An Abandoned Station in the Heart of Lille
The story begins on President Hoover Avenue, where a brand new metro station was once supposed to be built. Designed in the 80s to support Lille's bid for the 1990 Summer Olympics, it was meant to serve the future Olympic village near Saint-Sauveur. But the bid fell through. The construction was abandoned. And the station (if it was ever started) would never open its doors to the public.
Since then, rumors have circulated that a ghost platform actually exists, hidden between Lille Grand Palais and Porte de Valenciennes, on line 2.
The Ghost of the Missing Traveler
The legend says that one evening, a train came to a stop for no reason halfway through its route. A passenger in her thirties got off the metro and walked down a dark corridor leading to the abandoned station. She never returned.
Some belongings were reportedly found on a bench. Ever since, several users swear they've heard whispers, cries, or muffled screams when their train passes through this area.
The most daring (urban explorers or simply adventurous Lille locals) even claim to have spotted a pale figure reflected in the windows.
Urban Myth or Publicity Stunt?
This story pops up almost every year, especially in October when Halloween rolls around. But in 2023, the mystery was (almost) solved: according to 20 Minutes, it all dates back to a marketing campaign launched by Ilévia in 2015 for Halloween. Just a simple joke that turned into a viral urban legend!
e.And yet… even knowing the truth, it's hard not to shiver when passing between these two stations. The atmosphere is always a bit special there, and the imagination takes care of the rest.
“Ghost” Station of the Lille Metro
Between Lille Grand Palais and Porte de Valenciennes, Line 2
Sources : Ilévia, Lille Secret & 20 Minutes