The Gare d'Austerlitz in Paris is far from being the busiest station in the capital. It has to be said that work on the station has been going on and on for over 5 years. But that's no reason not to pay it a visit during the Journées du Patrimoine 2025! On September 20 and 21, head for the banks of the Seine, in the 13rd arrondissement, to discover the program on offer at the Gare d'Austerlitz for the curious young and old alike.
Inaugurated in 1840, the station named after the famous battle of Austerlitz, won by Napoleon in 1805, is one of Paris's major railway stations, offering links to western and south-western France, notably Nantes, and international destinations such as Spain. It is also a departure point for trains and suburban lines serving the Île-de-France region.
Classified as a historical monument, the Gare d'Austerlitz building boasts characteristic 19th-century architecture and is definitely worth a detour. So, why not take advantage of the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) on September 20 and 21, 2025, to discover the site and enjoy a fun program?
Since its creation in 1883, the Orient-Express has undoubtedly remained one of the world's most legendary trains. Indissociable from the Compagnie internationale des wagons-lits, Europe's first transcontinental linked Paris to Constantinople for the first time, offering passengers unprecedented comfort in its luxurious sleeping and dining cars. The brainchild of Georges Nagelmacker, a businessman and engineer from Liège, Belgium, the train revolutionized rail transport, alongside the company's other prestigious services such as the Train Bleu, Étoile du Nord, Sud-Express and Taurus-Express.
Initially made up of teak wood carriages, of which only a few remain in the world today, Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits trains began to feature metal carriages with a midnight-blue livery and gold edging in the 1920s. The iconic Orient Express trainset will be on display at Paris Austerlitz station on September 20 & 21.
The Orient-Express train comprises 7 carriages, four of which are listed as Monuments Historiques. The Pullman cars, with their cream and blue livery, are considered the most luxurious coaches. Introduced into service in the late 1920s, they embody the art of refined travel and luxury à la française. Their interior decoration is particularly meticulous, and they bear witness to the excellence of the skills of artists and craftsmen such as René Prou and René Lalique, ambassadors of Art Deco.
The Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits introduced its first dining car in 1882. Built to accompany the first voyage of the Orient-Express, it brought haute cuisine on board, much to the delight of travelers. With the introduction of dining cars on its trains, complementing the luxurious sleeping cars, the company revolutionized the art of travel.Initially in the Art Nouveau style, they were later decorated in the Art Deco style from the 1920s onwards.
Station signal box
Come and visit the signal box that handles all train traffic at Paris Austerlitz station (Paris suburbs and main lines). Get a behind-the-scenes look at how rail traffic runs in a major Parisian station, and meet the people involved, who will show you their job, which is vital to the operation of the French rail network.
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Austerlitz station
85 Quai d'Austerlitz
75013 Paris 13
Access
Metro Gare d'austerlitz
Booking
patrimoine.sncf.com
