A Railfan's Guide to the Paris Métro
David Pirmann has assembled an impressive collection of photos to accompany his well-documented tour of the Paris Métro system, including information on 14 lines plus the RER & TGV.
Closed Stations in Paris' Subway
Over the years, eleven métro stations (or portions of them) have been closed to the public, and two were never opened! André Quintanar provides a fascinating tour and narrative of these ghost stations, complete with photos.
European Rail Passes
Whether you plan to explore France or traverse all of Europe, rail travel can be one of the most economical and relaxing ways to go. Let our conductor suggest the best rail package for your itinerary, then order your passes securely online.
European Railway Picture Gallery
Webmasters Marco van Huden and Sven Manias, in collaboration with rail enthusiasts around the world, host this remarkable collection of photos representing rolling stock throughout Europe. The section on France includes over 60 images of the Paris Métro, plus hundreds of other photos depicting trams, funiculars, steam/ diesel/ electric locomotives, narrow gauge, stations, museums, and more.
Lost Subways, Forgotten Tunnels, Strange Railways
Frédéric Delaitre has a passion for documenting interesting railroads all over the world. The site includes a collection of stories on the Paris Métro and trains throughout France.
Métro-Pole
A site hosted by Jean-François Dancre, Métro-Pole offers news articles (in French) covering all forms of public transport in Paris.
Musée des Transports Urbains, Interurbains et Ruraux
Although the museum itself is currently closed to the public, their web site provides a fascinating look at the evolution of public transportation in Paris, dating back to 1863 and the era of horse-drawn trams. (in French)
Paris Métro Unofficial Site
Song Phanekham felt so impassioned about the Paris Métro that he has assembled this collection of historical tidbits, ruminations, and photos as an unofficial tribute. (As of 12/02, most pages are in French only.)
Petite Ceinture "Small Belt" Railway
Of historical significance, the Petite Ceinture was built during the 19th century as a link between each great railway station of Paris. A predecessor of the Métro, it was adopted as an urban railway system by all Parisians of the time. Sadly, during the mid-1930s it fell into disuse and disrepair, and has since gradually disappeared. A faction called the "Association pour la Sauvegarde de la Petite Ceinture de Paris et de son Réseau Ferré" (AS.PC.RF) is garnering interest in the conservation of this old relic.
Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP)
This is the transportation authority's site, where you can obtain up-to-the-minute information on all aspects of public transport in Paris. (in French & English)
Sprague-Thomson Carriages
The old Sprague-Thomson carriages formed the basis of the Paris métro's rolling stock, built from 1926 to 1935 until their withdrawal in the early 1980s. A train was formed with two engined railcars and three passenger cars (one red car in the middle for first class). Today, the Sprague still makes an occasional appearance for special events in Paris.
Syndicat des Transports d'Ile-de-France (STIF)
Formerly known as the Syndicat des Transports Parisiens (STP), this organization created in 1959 is responsible for planning all public transport in Ile-de-France. (in French & English)
Urban Rail (formerly MetroPlanet)
Robert Schwandl has assembled an invaluable collection of information, resources and links on the Paris Métro, as well as numerous other subway and tram systems in the world.
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