Paris Métro

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Rapid transit system in Paris, France

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Map of the Paris Métro

Overview
Native name
Owner
Area served
Locale	Paris, Île-de-France, France
Transit type	Rapid transit
Number of lines	16
Line number
Start	{{{data9}}}
End	{{{data10}}}

The Paris Métro (short for Métropolitain) is a rapid transit system in Paris, France. It is one of the most extensive and busiest metro systems in the world, known for its density within the city limits and its architectural style influenced by Art Nouveau.

History

The Paris Métro was inaugurated on 19 July 1900, with the opening of its first line between Porte de Vincennes and Porte Maillot. The system was designed to provide efficient transportation within the city and to connect with the existing railway network.

Network

The Paris Métro network consists of 16 lines, numbered 1 to 14, with two additional lines, 3bis and 7bis, which are short branch lines. The lines are mostly underground and cover a total length of 225.1 kilometers. The system has 304 stations, many of which are known for their distinctive entrances designed by Hector Guimard.

Lines

• Line 1: La Défense – Château de Vincennes
• Line 2: Porte Dauphine – Nation
• Line 3: Pont de Levallois – Gallieni
• Line 3bis: Gambetta – Porte des Lilas
• Line 4: Porte de Clignancourt – Mairie de Montrouge
• Line 5: Bobigny – Place d'Italie
• Line 6: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile – Nation
• Line 7: La Courneuve – Villejuif / Mairie d'Ivry
• Line 7bis: Louis Blanc – Pré Saint-Gervais
• Line 8: Balard – Pointe du Lac
• Line 9: Pont de Sèvres – Mairie de Montreuil
• Line 10: Boulogne – Pont de Saint-Cloud – Gare d'Austerlitz
• Line 11: Châtelet – Mairie des Lilas
• Line 12: Front Populaire – Mairie d'Issy
• Line 13: Saint-Denis – Université / Les Courtilles – Châtillon – Montrouge
• Line 14: Saint-Lazare – Olympiades

Operation

The Paris Métro is operated by the RATP Group (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens). The system operates from approximately 5:30 AM to 1:15 AM, with extended hours on weekends and public holidays. Trains run frequently, with intervals of 2 to 4 minutes during peak hours and 5 to 10 minutes during off-peak hours.

Architecture

The Paris Métro is renowned for its Art Nouveau station entrances designed by Hector Guimard. These entrances are characterized by their ornate ironwork and distinctive signage. The stations themselves vary in design, with some featuring elaborate tilework and others being more utilitarian.

Future Developments

Several extensions and new lines are planned for the Paris Métro, including the Grand Paris Express project, which aims to add new lines and extend existing ones to improve connectivity in the Île-de-France region.

Related Pages

• RATP Group
• Île-de-France
• Art Nouveau
• Rapid transit
• Grand Paris Express