Metro-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 names? What are the surrounding neighbourhoods like? What can be found nearby? So many questions, and Babylangues has all the answers!

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Varenne

Varenne métro station, which is served by Line 13 and located on Rue de Varenne, is, although one of the quietest stops in the whole city, also one of the most politically significant. Opened in 1923, Varenne was soon closely linked to the French government, as the Prime Minister took residence in the Hôtel Matignon in 1935. During the Second World War, when the government decamped to Vichy, these mansions in this district that had been occupied by ministers were left deserted, and the station was closed, only being opened again in 1962. It therefore reflects in some way the changing state of French politics during the first half of the 20th century.

Things To See & Do Nearby

  • Musée Rodin: Varenne is located just down the street from the Musée Rodin, where one can find an extensive collection of the works of the sculptor Auguste Rodin. Within the elegant interior of the museum lie thousands of sketches and paintings by several famous artists, including Van Gogh and Monet. Outside, within the soothing lines and graceful design of the gardens, you can explore some of the works of Rodin himself, from Le Penseur (‘The Thinker’), a replica of which can be found in Varenne station, to Le Baiser (‘The Kiss’). With its multiplicity of artists and styles, the museum is a lovely place to visit if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists at other Parisian attractions.
  • Les Invalides: Les Invalides, or l’Hôtel national des Invalides is a majestic complex of museums and monuments, all pertaining to France’s military history. It was originally built as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans, but now contains the Musée de l’Armée and the Musée de l’Histoire Contemporaine. The famous golden dome that rises above the other buildings is a church containing the graves of some of France’s best known military figures, including Napoleon Bonaparte.

the gardens of the Musée Rodin