Anecdote metro guide

MONA, COHI... what do these acronyms displayed at the front of RER trains mean?

If you regularly take the RER, then you have most likely seen these four-letter names at the front of trains and on display screens. COHI, HOVE, or TAVA on the RER E, or GOTA, MONA, VICK, and SARA on the RER C... But do you know what these acronyms, nicknamed "mission codes," mean? We'll explain.

Did you know? Why is the Rue des Boulets station so named?

On line 9, the Rue des Boulets station sometimes intrigues travelers, and even elicits a smile when it's given a double meaning. But where does the name of this metro stop come from? We explain.

Metro: Do you know why the Telegraphe station in Paris is called that?

Why is a metro station called Télégraphe? It's a question that sometimes intrigues travelers who come out to this stop in the heart of Paris's 20th arrondissement. And yet, the answer takes us back long before the arrival of the metro, to the 18th century. Here's the story.

Do you know the meaning of Montparnasse-Bienvenüe station? (No, it's not to say "Welcome!")

Delve into the surprising origins of the name of Montparnasse-Bienvenüe station: a double tribute to the Paris metro engineer, and to a poetic hill that no longer exists - not a simple "bienvenue aux voyageurs"!

Métro Picpus: do you know the astonishing legend behind the name of this Paris station?

A strange name, a surprising legend: plunge into the underground of the Paris metro to discover the unusual history of Picpus station. We tell you the story behind the station's name.

Did you know? Paris's Vaneau metro station and its distinctive Art Deco entrance

It's the hidden gem of line 10: Vaneau station, whose Art Deco entrance, integrated into a building, surprises with its geometric elegance. A discreet but captivating testimony to the 1920s, a stone's throw from the Fontaine du Fellah.

Did you know? Why is the glacier station called that?

Have you ever wondered where the names of certain metro stations come from? On line 6, Glacière station is one of those that intrigues. What's ice got to do with a station in the 13ᵉ arrondissement? Here's a look at a slightly frosty story.

Did you know? What are the 10 most unusual objects found in the Paris metro?

In the twists and turns of the Paris metro, agents discover much more than forgotten umbrellas. Between a funeral urn, a wooden leg and a Scottish bagpipe, these unusual objects bear witness to the mysterious lives of the 200,000 passengers who lose their belongings every year on Paris transport. We reveal the 10 most original objects, consciously (or not) forgotten.

Birth on the metro or train: are babies really entitled to a Navigo pass for life?

When a baby is born in the metro or on the train, it's guaranteed a little spotlight... and sometimes a nice gift. But what about the legend of the free Navigo pass for life?

Thunderstorms and flooding: where does the water that flows into metro stations go?

During heavy thunderstorms, subway stations are sometimes flooded, with water seeping down in torrents. But do you know how this water is evacuated?

Did you know? Serge le Lapin celebrates his 48th birthday - here's his story

With his big ears and invaluable advice, Serge le Lapin has been RATP's prevention mascot for almost 5 decades. This February 15, 2025, Serge the Rabbit celebrates his 48th birthday. But do you know his story, and why he's called Serge? We tell you.

Did you know? Line 14 existed long before the current version, in the 1930s.

Before line 14 became the modern, fast metro we know today, another metro with the same number existed in the 1930s, before being attached to line 13 forty years later.

Did you know? Why does the Arts et Métiers metro station look like a submarine?

One of the most captivating stations in Paris, Arts et Métiers surprises with its unique design. Immerse yourself in the history of this transformed station, an architectural enigma in the heart of Paris.

Did you know: what do the names written on the roofs of Line 1 subways represent?

Take a look at the ceilings of Line 1's subway trains: you'll see a litany of names. Who are these people decorating the train ceiling? We explain.

Did you know: why is it always windy in Paris metro stations?

Draughts in the corridors of the Paris metro are commonplace. But why is there so much wind in the capital's basements? We explain.

Did you know? There are a dozen ghost stations in Paris. Do you know them?

While many Parisians take the metro every day, few are aware that the capital is home to a dozen ghost stations. Operated then finally abandoned or never opened... what are these ghost stations and where are they located in Paris? We tell you all about them.

Did you know? The Place des Fêtes metro station was designed as an air-raid shelter.

Located on lines 7 bis and 11 of the Paris metro, Place des Fêtes station is far from being the busiest on the RATP network. Yet this station hides many secrets. With its unique architecture, Place des Fêtes station was designed as an air-raid shelter for the population. We explain.

RATP: in which metro stations can you borrow an umbrella?

After a successful trial in just a dozen Paris metro stations, RATP is extending its "umbrella loan" service to 340 stations and stations across its network. So, where can you find umbrellas in case of rain? And how does this service work? We tell you all about it.

Did you know? Why is the Tuileries metro station green?

Since June 2023, the Tuileries station on line 1 of the Paris metro has been astonishing with its verdant decor, the work of Cyprien Chabert echoing the Jardin des Tuileries. Note that this decoration is ephemeral and will remain in place until 2030.

Paris Metro: who was Aimé Césaire, the man who gave his name to a station on line 12?

On line 12 of the Paris metro, north of Paris in the town of Aubervilliers, you'll find the Aimé Césaire station. While many Parisians get on or off at this stop every day, few actually know the person who gave it its name.