We told you about it a few days ago: Lyon's Part-Dieu station was selected among the 7 most beautiful train stations in the world by the prestigious Versailles Prize. And the verdict has just come in, placing the Lyon station in second position. A wonderful comeback for a station that, after being more associated with rushed travelers and crowded platforms than design, can now boast of being one of the most beautiful in the world.
It's beaten by Melbourne's Town Hall Station, in Australia, which takes first place. The Fori Imperiali metro station, located near the Colosseum in Rome, completes the podium. Pretty stiff competition for a Lyon station that's come a long way.
© Romuald Nicolas
The new face of Part-Dieu rewarded
This distinction rewards the spectacular transformation of the station district, particularly around Charles-Béraudier Square. Completed in 2025 after several years of construction, the vast redevelopment has profoundly changed the arrival experience in the neighborhood. Today, approximately 140,000 travelers pass through Part-Dieu each day, which has become much more than just a departure or arrival point.
© Romuald Nicolas
New spaces, redesigned circulation routes, and openness to the neighborhood have helped transform the image of this station built in the late 1970s. Created in 2015 and announced each year to UNESCO, the Versailles Prize recognizes contemporary architectural projects across several categories. Its international jury notably brings together architects, designers, and cultural personalities.