gare-austerlitz-facade-paris-arbres-ete-ciel-bleu-

This Parisian train station voted the worst in the capital by users

undefined undefined undefined 08h30

The Editor

© V_E / Shutterstock

The capital currently has 7 major train stations: Bercy, Austerlitz, Montparnasse, Saint-Lazare, Gare du Nord, Gare de l'Est, and Gare de Lyon. These are bustling places, often filled with the promise of delightful vacations or fun weekends, but they aren't always a joy to navigate. And it seems that one of them is particularly disappointing.

As the summer holidays are in full swing, you’re probably busy planning trips all over the place. But are you sure you’re leaving from the right station? That’s definitely a question worth considering, especially after looking at the satisfaction barometer published by SNCF. And surprise, surprise (contrary to the reviews left on Google), it seems that the Gare du Nord is not the worst in the capital!


A massive construction project to blame

Paris, not surprisingly, is the French city that generates the most rail traffic. It also boasts the highest number of stations. Unfortunately, these stations are not always very popular with the users who frequent them, for a variety of reasons. And contrary to what one might think, the worst station in Paris...

sienne the least loved is coming back to… Austerlitz station!

A small station often overlooked, which doesn’t seem like much, but clearly draws the ire of passengers. The main reason is renovations that have been going on for nearly a decade, causing closures in every direction (corridors, escalators), and a replacement signage system that honestly leaves a lot to be desired. Respondents also mention the lack of comfortable waiting areas and shops within the station. Unfortunately, we will have to wait until 2027 to say goodbye to the massive 3,000-ton scaffolding that has made itself at home in the building, and finally see its magnificent skylight restored. However, we have no doubt that once the construction is completed, the station will move back up in the rankings!


The capital doesn’t hold the top spot

However, dant, we still want to point out that no matter how badly described the Austerlitz station is, it is not the worst in France. The Parisian station only comes in second place, behind Toulouse-Matabiau! Once again, we find that the numerous construction works are the main cause of dissatisfaction, but also the lack of comfort, security, cleanliness, you know, a real combo! In any case, as Parisians, we feel a certain pride thinking that, while our stations may be far from the most glamorous in the country, they are definitely not the worst!