Saint-Georges Métro
Call me Paris Adèle, but don’t call me a trainspotter.
However, I do have a penchant for unusual or unique métro entrances and Saint-Georges fits the bill.
It is both unusual and unique, being the only one of its kind.
Saint-Georges métro entrance sits in the elegant and circular, Place Saint-Georges in the area known as La Nouvelle Athènes; The New Athens, in the 9th arrondissement of Paris.
Nouvelle Athènes, was once a hub for writers, artists and musicians who formed the elite; Parisian Romantic Movement.
This group included, but not limited to such people as Monet, Frederic Chopin, George Sand, Paul Gaugin, Victor Hugo, Delacroix and artist; Ary Scheffer, whose nearby home is now the free museum; Musée de la Vie Romantique.
If you are lucky enough, as I was, being the sole commuter to alight the train onto the empty and unusual platform…
It makes for a quiet and peaceful discovery of the pretty square that was once the centre garden of an estate.
In 1824 the estate was subdivided with the only remains being the central pond, which was once a drinking trough for horses.
When the station opened in 1911, the sculpture of Gavarni, a draughtsman and also considered one of the best cartoonists of the 19th century was installed.
The reason for this understated, unusual and elegant metro entrance was to compliment the beauty of the surrounding buildings rather than to distract.
Although you have arrived here to read about the métro, with its curved iron fence and simple yet unique entrance, it would be remiss of me to not show you the added bonus of visiting Saint-Georges Métro, and that is, the elegant buildings encircling the pretty square and the very reason why this métro entrance is different from others in Paris.
The architecture is sumptuous and the detail breathtaking.
The l’hôtel de la marquise de Païva, that you can see here, with its intricate façade, adorned with Gothic and Renaissance statues and attention to detail is stunning.
Please click on the images for an even better view!
It wasn’t Place Saint-Georges, which came into play in 1824, but the street leading up to it, rue Saint-Georges, established in 1734, from which this métro station took its name.
The station and the square featured in the François Truffaut movie Le Dernier Métro (The Last Metro) and more recently, for a brief moment, in the biopic Yves Saint Laurent.
Although Saint-Georges métro doesn’t have the intricate detail of some of the original Hector Guimard entrances, it is unique, elegant and one of a kind and the surrounding square makes it well worth the visit.
You could combine a visit to Place Saint-Georges and Saint-Georges métro station with a visit to the charming and nearby Musée de la Vie Romantique and/or take a direct line to Abbesses metro to visit Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur Basilica (see below).
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Paris Adéle Information Nécessaire:
Saint-Georges Métro
9th arrondissement
Entrance: Place Saint-Georges Paris 75009
Line Number: 12
Line Colour: Green
Line Direction: Aubervilliers Front Populaire in the north to Mairie d’Issy in the south-west
Serving: Abbesses (Montmartre), Pigalle, Madeleine, Concorde, Montparnasse Bienvenue, Porte Versaille.
Pronounced: Sohn-johrj
Paris Metro phone application that I highly recommend – link
Official RATP interactive Paris Metro Map in English – link
Official Paris Metro RATP phone application – link
How to Use the Metro – link
Places nearby or on the same metro line:
Musée de la Vie Romantique is a 450 metre walk away: you can print this MAP
Musée de la Vie RomantiqueTucked away behind an unassuming green gate, you will discover this enchanting hôtel particulier. An absolute delight.
Below is information and photos of the wonderful and newly enlarged Musée de Montmartre.
Take a direct line from Saint-Georges to Abbesses Métro:
Print this MAP for directions from Abbesses Métro Station to Musée de Montmartre via the Basilica of Sacre Coeur (noting; the Funiculaire (lift) if you don’t want to take the stairs)
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More Métro Stations of Interest:
Palais Royal-Musée du LouvreThe jewel of Place Colette. Murano glass beads and aluminium make up this colourful metro entrance to celebrate the centenary of the Metro.
Porte Dauphine MétroSitting in a lush green park, the Hector Guimard canopied beauty of Porte Dauphine would have to be the prettiest Métro entrance in all of Paris.
Saint-Georges MétroOpposite the stunning l'hôtel de la marquise de Païva, with it's intricate façade, adorned with Gothic and Renaissance statues you will find the unique Saint-Georges métro entrance.
How to Use the Paris MetroLearn how to use the Paris Metro and look like a local. Detailed tips on how to purchase tickets and navigate the underground.
Sentier MétroThe unique and striking blue and red signage of Sentier Métro, suspended from a spectacular façade on Rue Réaumur is the only surviving sign of two ever produced.