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Key figures

Origin and history

The Lyon station, located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, is one of the six main terminals of the SNCF network. Inaugurated in 1901 after several reconstructions, it is marked by its 67-metre belfry, its monumental clock and its mural by Jean-Baptiste Olive representing the destinations served. It replaces a first temporary embankment opened in 1849, which became insufficient in the face of an increase in rail traffic.

The current station, designed by architect Marius Toudoire, was inaugurated on 6 April 1901 by President Émile Loubet. It features an imposing façade on Place Louis-Armand, an iconic clock tower and a fresco room. Its development accelerated with the arrival of TGVs in 1981, transforming its role in the national and international network. The underground station, built in the 1970s, is home to RER lines A and D, reinforcing its importance in the transport of francilians.

The Lyon station experienced several expansions, notably in 1927 with the addition of eight additional tracks, and major modernizations such as the interconnection of the RER D in 1995. It is also famous for its restaurant Le Train bleu, which was listed as a historic monument in 1972, and for its 1988 rail accident, which led to major renovations. Today, it remains a major railway hub, serving South-East France and several European countries.

Its architecture combines classic and industrial styles, with elements such as the coat of arms of the cities served or the large glassware added during recent renovations. The station is also a cultural place, appearing in literary and cinematographic works, and paired with the stations of Barcelona-Sants and Seoul since 2015.

The annual traffic exceeds 100 million passengers, making it the second busiest station in France. Its history reflects the evolution of rail transport, from the first steam trains to modern TGV, while preserving heritage elements such as its restored clock in 2005 or its mural.

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