The Fascinating World of the Paris Metro
The Metro stations in Paris really are a great way to get around and see the city. As an American from a more rural town, it blows my mind just how vast and helpful they are. Imagine a bowl of spaghetti. That’s what the Paris metro feels like to me. You get your map out, see which lines you need to take, then you jump from this train to that going tunnel to tunnel until you reach your destination.
Honestly, it boggles my brain every time. Even with a map, I can scarcely comprehend how and where everything connects. That doesn’t put me off, however. Instead, it fascinates me and makes me want to know more. In my experience, these trains run efficiently and provide an excellent means to access the city in a unique and interesting way.
Take the station tunnels, for example. The things are huge! They have to be. With all the people getting on and off each day, they need big trains. Still, though, in a city where roads, homes, and restaurants feel cramped, the metro stations feel quite the opposite. I’ll admit, some of the pathways between stations can leave one feeling claustrophobic, but the stations themselves are always so open, beautiful, and well lit.
‘Did he just call the metro station beautiful?’ Yes, dear reader, I did, and I’m owning the fact. They aren’t opulent or extravagant, but they still stun me every time I stop too look around. I love how they curve from one wall to the other, completely covered in white tiles. Honestly, it feels a lot like standing in a story book. I’ve never been on a subway/metro in the states, but something tells me they’re not nearly as striking here.
I know it sounds odd, but riding the metro always stands out as one of my favorite aspects of visiting Paris. I don’t know if I just enjoy the architecture, or if I’m just childish and enjoy the idea of riding trains underground. Either way, you can’t deny that the metro adds a unique and interesting aspect to Paris.
That’s just my take, though. There are plenty more reasons to love the metro. For example, did you know that the Paris Metro station is the most comprehensive subway system in the word, and it travels a collective 600,000 miles per day! This website says that works out to equal 10 times around the globe. (Though my math says you could travel the circumference of the globe 24.1 times at that mileage.)
Have you ever been to Paris or wanted to go? What did you think about the Metro? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
