Gare du Nord, which translates in English to “station of the North” or “Northern Station,” officially Paris-Nord, is one of Paris, France’s six largest mainline railway stations. The location accommodates trains that are traveling between the capital and Northern France via the Paris–Lille railway.
It also connects to other international destinations such as Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Located in the northern part of Paris and fairly close to the Gare de l’Est in the 10th arrondissement, this well-known “station of the north” provides travelers with connections to several other urban transport lines, including Paris Métro, RER, and accompanying buses.
Unlike many stations throughout Europe, Gare du Norde is one of, if not the, busiest railway stations in Europe. Each day, many approximate that Gare du Norde receives well over 100,000 travelers a day. In fact, according to a 2015 study, the Gare du Nord saw an excess of 700,000 passengers per day.
The majority of those traveling using the Gare du Norde are typically commuting between the northern suburbs of Paris and outlying towns. In the late 2010s and early 2020s, a substantial refurbishment program began intended to redesign the Gare du Norde.
This redesign involved a significant expansion of the station’s footprint; it will also make it possible for the Gare du Norde to handle more passengers.
As a result of these transformations, clientele will also enjoy an expansion of the onsite amenities and a new departure terminal. All of these changes are being made in preparation for the 2024 Summer Olympics, which are to be held in Paris.
When all is said and done with this redevelopment, the Gare du Nord will triple in size by 2024, and as a result, will become the largest railway station in Europe.
French Food at Marché Saint-Quentin
If you are looking for French food, we’ve got a great suggestion for you – Marché Saint-Quentin. Located just a quick hop, skip, and a jump from Gare du Nord station, Marché Saint-Quentin is a covered farmers market and the perfect place to buy French food and organic produce.
If you are interested in learning more about Parisian food markets, this is the place to do it. Not only do they have the best Parisian culture has to offer and fine ingredients, but they’ve also got top-notch cheesemongers, butchers, fish markets. And that’s not all! You can also visit to find the finest bakeries and produce stands.
Aside from grocery shopping, for those who just want to visit as a tourist destination, Marché Saint-Quentin is great for an afternoon stroll or to spend some time visiting its quaint restaurants.
Visitors rave about the wine or oyster experiences, and many declare it one of the best seafood experiences in Paris.
For all the fun Marché Saint-Quentin has to offer, be sure to visit 85Bis Boulevard Magenta 75010.
Sweets from A La Mère De Famille
Sweet tooth, by any chance? If so, we’ve got literal treats for you!
At A La Mère De Famille, you will find an array of candies from what is known as the oldest confectionery store in Paris. A La Mère De Famille is located just steps from Gare du Nord station.
This beautiful confectionery store has been making some of the most delicious candies and chocolates since 1761.
Along with many tourist favorites, A La Mère De Famille offers a series of sweet French specialties: fruit pastes, caramels, sugared almonds, nougat, jelly beans, and calissons. All of these treats are still made according to the tried and true recipes of Parisian culture.
In addition to the delectable flavors, you can also visit A La Mère De Famille for its design – many tourists will quickly recognize the old and vintage facade of the shop as replicating the magic of Parisian history.
To visit A La Mère De Famille, head over to 35 Rue Du Faubourg-Montmartre, Paris.
Canal Saint-Martin
After you have safely secured your belongings at a proper luggage storage in Gare du Nord you will be able to travel lightly to take in some stellar scenery.
One of the places you might consider visiting is the charming Canal Saint-Martin. Just a ten-minute walk from Gare du Nord station, this incredibly narrow waterway was originally built for one purpose: to bring fresh water to the northern parts of Paris.
Since the canal connects to the Seine, there is plenty of water that flows from it. These days, the canal and its surrounding area are quite a sight to see with a plethora of cool boutiques, trendy cafés, and an array of bright street art.
As you might imagine, the canal is quite a tourist destination over the summer months. In this high season, you will find many Parisians sprawled along its banks enjoying the summer weather, picnicking, or simply enjoying a book and the breezy weather.
If this is a destination that may be of interest, consider grabbing some local food and trying out a Parisian picnic by the banks of this beautiful canal?
Cocoa at Musée du Chocolat
Another delectable item Paris is well known for is its chocolate. If you are a fan of this treat, consider visiting the Musée du Chocolat – or the “Choco Story” as it is colloquially known. This chocolate museum, which seems so much like a Willy Wonka Factory, is also located in steps from the Gare du Nord.
Inside its doors is very literally 4,000 years of chocolate history. Visitors can bear witness to chocolate sculptures and clothes, among other wonderful items.
If this is something that is of interest to you, you should definitely visit its location at 28 Boulevard De Bonne Nouvelle, 75010.
Eglise Saint Vincent de Paul
If you are interested in having a more religious experience, we’ve got the perfect suggestion – Eglise Saint Vincent de Paul! Dating back to 1850, this incredible cathedral is a sight to see even as it is not as famous as other religious institutions such as the Notre-Dame cathedral or the Sacré Coeur.
However, we promise you that this little Parisian secret is worth visiting. Visitors will especially enjoy the incredible architecture, which is far more impressive on the inside than on the outside. To visit this impressive structure, find it at Square Cavaillé-Coll 75010.
Summary
While it has been a standard fixture in Parisian life, the exterior and the interior of the Gare du Nord has been memorialized in an array of examples from American movies and television such as The Bourne Identity (2002) and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), featuring Matt Damon, Ocean’s Twelve (2004), Mr. Bean’s Holiday (2007), and the “Double Identity” episode of Gossip Girl.
But if movies and television aren’t enough for you, consider getting up and close personal with the Gare yourself by paying this location a personal visit.
