In Paris, this major railway station has just been awarded the 'Remarkable Station' designation.

Published by Audrey de Sortiraparis · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Updated on September 17, 2026 at 03:45 p.m.
As its historic façade gradually regains its shine, the Gare de Lyon earns the label « Gare remarquable », a new distinction dedicated to France’s railway heritage.

The Gare de Lyon received on September 16, 2026 the new label “Gare remarquable”, created by SNCF Gares & Connexions to highlight French stations that stand out for their architecture, history, or heritage.

With its clock tower, its monumental façade and the decorative motifs from the late 19th century, the Paris station ranks among the capital’s most recognizable railway buildings. The current structure was largely redesigned in the run-up to the 1900 Exposition Universelle, under the direction of architect Marius Toudoire. A portion of the ensemble is protected as Historic Monuments.

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The designation comes amid a major restoration of the historic facade. Since 2025, several elements have been recovered or restored from archival records, including sculptures, ornaments and metal fittings. Work is slated to continue until 2027, with a budget of 20 million euros.

Gare de Lyon is among an initial selection of 47 French train stations. In Paris, Austerlitz, the Gare de l’Est, the Gare du Nord and Saint-Lazare are also included in the scheme. A scientific committee will then carry on the work to identify other stations that could earn the label.

With this new initiative, SNCF is primarily looking to raise awareness of a heritage that thousands of passengers pass by every day, often without noticing.

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Place Louis Armand
75012 Paris 12

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