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.
Gare de Lyon: the fascinating story of the station that opened Paris to the Mediterranean.
With its enormous clock, its famed tower, and the prestigious Le Train Bleu, the Gare de Lyon is one of Paris's most iconic stations. Behind its monumental architecture lies a history rich in technical feats, in legendary journeys, and in urban transformations that have accompanied the capital's rise. [Read more]
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.
Go behind the scenes of the Gare de Lyon restoration for Heritage Days 2026.
Gare de Lyon gets a facelift, and for the 2026 Heritage Days you can glimpse behind the scenes of its restoration on an exceptional tour. Mark your calendar for September 19, 2026 for this site tour. [Read more]
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Location
Gare de Lyon
Place Louis Armand
75012 Paris 12
Route planner



Gare de Lyon: the fascinating story of the station that opened Paris to the Mediterranean.














