Gare de L’Est, also known as Paris Est station, is a major railway station in Paris, France and is one of the six large terminus railway stations of the SNCF (Société nationale des chemins de fer français [National Society of French Railways]). It is the second busiest railway station in Paris, following Gare du Nord, and is one of the country’s most iconic Train stations.
Built on the Place du 11 Novembre 1918 (November 11, 1918 square) in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, Gare de L’Est opened in 1849 and has been in continuous operation ever since. The station was designed by local architect Antoine Grélivet and employs an eclectic mix of neoclassicism and traditional French design. Its most prominent feature is an arresting clock tower that reaches for the sky, an imposing structure in keeping with the architecture of nearby buildings. The station’s ballroom, which dates to the station’s opening, serves as an elegant reminder of the grandeur of Parisian railway stations and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and photographs.
Gare de L’Est has 16 tracks, including six that are laid out in a conventional horse-shoe shape while the remaining 10 run in a pair of bays. Many of the tracks and platforms are subterranean and built below the concourse and Train shed. The lower level connects with the RER regional train network and the Metro Line 5 at the Garde de L’Est metro station.
Gare de L’Est is an important hub for regional, national, and international rail travel. Destinations served include Mulhouse, Strasbourg, Metz, Saint-Malo, Normandy, Bruxelles-Midi (Belgium), Eurostar (London), Alsace, and Lille. In addition, high-speed trains for destinations throughout France depart from the station, making it one of the main popular international connections through Paris.
Gare de L’Est has recently undergone a number of major renovations, including a major upgrade to the arrival platforms in 2011 which saw improved lighting and signage as well as a larger seating area constructed installing one of the largest digital information displays in Europe. Other improvements include a new pedestrian bridge, the addition of greenery and trees, and a stunning LED lighting system for the clock tower.
The station’s exterior has also been improved through extensive refurbishment work, as well as the addition of a number of modern shops and restaurants. Customers can now find everything from cafes and boutiques to gift shops and bookstores around the station while they await their Train. Additionally, the station houses a number of services and amenities, such as a multi-lingual information desk and left-luggage facility.
Gare de L’Est is an iconic part of Paris’s travel infrastructure. Its centuries-old structure and modern amenities make it an ideal destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a convenient and comfortable way to reach their destination. It is the perfect place to start or end your journey and is a must-see for anyone visiting the French capital.
