      5 Paris Itineraries
      See all…

      Monuments in Paris

      The Arc de Triomphe
      The Panthéon
      See all…

      Landmarks

      Palais Garnier Opera House
      Hotel de Ville – The City Hall
      See all…

      History Museums

      Cluny Museum Paris
      Arts et Metiers
      See all…

      The Louvre Museum

      Louvre Art Museum Tours
      Mona Lisa In The Louvre
      See all…

      Musée d'Orsay

      Get the Most from Your Visit
      Top 10 Van Goghs at d'Orsay
      See all…

      The Top Paris Museums

      Musée de l'Orangerie
      Centre Pompidou
      See all…

      Artist Museums

      Musée Picasso
      Rodin Museum Paris
      See all…

      Unusual Paris Museums

      Guimet Asian Arts Museum
      Galliera Fashion Museum
      See all…
      Louvre Art Museum Tours

      Louvre Art Museum Tours

    • What to Do

      Visiting Versailles

      Skip-The-Line Tours
      Guided Versailles Tours
      Versailles Bike Tours

      The Essential Day Trips

      Visit the Champagne Region
      D-Day Landing Beaches
      Monet's Gardens at Giverny
      See all…

      More Iconic Day Tours

      Mont Saint-Michel
      Monet + Van Gogh
      VIP Private Day Trips
      See all…

      What to Do in Paris

      10 Ways to Skip the Paris Lines
      5 Top Activities In The Marais
      1st Time Visitors Guide
      See all…

      Seine River Cruises

      Top 6 Paris Dinner Cruises
      Lunch & Brunch Cruises
      Cruises with Extras!

      Paris Hidden Gems

      Les Halles Paris
      Impressionists In Paris
      Arcades of Paris
      See all…

      Night In The City of Light

      The 6 Best Evenings In Paris
      Moulin Rouge
      See all…

      Paris City Tours

      The 6 Best City Tours
      Hop-on, Open-Top Buses
      See all…

      Walking Tours

      Top 10 Walking Tours
      Mysterious Walking Tours
      See all…
      Romantic Dinner Cruises

      Romantic Dinner Cruises

    • Where to Stay
      The Top Left Bank Hotels

      Where to Stay in Paris

      Where to Stay in Paris

      Top-Rated Hotels in the Marais
      The Best Left Bank Hotels
      10 Affordable 4-Star Hotels
      See All …

      Preferred 5-Star Hotels

      Fouquet's Paris
      Hotel Napoleon Paris
      Hotel Le Burgundy
      See All…

      Top Hotels Near…

      Saint-Germain-des-Prés
      The Eiffel Tower

      Small Hotels of Paris

      Latin Quarter Hotels
      Top-Rated Montmartre Hotels
      Favorite Designer Hotels
      See All…

      The Palaces of Paris

      Shangri-La Paris
      Hotel George V Paris
      The Royal Monceau
      See All…

      Affordable Hotels

      Ibis Hotels
      Les Hotels de Paris
      Best Western Hotels
      See All…
    • Eat & Drink
      Food & Wine Tour in Montmartre

      The Foods of Montmartre

      Food & Wine Activities

      Top 10 Food Experiences
      Paris Wine Tastings
      Chocolate Tours
      See All…

      Most Popular Paris Food

      10 Best Cheese Shops
      The Best Baguette in Paris
      Food Markets of Paris
      See All…

      Memorable Paris Dining

      L'Assaggio
      Best Paris Terraces
      Seine Dinner Cruise

      Best Paris Restaurants

      Le Jules Verne
      Astrance Paris
      Il Carpaccio
      See All…

      Paris Restaurant Guide

      How to Choose a Restaurant
      Bistros & Brasseries
      The Best Paris Bars
      See All…

      Bistros & Brasseries

      In the Marais
      On the Left Bank
      Historic Brasseries of Paris
      See All…

      Top-Rated Restaurants

      Michelin 3-Star Restaurants
      6 Michelin-Star Restaurants
      See All…
    • More Paris Fun
      Visit the Champagne Region

      Visit the Champagne Region

      Historic Churches

      Notre Dame Cathedral
      La Sainte Chapelle
      See all…

      Paris Miscellanea

      Napoleon's Paris
      Hemingway's Paris
      Medieval Paris
      See All…

      Visiting Burgundy

      VIP Burgundy Wine Tour
      Burgundy Hotels
      See all…

      You Ask, We Answer

      Paris Hotels for Christmas?
      Best Restaurants in the 8th?
      Best Way To Visit Versailles?
      See All…

      Paris Gardens & Parks

      Jardin des Tuileries
      Jardin des Plantes
      Palais Royal
      See all…

      Unusual Paris Sights

      Pere Lachaise Cemetery
      The Catacombs
      See all…

      Top Ten Lists

      10 Tips For Visiting Paris
      7 Vestiges of Roman Paris
      13 Hidden Places In Paris
      See All…

      Your Own Private Paris

      Private Tours of Paris
      Champagne & Shows
      See all…
    • Essentials
      Things to do in Paris

      What's On When You're Here

      Airports & Transfers

      Airport Transfers
      Paris Airports
      Airport Taxis

      Getting Around Paris

      The Paris Metro
      Paris Metro Tickets
      Paris Taxis
      See All…

      Paris Travel Guide

      Where To Stay In Paris
      Top 10 Tips For Travelers
      Choose The Perfect Hotel
      What to Pack for Paris
      See All…

      Paris Essentials

      What's On When You're Here
      Where to Stay in Paris
      Seine River Dinner Cruises
      Paris Restaurant Guide
      Visiting Versailles
      The Eiffel Tower
      The Louvre Museum

      Train Travel

      Train Travel From Paris
      Eurostar: London & Paris
      See All…

      Paris Arrondissements

      The Marais
      The Latin Quarter
      Saint-Germain-des-Pres
      See All…

    10 Landmark Metro Stations In Paris – Art Nouveau To Jules Verne Fantasy

    Paris doesn't have its landmarks just above ground; the Metro stations are also rich in history, design, and cultural significance. Some stations are veritable works of art, with stunning Art Nouveau entrances, intricate mosaics, and nods to Parisian heritage. From the classic elegance of Abbesses to the classical charm of Louvre-Rivoli, each of these stations tells a story of the city's artistic and architectural evolution. As you navigate the underground, take time to appreciate these hidden gems that reflect the beauty and history of Paris.

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    Paris Hotel Deals

    Browse our hand-picked Paris hotel deals with real-time discounts of up to 20%. Stay in the Marais, Saint Germain, the Latin Quarter, the Left Bank near the Eiffel Tower… every arrondissement is on the list.

    Search for your hotel…

    Paris Hotel Deals

    Browse our hand-picked Paris hotel deals with real-time discounts of up to 20%. Stay in the Marais, Saint Germain, the Latin Quarter, the Left Bank near the Eiffel Tower… every arrondissement is on the list.

    Search for your hotel…

    Art Nouveau Stations by Hectar Guimard

    Art Nouveau Station by Hectar Guimard

    Famed Art Nouveau designer Hectar Guimard (1867-1942) left his legacy with whimsical Metro entrances featuring intricate iron wrought details. There are only a few of the original Art Nouveau Metro station entrances remaining in Paris — including at Cité, at Blanche, and at Porte-Dauphine. All were designed by Guimard and were completed at the turn of the 20th century, during the period that the Metro system was being built.

    Note Guimard's use of distinctive Art Nouveau touches like the signature green color, wrought-iron arches, and decorative flourishes. There are still two, and only two, Guimard Metro entrances with their original glass roofs — Porte-Dauphine near Bois de Boulogne and Abbesses in Montmartre.

    10 Belle Epoque Wonders in Paris

    1. Abbesses – The Deepest Metro Station

    Abbesses Metro station sign in Montmartre

    At three hundred feet below ground level, this is the deepest Metro station in Paris. For centuries the Montmartre hill was mined for gypsum, leaving the hill eroded and hollow in places. So, for added security, the Metro had to be dug beneath the warren of tunnels. Today you can either climb the long, winding staircase or, much better, catch the elevator to the surface.

    The decorative entrance (probably the most photographed Metro station in Paris) was designed by Guimard and features his unique Art Nouveau glass cover. The historic entrance was originally located at Hotel de Ville but was moved to Montmartre in 1970.
    • Metro Line 12

    2. Porte-Dauphine – Landmark Paris Metro Station

    Porte-Dauphine The Metro entrance at Porte-Dauphine, photo Wikimedia by Bellomonte

    Restored in 1999, Porte-Dauphine is the second existing Metro station with the Guimard glass top. Located near Bois de Boulogne on the western edge of the 16th Arrondissement, the Porte-Dauphine station opened in 1900 and has been been nicknamed "the dragonfly" due to the entrance's light and airy design.
    • Metro Line 2

    3. Louvre-Rivoli – A Museum Gem

    Louvre-Rivoli Metro station with statues

    One of the oldest Metro stations, Louvre-Rivoli debuted in 1900. The platform is a museum itself, with softly-illuminated copies of sculptures found in the Louvre. It's no wonder the station's original name was in fact, Louvre. The name Louvre-Rivoli was adopted in 1989 when the new connection directly into the Louvre was opened.
    • Metro Line 1

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    Visitors marveling at the splendor of one of the grand rooms at Versailles

    Versailles Guided Day Tours

    Trade Paris bustle for royal grandeur on a guided Versailles tour. Skip the lines, wander the gardens, and peek inside Marie Antoinette’s private estate. History never looked this good.

    Plan Your Palace Day…

    Versailles Guided Day Tours

    Trade Paris bustle for royal grandeur on a guided Versailles tour. Skip the lines, wander the gardens, and peek inside Marie Antoinette’s private estate. History never looked this good.

    Plan Your Palace Day…

    4. Metro Varenne – Rodin's Think Tank

    Rodin's The Thinkg at Varenne Metro in Paris

    Named for the street where it's located, the Varenne metro station opened in 1923 and is the station you choose when you're going to visit Musée Rodin, just around the corner. So, it's appropriate that Metro Varenne features two famous sculptures by Rodin — The Thinker and Honoré de Balzac.
    • Metro Line 13

    5. Franklin D. Roosevelt – The Oldest Metro Station

    Franklin D. Roosevelt The Franklin D. Roosevelt Metro, photo Wikimedia by Ed Webster

    The oldest Metro station in Paris is found at the intersection of Champs-Elysées and Avenue Montaigne in the 8th Arrondissement. Work here started on October 4, 1898, with men heaving picks and shovels. Fun Metro fact — this station opened in 1900 with two names: Marbeuf and Rond-Point. After World War II the station was renamed to honor US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The station was completely renovated in 2011, giving it a fresh, more modern look with energy-efficient lighting.
    • Metro Lines 1 & 9

    6. Liège – Blue & White Beauty

    Blue & White tiles at the Metro station Liege

    One of the most beautiful Metro stations in Paris is decorated entirely with blue and white ceramic tiles. Originally named Berlin, the station's name was changed to Liège to honor the heroic Belgian resistance during World War I. The station was closed during World War II and did not open again until 1968! And about those blue & white tiles? In 1982, the station was refurbished with the new ceramic tiles made in Belgium, to evoke the landscapes of Liège.
    • Metro Line 13

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    In the vineyards of Champagne a guide explains the making of the bubbly

    Champagne Day Trip from Paris

    Escape to the Land of Bubbly on a small-group day tour from Paris. Taste at top Champagne houses, meet boutique producers, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and toast to a perfectly sparkling day.

    More Information…

    Champagne Day Trip from Paris

    Escape to the Land of Bubbly on a small-group day tour from Paris. Taste at top Champagne houses, meet boutique producers, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and toast to a perfectly sparkling day.

    More Information…

    7. Arts et Metiers – A Jules Verne Wonder

    The dramatic Arts et Metiers Metro station uses a steampunk theme

    This Metro station is named for the Musée des Arts et Métiers that it serves. The station opened in 1904 as the first section of line 3 between Père Lachaise and Villiers. In 1994, to mark the 200th anniversary of the Arts et Métiers national conservatory, the station got a fresh look from François Schuiten, a Belgian comic artist with a steampunk style reminiscent of the kind of contraptions found in the pages of science fiction author Jules Verne. The station looks like the interior of a Terry Gilliam submarine, with copper walls and a series of portholes.
    • Metro Lines 3 & 11

    8. Concorde – The Rights of the Man

    At Metro Concorde in Paris The Rights of the Man declaration is spelled out in tiles

    Concorde, one of the largest interchanges in the Paris Metro system, links lines 1, 8, and 12. Artist Françoise Schein designed the tunnel with lettered tiles spelling out the entire 1789 Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen (Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens). The game at Concorde is to try and find as many words before the next train arrives. As you might guess, the station serves Place de la Concorde.
    • Metro Line 1

    9. Cité – What Lies Beneath the Island

    Cité The Cité Metro entrance, photo Wikimedia by Clicsouris

    Cité is the only Metro station on the Île de la Cité, so it's not surprising it is named for the island. As it's smack dab in the middle of Paris, it's close to many landmarks — Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Palace of Justice. You can also see a piece of Hectar Guimard's artistry at the entrance to Cité. Note the curved sign and distinctive hand-drawn font – signatures of the Art Nouveau movement.
    • Metro Line 4

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    The Louvre and the Pyramid lit up at night

    Louvre Masterpieces Tour

    Skip the long lines and dive into the Louvre’s greatest hits — the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and more — on a guided tour that shows you the treasures without the museum overload.

    Skip the Line, See the Art…

    Louvre Masterpieces Tour

    Skip the long lines and dive into the Louvre’s greatest hits — the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and more — on a guided tour that shows you the treasures without the museum overload.

    SEARCH…

    10. Pont Neuf

    A money theme adorns the Pont Neuf Metro station

    The Metro station is named for one of the oldest bridge in Paris, built in 1607. The theme of the Pont Neuf Metro station is money! That's because the actual Monnaie de Paris (the Paris Mint) is located just around the corner. On the walls of the station are giant replicas of historic French coins. Older than the Pont Neuf bridge, Monnaie de Paris was founded in 864 and is the oldest institution in France. Its purpose is making and circulating coins, including the official French Euro, as well as medals and other official decorations.
    • Metro Line 7

    Going Deep Into Paris!

    As you explore Paris, don't forget to delve into the city's vibrant underground world. The Metro stations offers a unique blend of art, history, and culture, transforming a simple commute into an immersive experience. In that sense, the Metro is more than just transportation — it's a reflection of Paris itself, with its blend of elegance, history, and modernity. By taking time to appreciate these iconic stops, you'll uncover another layer of the city's artistic legacy. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the landmark Metro stations offer a fascinating way to experience the cultural depth that defines Paris.

    Paris Planning Guides

    Learn about Day Trips to Champagne VIP to Champagne All About Paris Airport Transfers Book an Airport Transfer Link to Chateau de Versailles Tours Visiting Versailles The Top Seine Dinner Cruises Glorious Dinner Cruises

    Discover What's On When You're Here

    • July 2025 Things to Do in Paris…
    • Bastille Day Celebrations…
    • August 2025 Things to Do…
    • September 2025 Things to Do…
    • October 2025 Things to Do…
    • November 2025 Things to Do…
    • December 2025 Things to Do…
    • Month-by-Month Calendar…

    Paris Essential #1:
    Romantic Dinner Cruise

    Marais Food Tour
    Evening Seine River Cruise +
    A Classic French Meal

    Paris Essential #2:
    Chateau de Versailles

    Visit Chateau de Versailles
    Visit the Magnificent Chateau & Gardens of the Royal Estate

    Paris Essential #3:
    The Louvre Museum

    Visit The Louvre Museum
    Take in the Best of the Louvre,
    Bypass the Long Lines

    Paris Essential #4:
    The Eiffel Tower

    The Eiffel Tower
    Skip the Line and Enjoy the Views of Paris from Above

    Paris Essential #5:
    The D-Day Beaches

    The D-Day Beaches
    Visit the Historic That
    Changed the Course of WWII

    Paris Essential #6:
    Delectable Food Tours

    Marais Food Tour
    Discover the Best
    Food & Wine of Paris

    Getting Around Paris

    • Paris Metro Guide…
    • Paris Metro Pass…
    • Paris Metro Tickets…
    • Metro Map Paris…
    • 10 Landmark Metro Stations…
    • Guimard's Metro Entrances…
    • 14 Memorable Metro Dates…
    • The Best City Maps…
    • RER Paris…
    • Paris Taxis…
    • Transportation Updates…
    • Paris Trains…
    Plus d'Info

    Vacations in France
    Free Paris Planning Guides
    411

    French for Travelers
    Ask Your Paris Questions
    About

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    Praise From Our Readers
    Paris Insiders Guide

    Contact
    Website Information

    Copyright © 2010-2025 Voconces Culinary Ltd, all rights reserved. Original photos © Mark Craft, all rights reserved.

        • June 2025 in Paris
        • July 2025 in Paris
        • August 2025 in Paris
        • September 2025 in Paris
        • Paris Activities Month by Month
        • Paris Events Calendar
        • Museum Exhibitions Calendar
        • Paris Ballet Calendar
        • Paris Opera Calendar
        • Christmas in Paris
        • Christmas Day in Paris
        • New Years Eve
        • New Years Day in Paris
        • Easter in Paris
        • Valentines Day in Paris
        • Bastille Day Celebrations
        • Skip-the-Lines at the Eiffel Tower
        • Visiting The Eiffel Tower
        • Eiffel Tower Information
        • See all…
        • The Top 8 Tourist Attractions
        • 5 Paris Itineraries
        • Gardens & Parks
        • See all…
        • The Arc de Triomphe
        • The Panthéon
        • The Bastille
        • See all…
        • Chateau de Versailles
        • Palais Garnier Opera House
        • Hotel de Ville – The City Hall
        • See all…
        • Get the Most from Your Visit
        • Masterpieces of the Louvre
        • Paintings of the Louvre
        • See all…
        • Get the Most from Your Visit
        • Top 10 Van Goghs at d'Orsay
        • See all…
        • Musée de l'Orangerie
        • Centre Pompidou
        • See all…
        • Musée d'Orsay
        • Musée Picasso
        • Rodin Museum Paris
        • See all…
        • Cluny Museum Paris
        • Arts et Metiers
        • See all…
        • Guimet Asian Arts Museum
        • Galliera Fashion Museum
        • See all…
        • Skip-The-Line Tours
        • Guided Versailles Tours
        • Versailles Bike Tours
        • Visit the Champagne Region
        • D-Day Landing Beaches
        • Monet's Gardens at Giverny
        • See all…
        • Mont Saint-Michel
        • Monet + Van Gogh
        • VIP Private Day Trips
        • See all…
        • 10 Ways to Skip the Lines
        • 9 Most Romantic Things to Do
        • 5 Top Activities In The Marais
        • See all…
        • Romantic Dinner Cruises
        • Lunch & Brunch Cruises
        • Cruises with Extras!
        • See all…
        • The 6 Best Evenings In Paris
        • Moulin Rouge
        • Paris at Night
        • See all…
        • Hop-on, Open-Top Buses
        • The 6 Best City Tours
        • See all…
        • Private Tours of Paris
        • Champagne & Shows
        • See all…
        • Top 10 Walking Tours
        • Mysterious Walking Tours
        • See all…
        • Top-Rated Hotels in the Marais
        • The Best Left Bank Hotels
        • 10 Affordable 4-Star Hotels
        • See all …
        • Latin Quarter Hotels
        • Left Bank Hotels
        • Top-Rated Montmartre Hotels
        • Favorite Designer Hotels
        • See all …
        • Shangri-La Paris
        • Hotel George V Paris
        • The Royal Monceau
        • See all…
        • Fouquet's Paris
        • Hotel Napoleon Paris
        • Hotel Le Burgundy
        • See all …
        • Ibis Hotels
        • Les Hotels de Paris
        • Best Western Hotels
        • See all …
        • Saint-Germain-des-Prés
        • The Eiffel Tower
        • Top 10 Food Experiences
        • Paris Wine Tastings
        • Chocolate Tours
        • See all …
        • 10 Best Cheese Shops
        • The Best Baguette in Paris
        • Food Markets of Paris
        • See all …
        • Le Jules Verne
        • Astrance Paris
        • Il Carpaccio
        • See all …
        • How to Choose a Restaurant
        • Bistros & Brasseries
        • The Best Paris Bars
        • See all …
        • In the Marais
        • On the Left Bank
        • Historic Brasseries of Paris
        • See all …
        • Michelin 3-Star Restaurants
        • 6 Michelin-Star Restaurants
        • See All…
        • L'Assaggio
        • Best Paris Terraces
        • Seine Dinner Cruise
        • Notre Dame Cathedral
        • La Sainte Chapelle
        • Sacre-Coeur Paris
        • See all…
        • Les Halles Paris
        • Impressionists In Paris
        • Arcades of Paris
        • See all…
        • Napoleon's Paris
        • Hemingway's Paris
        • Medieval Paris
        • See all…
        • Hidden Landmarks
        • The Catacombs
        • Pere Lachaise Cemetery
        • See all…
        • Jardin des Tuileries
        • Jardin des Plantes
        • Palais Royal
        • See all…
        • VIP Burgundy Wine Tour
        • Burgundy Hotels
        • See all…
        • 10 Tips For Visiting Paris
        • 7 Vestiges of Roman Paris
        • 13 Hidden Places In Paris
        • See all…
        • Paris Hotels for Christmas?
        • Best Restaurants in the 8th?
        • Best Way To Visit Versailles?
        • See all…
        • Airport Transfers
        • Paris Airports
        • Airport Taxis
        • Train Travel From Paris
        • Eurostar: London & Paris
        • Paris Train Stations
        • See all…
        • The Marais
        • The Latin Quarter
        • Saint-Germain-des-Pres
        • See all…
        • Where To Stay In Paris
        • Top 10 Tips For Travelers
        • Choose The Perfect Hotel
        • What to Pack for Paris
        • See all…
        • The Paris Metro
        • Paris Metro Tickets
        • Paris Taxis
        • See all…
        • What's On When You're Here
        • Where To Stay In Paris
        • Seine River Dinner Cruises
        • Paris Restaurant Guide
        • Visiting Versailles
        • The Eiffel Tower
        • The Louvre Museum