Construction of the current building 1928-1933 (≈ 1931)
Art Deco architecture by Max Sainsauliieu
6 novembre 1982
Baptism of a TGV train
Baptism of a TGV train 6 novembre 1982 (≈ 1982)
TGV South East No. 46 named "Contraxéville"
11 juin 2013
Registration historical monument
Registration historical monument 11 juin 2013 (≈ 2013)
Building and wharf protection
décembre 2016
Removed from service TER
Removed from service TER décembre 2016 (≈ 2016)
Nancy-Contrexéville line closure
5 avril 2019
Restoration of the Water Train
Restoration of the Water Train 5 avril 2019 (≈ 2019)
Paris-Vittel link relaunched
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The passenger building, the docks, the passenger shelter and the warehouse of goods, in full (Box BR 1): registration by order of 11 June 2013
Key figures
Max Sainsaulieu - Architect
Designer of the Art Deco building
Origin and history
The Contrexéville station, built between 1928 and 1933 by architect Max Sainsaulieu, is an emblematic example of Art Deco architecture applied to railway buildings. Located on the Merrey line in Hymont-Mattaincourt, it replaces a standard East building similar to Vittel. Its hexagonal vestibule, topped by a roof in slate with geometric crest, and its iron cast iron marquise reflect a modern aesthetic for the time.
The passenger building, listed as a historic monument in 2013, retains original elements such as ceramic tiles, glass windows, and fixed furniture. The station, located at an altitude of 344 meters, has undergone major changes: abolition of the TER service in 2016, then restoration in 2019 with the Paris-Vittel line, reviving the historic "train des Eaux".
In 1982, a South-East TGV (No.46) was named after the city, highlighting its link to railway heritage. Today, the station combines passenger service (TER Grand Est) and freight, serving mainly local bottling plants. Its architecture, combining smooth painted concrete and raw surfaces, embodies the innovation of the 1920s-1930s.
The station is also an intermodal node, with buses to Neufchâteau, Epinal, or Nancy, and a parking space. Although the building is closed, it remains open on weekdays, preserving its role in regional mobility. Protected features include docks, passenger shelter, and a cargo hangar.
The attendance, estimated by SNCF between 2015 and 2024, reflects its continued use despite the changes in service. Its designation as historical monuments covers the entire site (cadaster BR 1), recognizing its heritage and architectural value.
