Metro-Expo-Resto #12
“métro, Expo, Resto”
Break out of the mould of “métro, boulot, dodo” (a French expression that, translated literally, means “Métro, work, sleep”) and get ready for “Métro, expo, resto”, as Babylangues introduces you to a new way of exploring the Paris Métro system. Join us in our quest to discover the various stations dotted across the city. How did they get their name? What are the surrounding neighbourhoods like? What can be found nearby? Some many questions and Babylangues has all the answers!
Châtelet
Break out of the mould of “métro, boulot, dodo” (a French expression that, translated literally, means “Métro, work, sleep”) and get ready for “Métro, expo, resto”, as Babylangues introduces you to a new way of exploring the Paris Métro system. Join us in our quest to discover the various stations dotted across the city. How did they get their names? What are the surrounding neighbourhoods like? What can be found nearby? So many questions and Babylangues has all the answers!
Have you ever been lost in the labyrinthine passages of Châtelet before, following signs for an exit that never materialises? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This station, which is notoriously busy and difficult to navigate, sits right at the heart of Paris, in the 1er arrondissement, uniting Lines 1, 4, 7, 11 and 14 of the métro and Lines A, B and D of the RER. It is linked to RER stop Châtelet-Les Halles and métro station Les Halles, creating a huge underground network which is 750 metres long and which sees 750,000 passengers pass through it every day.
Châtelet was opened on 6th August 1900, and is named after the Grand Châtelet, a castle which was situated across the river from Île de la Cité, and which was knocked down in 1802 by Napoleon. In fact, the word châtelet itself comes from the medieval term for a small castle that faces onto a bridge.
- Fun fact: Châtelet-Les Halles is the largest underground station in the world!
What Is There To Do Nearby?
Due to the fact that Châtelet is situated right in the centre of Paris, if you are looking for nearby activities or tourist attractions, you will be spoilt for choice!
First of all, connected to the Les Halles branch of the station, there is the shopping centre Forum Les Halles, where you can spend hours indulging in some retail therapy, before visiting one of the many restaurants dotted around the outside of the complex.
A stone’s throw from Forum Les Halles sits the Pompidou Centre, which, what with its blue piped exterior, cuts a distinctive figure onto the Parisian cityscape. Inside, you will find a host of modern art exhibitions, as well as an amazing view of the city from the top floor.
Finally, if you walk from Châtelet towards the Seine, you will come out onto the Rue de Rivoli, with its impressive selection of shops and restaurants.
