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Vegetalization, new hall… What will the Gare du Nord look like in 2029?

undefined undefined 18 décembre 2025 undefined 13h00

The Editor

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After a quick facelift before the 2024 Olympic Games, the Gare du Nord is getting ready to enter a new era. Named "Future Gare du Nord," the project led by SNCF promises an expanded Eurostar hall, more greenery, and a better harmony with the neighborhood. Completion is expected in 2029.

With 257 million travelers welcomed in 2023, Gare du Nord maintains its status as the largest train station in Europe. It's a staggering number that has prompted SNCF to launch a second phase of modernization, continuing the "Horizon 2024" program.

Presented in early December to users and residents of the 10th arrondissement, the "Future Gare du Nord" project aims to address the constant increase in passenger flows, without falling into the excesses of the highly controversial StatioNord project, abandoned in 2021.

At the heart of the construction site: the "Transmanche" terminal, which notably hosts Eurostar. Completely redesigned, its hall will see its capacity increase by 60%, going from 12,570 to 33,000 travelers per day in the end. Spaces will be rethought to improve traffic flow and transform the pedestrian bridge of the cross-platform into a more welcoming area.

a friendly living space, with waiting areas and shops.


A greener station that fits better with its neighborhood

A new operations center, located above the platforms of the Transilien hall, will also allow for more efficient management of train traffic. Another key aspect of the project: greening and requalifying the outdoor spaces. Long criticized for its mineral and stifling look, Gare du Nord is ready to move past the heat islands. Seven trees will be planted in front of the Transilien hall, along with planters and widened pedestrian pathways on Place Napoléon-III.

These developments have been welcomed by the city hall of the 10th arrondissement, which sees it as a clear improvement to the quality of life. The commercial space will increase, but in a measured way: only an additional 640 m², far from the previous projects that were deemed too massive.

commercial operations. A well-considered choice, in line with the objectives of Paris City’s bioclimatic local urban planning plan.


Traffic, Parking, and Northern Access: The Pain Points

There's still the tricky issue of traffic around the station. Wild parking, traffic jams, and chaotic drop-offs of taxis and ride-sharing vehicles… Residents have long been denouncing a chaotic situation. While the SNCF claims to have created dedicated drop-off zones underground, the reality tells a different story: the majority of pickups continue to happen on the surface.

The City of Paris is now working on stricter measures, such as banning vehicle stops on Rue de Compiègne and limiting access for ride-sharing vehicles through geolocation. Another sensitive topic: the northern access to the station, on the Boulevard de la Chapelle side, which is still missing from the project. Due to a lack of funding, plans for pedestrian pathways or bridges are currently stalled, much to the regret of the locals.

elected officials and user associations. A file that could come back to the table starting in 2026.