One station a day: Gambetta, the Big Station That Swallowed the Small One

From 1905 to 1921, Gambetta station served as the terminus of Metro Line 3. When the line was extended to Porte des Lilas, it became a regular station once again. Everything changed in 1971. A new section of Metro Line 3 was created between Gambetta and Gallieni stations, forming the line as we know it today.

The existing Gambetta–Porte des Lilas segment was separated and became an independent line, designated as Metro Line 3bis.

Before the major transformation, Gambetta and Martin Nadaud stations—located just upstream on the line toward Père Lachaise—shared the shortest distance between two stations in the network: only 235 meters.

The first was named in honor of the famous Léon Gambetta (1838–1882), one of the founders of the Third Republic. As Minister of the Interior and War, he opposed surrender to the Prussians. During the Siege of Paris, he made the daring decision to travel to Tours by balloon—an audacious mode of transport for the time—to organize the resistance.

Martin Nadaud (1815–1898), a mason by trade and elected deputy in 1849, is less well known. However, he coined the famous phrase: "Quand le bâtiment va… tout va !" ("When construction thrives, everything thrives!"). A passionate advocate for the metro, he unfortunately passed away before seeing it come to life.

The creation of two branches on Metro Line 3 called into question the coexistence of these two stations. A new Gambetta station—the one we know today—was built as an extension of Martin Nadaud station. Remnants of Martin Nadaud still exist, including its former platforms and entrances (on the square of the same name), which now serve as access points to Gambetta station.

Traces of this transformation are still visible. For example, the vault of the new Gambetta station is higher than usual, as it was partially built over the tunnel that once connected the two stations. This also explains the exceptionally long platforms at Gambetta, which incorporate the former platforms of Martin Nadaud.

Discover the history of Metro Line 3 and the history of Metro Line 3bis, as well as the Gallica blog article on Gambetta station.

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