August 27, 2012

Paris' Ghost Metro Stations In 4 Photos

If someone told you that you could do anything you wanted while visiting Paris, what would you choose to see? The Louvre? The flea markets of St-Ouen? Galeries Lafayette? For me it was the "ghost stations" of the Paris metro.

I had once heard that a constellation of unused subway stops lurked under the curling cobblestone streets - platforms that had successively fallen into disuse as the layout and movement of the capital changed. The rumors were true, and recently I was afforded the opportunity to visit one of these mysterious stations.

Now of course the exact location of said station is classified information, but I was allowed to take a few snaps: 

1. The "phantom" platform is home to extra trains during summer 
when some services run on a limited schedule. 


2. A relic from decades ago - an old metro map. 
Can you spot the five stations that are no longer in use?


3. The unassuming doorway to the "ghost station" 
- doesn't look like much from the exterior! 

4. These days, this empty station is mostly used as a movie set. 
In fact Amélie filmed many of its scenes here. 
Set designers can replace the station names with different tiles depending on which location you're trying to depict. You can even put up old advertisements if it's a period piece. 

If you want the chance to do anything you want in Paris, just click here: http://bitly.com/pariswknd 

1 comment: