Gare du Nord, or Le Gare du Paris-Nord, stands as the busiest train station in Paris. Positioned in the northern part of the city, it serves as a pivotal gateway to and from Northern Europe. Whether you’re arriving from, or heading to, destinations like the UK, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, or the Netherlands, Gare du Nord is your essential hub.
As a central transportation node, Gare du Nord offers comprehensive access to various transit options. You’ll find regional rail lines (RER, TER, and Transilien), national and international high-speed trains (TGV, Eurostar, and Thalys), metro services, buses, taxis, and the city’s Vélib’ bike rentals. A direct route to CDG airport via the RER line B (approximately 30 minutes) is a significant advantage for those with tight schedules or early flights.
Dining and Accommodation Near Gare du Nord
Located in the 10th arrondissement, the area around Gare du Nord may not be the most picturesque, but there are a few excellent dining options and a reliable hotel nearby.
La Grille
We recommend La Grille, located at 80 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière. Just a ten-minute walk from the station, this restaurant specializes in grilled dishes. Popular with locals and the business crowd, the service here is exceptional. The grilled steak options, including entrecôte de boeuf with béarnaise and filet de boeuf with sauce au poivre vert, are particularly notable.
Chez Michel
For a delightful late dinner, Chez Michel is a fantastic choice. Situated at 10 Rue de Belzunce, just four minutes from Gare du Nord, this restaurant offers a diverse menu with a Breton flair. Highlights include the crab and coconut salad, veal stew, Iberian-style roasted pork chops, and the kouign-amann, a decadent butter and caramelized sugar pastry. Reservations are recommended (tel. 01 44 53 06 20).
Hotel ibis Gare du Nord La Fayette
For a convenient and comfortable stay, the Hotel ibis Gare du Nord La Fayette is an excellent option. Located at 122 Rue la Fayette, it’s a mere five-minute walk from the station. The hotel features clean, modern rooms and a 24-hour front desk. A standout feature is the breakfast buffet, which, though on the pricier side, offers more than the typical Parisian croissant and coffee.
A Glimpse into Gare du Nord’s History
The origins of Gare du Nord date back to an 1842 law establishing rail lines in France, with the station opening in 1846. Initially designed by Léonce Reynaud, the original façade was later moved to Lille-Flandres station in Lille to make way for renovations. Reconstructed in a Neo-classical style by architect Jacques Hittorff, the updated Gare du Nord was completed in 1865. Hittorff, chosen by Baron James de Rothschild, also contributed to other notable Parisian landmarks, including the Church of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul and various structures along the Champs-Élysées and Place de l’Étoile (now Place Charles-de-Gaulle), the site of the Arc de Triomphe.
