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For the Olympics, the Gare du Nord gets a makeover!

undefined undefined 26 juin 2024 undefined 12h14

undefined undefined 26 juin 2024 undefined 16h16

The Editor

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After more than 2 years of dedication, the initial stage of revamping the Gare du Nord station was completed on Tuesday, June 25th, just in time for the Olympics. This is incredible news for all the commuters in Paris, as well as the many tourists who will soon be wandering our streets and utilizing our transportation facilities.

The Gare du Nord used to have a not-so-great reputation in Paris, but things are definitely looking up! As the busiest train station in Europe, it has recently undergone some major upgrades and is well on its way to changing its image. From a massive bike parking area to new signs and better access to different sections, the Gare du Nord is stepping boldly into the future as a modern, 2.0 train station. Initially, there were ambitious plans to renovate and expand the station with a hefty budget. However, when the original project fell through, a new plan called Horizon 2024 was implemented. And let me tell you, this Plan B has really paid off! The station has been completely transformed, all thanks to this innovative solution.

After almost 2 years of continuous work without disrupting traffic (quite an accomplishment), the train station is now a more modern and welcoming place for passengers. One major improvement is the addition of over 200 seats in waiting areas. Additionally, a new illuminated signage has been installed, making it much easier to read. This upgrade is complemented by more than 300 screens providing information throughout the station, as well as clearer directions to navigate between different areas.


Focus on sustainable mobility

Along with these comfort upgrades, both SNCF and IDFM have invested significantly in inter-transport connections. The bus station, previously difficult to access and often misused, has been completely renovated, with improved access that is now simpler and more pleasant. Similarly, the car lanes in front of the station have been removed to reduce noise and prioritize pedestrians walking in.

The Spotlight.

However, the real highlight of the new Gare du Nord is its enormous covered bicycle parking. Its opening was announced a few weeks ago, and now it's finally here. Being the largest secure bicycle parking in Ile-de-France, it can accommodate up to 1200 bikes. And to use it, all you need is a Navigo pass, or a subscription for a day, a month, or a year.


It's just the beginning

While this initial phase of modernization is already wonderful news and helps pave the way towards a more peaceful Olympics, it is just the start of the extensive project to revamp Gare du Nord. In fact, two more phases of renovations are planned in 2027 and 2032 to accommodate the continuously growing number of travelers.

Hooray! At the inauguration this Tuesday, the 25th, Valérie Pécresse, president of IDFM, revealed her new plan to address another issue: the sale of paper transport tickets. Seeing the long lines at the ticket counters, she was determined to find a better solution. Way to go Valérie!