The Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel station, a bustling hub on the RER C in Paris, boasts a fascinating history, having served as a transportation hub for over a century. This station, named after its proximity to the iconic Eiffel Tower and the sprawling Champ de Mars, has witnessed numerous transformations, from its initial use as a goods station to its modern role as a vital stop for suburban rail commuters.
A Station for World’s Fairs
The station’s story begins in 1867, when it was first built to handle the goods needed for the construction of pavilions for the Exposition Universelle, a renowned world’s fair. This initial station was a terminus, with the line running from the Petite-Ceinture to the Champ de Mars. However, its existence was short-lived, as it was demolished shortly after the exposition concluded.
The station’s significance was reaffirmed in 1878, when a new station was built for the subsequent Exposition Universelle. This time, the station boasted a more functional design, with four dead-end tracks and four additional parking tracks. It featured a distinctive central metallic rooftop adorned with red bricks, and two side buildings, known as pagodas, that housed the passenger concourse. A buffet was also built to the south of the station, adding to the station’s bustling atmosphere.
A Station Transformed
The Champ de Mars station remained operational even after the 1878 world’s fair, becoming a popular spot for travelers during the 1889 exposition, which saw the construction of the Eiffel Tower right next to the station. However, the station’s fate took a turn in 1894, when passenger services were discontinued to allow for the demolition of level crossings. This led to the relocation of the station building to Bois-Colombes in 1897.
The station made a comeback for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, when the line was extended to Les Invalides and moved to the side of the Seine. This time, a new through station was built beneath the Eiffel Tower and the Celestial Globe, further solidifying the station’s connection to these prominent Parisian landmarks.
A Station Through the Decades
Beyond passenger services, the station also played a crucial role in freight transport. The CF de l’Ouest built a goods station between the Avenue de Suffren and the Boulevard de Grenelle, which became a hub for coal transport. However, the station’s role as a goods terminal was transferred to Vaugirard in 1937, leading to the station becoming an EMU shed. This depot was closed in 1971.
The station’s final transformation came in 1988 with the opening of the RER C, a new suburban railway line. The Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel station became a key stop on this line, offering convenient access to the Eiffel Tower and connections to trains from Pontoise and Versailles.
A Legacy of Transformation
The Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel station has weathered the passage of time, undergoing numerous changes and serving various purposes. From its initial role as a goods station to its current status as a bustling suburban rail hub, the station has remained an integral part of the Parisian landscape. While some original features have been preserved, like the platform walls, the station now stands as a testament to the city’s enduring spirit and its ability to adapt and transform over the years.
