Oh, how we have longed for you, Paris.
The crepes, croissants, cafes and culture make this city one that we all spend years on end daydreaming of.
While there are many incredible cities in Europe that every type of traveler would love, Paris is and likely always will be an iconic one.
There is nothing more romantic than arriving in Paris through Gare du Nord — the busiest train station in all of Europe. Located in the 10th Arrondissement, this train station is like a city within itself, full of life and an estimated half a million travelers passing through it every single day.
So, how can you travel through Gare du Nord with ease on your next trip to Paris? Well, we’re here to start off by reminding you that it is all about the journey and not the destination itself, with Gare du Nord being the shining example of just that.
To help you make the most out of your time at Gare du Nord in 2022, we have put together all the tips and tricks that will make your time navigating through this iconic station enjoyable.
- Premium luggage storage offered
If you are traveling through Gare du Nord and only have a short amount of time to spend in Paris for the day, then make the most of the premium luggage storage Gare du Nord services within the train station itself. Not only will you find some of the best storage deals throughout all of Paris, but you will also no longer have to worry about trying to squeeze your way through herds of people with luggage in tow. It will also make your pit stop to the Eiffel Tower a whole lot easier with nothing but your phone and camera to carry.
- It is connected to the metro
The metro station in Paris is just as iconic as the train station. Luckily, the two are interconnected. So your journey is pretty straightforward in getting from point A to point B and never having to get a taxi in between. With both the metro and the train station operating pretty much all day, every day, you will never have to wait long to get to where you want to be.
- The Eurostar is the true star of the station
One of the main reasons that Gare du Nord is always teeming with people is that the Eurostar high-speed train provides direct access from this train station to some of the other great European highlights such as London, Amsterdam and Brussels. For those wanting to do a backpacking trip through Europe, plan to cross borders through Gare du Nord with your Euro pass. Train travel has never been so fast or easy.
- Shop till you drop while you wait
While you should always get to the train station a bit early so you are not in a rush to catch your train, we recommend adding at least another thirty minutes so you can make the most of the shopping at Gare du Nord. There is everything from chocolate shops to florists. There is even a wine and cheese shop, so you can make that train ride feel even more sophisticated. And if you happen to be traveling to London, then take advantage of a wonderful and exclusive chocolate shop that will have you wanting to buy everything in sight.
- The station is getting even better now
Gare du Nord has always been a modern marvel. In 2022, expect lots of upgrades in the build-up to the 2024 Olympic Games. Expect the station to be getting some major work done as they aim to triple the size. The vision by 2024 is to have it look like an urban complex and a leading example of what a train station should be in the 21st century. So be patient if the train station is under construction when traveling through next year. We promise it will be worth it in the end.
So the next time you plan a trip to Paris, plan to travel through Gare du Nord. It is a modern marvel in its own right and an iconic part of the city. It is so much more than just your average train station. Full of diverse characters, extensive shopping, premium luggage storage and undergoing a major facelift to the footprint and design, this train station is setting the standard for how train stations around the world should be.