Guided visit, tickets at ExploreParis, 5-10€
Access from Rome (line 2), Brochant (line 13) or Pont Cardinet station (line L, U)
Since 2014 Paris is undergoing major constructions to improve the transport network. The rapid growth of the metropole, the need to increase the connectivity between the historical centre and the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games are catalysing the works. Thanks to the prolongation of metro line 14, by 2024 you’ll be able to reach Paris from Orly airport in 16 minutes.
On the northern direction, the line 14 will soon be longer by 5 stations: Pont Cardinet, Porte de Clichy, Clichy Saint-Ouen, Maire de Saint-Ouen and Saint-Denis. The new line will give easier access not only to new residential areas but also some cultural ones: Art42, a private coding academy that proposes free visits twice per week to discover street art, celebrated Saint-Ouen flee market and the middle-age Basilica of Saint-Denis.
ExploreParis, a conglomeration of tourism offices, proposes a visit into the future – the insight into the metro stations under construction. A visit to the Pont Cardinet Station is outstanding not only for engineers because you get to learn many new things about Paris metro and history. For example, the white tiles that have been used throughout Parisian metro stations have a special illuminating effect as they efficiently reflect the ambient light. To decorate the stations of the line 14, the same style tiles will be used.
When seeing the construction site, you understand many challenges that architects and engineers need to think about before starting the works. Paris has a rather damp ground with many subterranean water sources. Once encountered, it will become a problem. During the development of line 14, the team came up with a modern solution to freeze some parts of the sources around the upcoming line. Partial freeze is functioning perfectly well without consequences to the nature.
Finally, why the name Pont Cardinet was given to the metro stop? Firstly, it is attached to a now underused Cardinet station (previously Batignolles station) that was opened in the late 19th century. It was built on the land of Monsieur Cardinet, so as around 8% of Paris streets, adjoining street and the station was called upon the initial owner.
You can find other visits of RATP – French railway company – at Explore Paris by tapping the keyword ‘RATP’. If you speak French, there are more options for visits, check by changing the language of the website at the right corner. You can also watch a video of a vlogger Jay Swanson who filmed this experience.
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