A Network Of Hidden Ghost Stations Lurks On The Paris Mtro

There’s a hidden maze of mysterious, abandoned ghost stations lurking within the Paris Métro system, whose fascinating but forgotten history is entwined with the Second World War. Read on to discover where to go to experience history first-hand.

The contrast between pristine Paris metro stations, with their shiny automatic sliding doors, and the abandoned stations is striking to say the least. This underground catacomb network is one of the best-kept urban secrets of the City of Lights, creating a tale of mystery and imagination for intrepid local urban explorers to discover.

The majority of Paris’s ghost stations were sealed off when France entered World War II in September 1939, and many have remained closed ever since. It’s incredible to think that there are whole platforms that exist that have never actually had a single passenger standing on them, waiting for a train.

There are two stations that were constructed but never actually used, and today, still lie inaccessible to the public. But most other metro stations have been repurposed, or have disappeared entirely as the network evolved.

Saint-Martin ghost station, situated between Strasbourg-Saint-Denis and République, is said to still have adverts from the 1940s covering its walls. Legend has it that Microsoft has used this station to attempt to catch travellers’ eyes with ultra-hip advertising, given that the Metro lines 8 and 9 pass through it, even if briefly. The main use for the halls though are as a day centre for the homeless.

It’s not recommended to visit them alone as they can be very dangerous places – in fact, it’s illegal, but some are open to the public for the Journées du Patrimoine (Annual Heritage Days).

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.