Tag: Metro

Metro Station of the Month: Pont-Neuf La monnaie (line 7)

Our Metro Station of the month is located in the first arrondissement of Paris, on Metro line 7: Pont-Neuf. Its complete name is indeed Pont-Neuf La monnaie.

What I like in this station is the beautiful reproduction of huge golden and silver coins which decorates not only the walls on both platforms but also the vault. This decor refers to the Hotel de la Monnaie, which is located on the left bank only a few meters walk from the metro way out after crossing the Seine. One can also admire on each subway platform a showcase in which the last creations of the Monnaie de Paris are displayed: currently a coin with Asterix and Obelix’s faces on it.

Back to earth: Do not miss the Hotel de la Monnaie of course, which shelters the Monnaie de Paris. It is presently being renovated and partially open. On 19 May 2015 the famous 3-star restaurant Guy Savoy is scheduled for being transferred from the 17th arrondissement to the Monnaie de Paris!

To get there cross the Seine on the Pont-Neuf which is… the oldest bridge in Paris, unlike its name! When it was built in the second part of 16th century, the Pont-Neuf was really new as it was the first bridge with sidewalks and without houses on it. It is today one of the most beautiful bridges accross the Seine in Paris and was made famous by Christo who wrapped it in 1985 or by film directors, such as Léos Carax with its remarkable movie ‘Les Amants du Pont-Neuf ‘(1991).

Practical information : Website of the RATP

Christine Bokobza – Good Morning Paris B&B – www.goodmorningparis.fr

Metro Station of the Month: Cluny La Sorbonne (line 10)

After the Metro station Arts et Métiers last month, let’s discover another gem of the Parisian underground life: Cluny La Sorbonne, on line 10, in fifth arrondissement of Paris.

This metro station had opened for the first time in 1930 but closed nine years later as there were too many stations in the same area. Nevertheless it reopened in 1988 to connect with RER B line after the creation of a new hub around Saint Michel. This station is unusual as it does not have two but three tracks : the central track is inaccessible to travellers and was built to connect with metro line 4.

But the most impressive is the ceiling of the station! It is decorated with two beautiful mosaic giant birds and with the reproduction of the autographs of famous French authors, scientists, statesmen who used to spend time in the Latin Quarter : Pascal, Rabelais, Molière, … Those mosaic signatures are really amazing and while waiting for the train one can try to guess which famous person lies behind each of them. The whole decor was made in 1988 by the French artist Jean Bazaine.

Back to earth : the Musée de Cluny near the metro way out, is one of the most fascinating museums in Paris for both its architecture and collections. Do not miss the Roman baths and the famous ‘dame à la Licorne’ tapestries!

Practical information : Website of the RATP

Christine Bokobza – Good Morning Paris B&B – www.goodmorningparis.fr

Metro Station of the Month : Arts et Métiers (line 11)

Every month I will make you discover one of my favourite metro stations in Paris. Indeed some of them are true gems of the underground Parisian life. Number one ranking : Arts et Métiers, on lines 11 and 3, in third arrondissement of Paris. Do not take the wrong metro line. The platform I am talking about is on line 11 direction Châtelet or Mairie des Lilas.

The station is fully covered with copper. There are gearwheels on the ceiling and portholes on the walls. The whole looks like the Nautilus, the famous submarine in Jules Verne’s novel : vingt mille lieux sous les mers. This decor was built in 1994 by Peeters and Schuitten to celebrate the bicentennial of the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers located nearby and dedicated to technological innovation.

Back to earth : the Musée des Arts et Métiers, near the metro way out, was refurbished in 2000 and exhibits about 2400 inventions. It’s really worth a visit !

Practical information : Website of the RATP

Christine Bokobza – Good Morning Paris B&B – www.goodmorningparis.fr