Why is the Allée de la Station not actually located near a Parisian train station? That is the question that brings us here. The Allée de la Station in Bry-sur-Marne may not have a direct connection to a Parisian train station. Yet, it is worth exploring the story of a major Parisian station. It is a story that echoes through the Allée de la Station even if it is not physically connected.
Let’s journey to the Gare de l’Est. It is one of Paris’s main railway stations. The station is an architectural marvel and a nerve center of the French rail network. Nestled in the 10th arrondissement, this historic station has a fascinating story. It is more than just a transit point. It is a living witness to the history of Paris and France.
The Gare de l’Est is not located to the east of Paris. It is to the north. This location bypasses the high hills of Belleville, Romainville, and Fontenay-sous-Bois. The station’s facade marks the end of the north-south perspective. Baron Haussmann, Prefect of the Seine, laid out this perspective.
The history of Gare de l’Est began in 1849. The Compagnie de Paris à Strasbourg opened a pier. Napoléon III, then President of the Republic, inaugurated it. At the time, the station had two tracks under a large concourse. In 1854, the station became “Gare de l’Est.” The opening of the Mulhouse line prompted the name change. The company also changed its name to “Compagnie des chemins de fer de l’Est.” This reflected its expansion into eastern France.
Gare de l’Est has undergone several expansions. These occurred in 1885, 1900, and between 1926 and 1931. In 2007, the TGV-Est high-speed train arrived. This led to major redevelopment work. An emblematic moment occurred on October 4, 1883. The legendary Orient-Express line was inaugurated here. This luxury train traveled to Vienna, Venice, and Istanbul. It became an icon of travel across Europe from 1919.
The facade of Gare de l’Est is neo-classical architecture. It resembles 18th-century buildings in Lorraine. The Lorraine influence is evident. The Euville stone, quarried between Toul and Commercy, was used to build the station. The facade has two almost identical sections. Each has a gabled roof with Lombardy strip motifs. An allegorical statue tops each section. Each wing is lit by a half-rosette. It houses a clock with allegorical sculptures.
The oldest wing, the west wing, dates from 1850. Allegories of the Rhine and the Seine flank the clock. Henri Lemaire sculpted an allegorical statue of Strasbourg. It tops the gable. This wing gives access to the Hall Alsace. The east wing was added in 1931 after World War I. Allegories of the Marne and Meuse rivers flank the clock. Henri Varenne’s allegorical statue of Verdun crowns the gable. It depicts a young woman with a helmet, sword, and shield. She looks over the Place du 11 novembre 1918. This wing gives access to the Hall Saint-Martin. Arcades connect the two wings. These display the coats of arms of 32 eastern towns served by the station. Inside, two large halls are lit by glass roofs. These are the departures hall or hall Alsace built in 1850 and the arrivals hall or hall Saint-Martin in Art Deco style from 1931.
In 2019, 41,240,100 visitors passed through Gare de l’Est. It has 15 platforms and 29 tracks. Tracks 13 to 22 serve Transilien line P. This suburban line goes to Meaux, Château-Thierry, Coulommiers, and Provins. The yellow zone, opposite the Alsace hall, covers tracks 2 to 12. It connects to Alsace and other European destinations. The blue zone, opposite the Saint-Martin hall, covers tracks 23 to 30. It serves trains to Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine.
From Gare de l’Est, four major railway lines radiate outwards. These are Reims and Charleville-Mézières, Metz and Sarrebruck, Nancy and Strasbourg and Troyes, Belfort and Mulhouse. In 2007, the TGV-Est-Européen high-speed train launched. The LGV Est improved rail connectivity between Paris and eastern France.
A metro station called “Gare de l’Est” connects with metro lines 4, 5, and 7. In 2019, it welcomed 22,443,106 passengers. In the Alsace hall, view “Le départ des Poilus, août 1914.” This huge canvas depicts soldiers departing for World War I. Albert Herter donated it in 1926. It is a tribute to his son, Everit, who died in the war. The painting shows the painter’s son. His arms are outstretched with a flower at the end of his rifle. His parents are depicted at either end of the painting.
Gare de l’Est has been the location for many films. These include La Grande Vadrouille and Amélie. During the first two weeks of December, the Place du 11 novembre 1918 hosts the Alsatian Christmas market. In August 1855, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert traveled by train from Strasbourg station or the Gare de l’Est.
So, as you stroll along the Allée de la Station, remember the grand Gare de l’Est. It stands as a testament to history, architecture, and the enduring spirit of travel.