Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel station is a pivotal hub on the RER C line in Paris, named after its proximity to the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower. This station’s history is intertwined with the World’s Fairs that transformed Paris into a global center of innovation and culture, leaving behind an enduring legacy for future generations.
From Exposition Grounds to a Railway Hub
This station, built on the site of a sprawling, open land, was originally designed to accommodate the goods needed for the 1867 Exposition Universelle, the first of many world’s fairs hosted in Paris. The location, strategically placed across from the Trocadéro and the École Militaire, provided easy access for transporting supplies and materials. This first station, however, was demolished shortly after the Exposition.
A New Station Rises for the 1878 Exposition
As Paris geared up for the 1878 World’s Fair, a new station was constructed, this time with a more permanent design. Juste Lisch, a renowned architect, crafted a station that incorporated four dead-end tracks and additional parking tracks, signifying a significant improvement in functionality compared to its predecessor. The station’s architecture was striking, featuring a central metallic rooftop adorned with red bricks, flanked by two side buildings referred to as “pagodas.” These pagodas housed the passenger concourse, sheltered by canopies that extended onto the platforms. A buffet was strategically situated to the south of the station, offering a welcoming space for travelers along the Avenue de Suffren.
The Eiffel Tower and its Impact on the Station
Champ de Mars station thrived even after the 1878 World’s Fair, regaining prominence during the 1889 event. The construction of the iconic Eiffel Tower, right next to the station, transformed the area into a bustling focal point, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. However, the station faced a pivotal change in 1894 when all passenger services were suspended to allow for the demolition of level crossings. A bridge was built over the Seine River to connect the dead-end line with the Ligne d’Auteuil, necessitating the demolition of the existing station building. The building was relocated in 1897 and repurposed as the station building for Bois-Colombes.
The Station’s Transformation for the 1900 Exposition
Paris, determined to outdo previous World’s Fairs, reopened Champ de Mars station for the 1900 Exposition. The line was extended to Les Invalides, situated on the opposite side of the Seine, a testament to the station’s evolving role in the Parisian transportation network. The CF de l’Ouest (West France Railway) created a new through station beneath the Eiffel Tower, marking a symbolic fusion of the station’s history with the iconic structure.
A Brief History of the Goods Station
In addition to passenger services, the CF de l’Ouest established a goods station between Avenue de Suffren and the Boulevard de Grenelle, reinforcing the station’s significance as a crucial transport hub. However, after the 1900 World’s Fair, all services were transferred to Les Invalides, leaving the goods station to operate independently. This dedicated goods station served as a bustling coal terminal between 1900 and 1937, experiencing its share of notable events, including the memorable 1910 flood, capturing the station’s vulnerability and resilience.
The Station’s Final Transformation and Rebirth
In 1937, the goods yard was relocated to Vaugirard, transforming the site into an EMU shed. The depot, however, closed in 1971. The station’s history took a new turn in 1988 with the inauguration of the RER C, a modern suburban railway line. Champ de Mars was integrated into the line, becoming a vital stop for those traveling to the Eiffel Tower and connecting trains from Pontoise and Versailles.
Champ de Mars Today: A Legacy of Resilience and Innovation
Today, Champ de Mars station, located beneath the Quai Branly, retains traces of its past, evident in the original platform walls. Though covered, it serves as a lasting symbol of the station’s enduring history, a testament to its ability to adapt to the changing needs of a city in constant evolution. The station stands as a vibrant reminder of the World’s Fairs that shaped Paris, the innovative spirit that drove its creation, and the timeless connection it holds with one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks: the Eiffel Tower.
