An historical monument in Paris

Did you know? The Gare Saint-Lazare, built in 1837 during the reign of Louis-Philippe I, was the very first railway station in the Île-de-France! Its inauguration at the time marked the opening of the railway in Paris, its very first connection being with Saint-Germain-en-Laye. It has been extended several times in response to the growth in railway traffic, surviving the centuries while maintaining all its splendour. In fact it has been listed as an Historical Monument since 1984... 

When passing through the Gare Saint-Lazare, be sure not to miss its truly remarkable façades, roofs, decorative windows and departure lounge! 

The so-called “Empress Eugénie” footbridge is another architectural gem! In bygone times it provided customers bound for America on boat trains with direct access from the former Terminus Hotel (which has since become the magnificent Hilton Paris Opéra) to the station – the story goes that these travellers would sometimes cross the bridge in their pyjamas! It was closed for many years, before being restored in 2013. It now houses the Dalloyau restaurant, which has served gourmet French cuisine since 1682.

The shopping centre itself is located in the former concourse, which is also listed. 194 metres long (with a 213-metre façade), since 2012 it has become a place for customers to explore the 80 boutiques and restaurants in a well of natural light beneath lavish windows.

Gare Saint-Lazare – Cour de Rome – Wooden staircase, 1885 ©SNCF Médiathèque

Gare Saint-Lazare – Auteuil group and rue de Rome, 1885 ©SNCF Médiathèque

Departure from Normandy - Baggage room – Staircase to the waiting rooms, July 1887 ©SNCF Médiathèque

Now transformed into a shopping centre bathed in light, the large concourse is a not-to-be-missed shopping venue in the heart of Paris.