Paris - Gare du Nord

TravelerThis is a photo of Gare du Nord (Paris Nord), one of the most iconic and busiest train stations in Paris—and in all of Europe. ⸻ 🚉 Gare du Nord: Background and Key Events 📍 Location: 10th arrondissement, Paris Opened: 1846 (rebuilt in grander style in 1864 by architect Jacques Hittorff) Name: Literally means “North Station,” as it serves trains heading to northern France and beyond ⸻ 🧭 Why It’s Important: • Major rail hub: Connects Paris to cities like London (Eurostar), Brussels (Thalys), Amsterdam, Lille, and other parts of Northern France. • Architectural landmark: Known for its grand Neoclassical façade, adorned with 23 statues representing cities the station serves (e.g., London, Amsterdam, Berlin). • Passenger volume: Over 200 million people pass through each year—the busiest station in Europe. • Cultural site: Featured in films like The Bourne Identity, Amélie, and The Da Vinci Code. ⸻ 🚄 Trains from Gare du Nord: • Eurostar to London (via the Channel Tunnel) • Thalys to Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne • TER, Intercités, RER, and Metro connections • RER B line: direct to Charles de Gaulle Airport and Châtelet-Les Halles ⸻ 🧳 Travel Tip: If you’re heading to Auvers-sur-Oise (where Van Gogh spent his final days), you likely departed from Gare du Nord, taking a SNCF suburban line (Transilien H) to Gare de Valmondois and then transferring toward Auvers-sur-Oise.