Did you know that metro line 10 as we know it today bore absolutely no resemblance to what it was when it was created? The line was commissioned on 30 December 1923 between Invalides and Croix-Rouge stations, and subsequently extended up to Jussieu in stages. At the time, it was to be backed up by a “circular” service that reinforced the operation of metro lines 7, 8 and 10. Although the project was eventually abandoned, part of the infrastructure had already been built.
Metro line 10 reached Odéon station in 1926. As of 15 February 1930, the line continued eastwards, but temporarily branched out at Maubert – Mutualité station to the future metro line 7 tracks between Place Monge and Place d’Italie stations, and then on to Porte de Choisy station on 7 March 1930. This temporary arrangement also used the branching out of the “circular” line, which was subsequently turned into a connecting track for work trains. Once the Sully - Morland – Jussieu crossing under the Seine was completed, on 26 April 1931, metro line 10 returned its tracks to metro line 7, to end its run at Jussieu station.
The initial metro line 10 route did not live up to passengers’ expectations, and had very low ridership. That was when authorities decided to thoroughly transform metro lines 8, 10 and the former line 14 (southern section of what is metro line 13 today). Metro line 10 went on to become a line that crossed Paris from one end to end, joining the sections
(1) Auteuil - La Motte-Picquet–Grenelle (operated up to then by metro line 8),(2) Duroc - Jussieu, with the building of a link between La Motte-Picquet–Grenelle and Duroc stations. Metro line 8 gave up its western branch as a result, and it was extended to Balard station. The Invalides – Duroc segment became a part of metro line 14.
The three lines were remapped overnight, and in one go, from 26 to 27 July 1937, with the main construction site being located at La Motte-Picquet–Grenelle station. The new metro line 10 came into being on 29 July 1937. While they were briefly confused by the frequent route changes, Parisians quickly took to these more logical lines, which carried far more passengers. The line was then extended to Gare d’Austerlitz station at the beginning of 1939, but World War Two left plans for an extension to Gare de Lyon in limbo. However, vestiges of the early extension works can still be seen to this day.
Metro line 10 resumed its expansion in the early 1980s to serve the western municipality of Boulogne-Billancourt. Line operations were given an upgrade in 1974 with the commissioning of a central command post. Between 1975 and 1976, Sprague-Thomson trains were replaced with articulated rolling stock from metro line 13, followed by MF67 (Métro Fer appel d'offres de 1967, steel-tyred metro trains ordered in 1967) trains in 1994. Next: by the end of 2025, metro line 10 will be the first line to receive the next-generation MF 19 (Métro Fer appel d'offres de 2019, steel-tyred metro trains ordered in 2019) trains funded by Île-de-France Mobilités.
It’s worth the trip!
Metro line 10 an artistic, historic and unconventional treasure chest. Using our new interactive map, follow the itinerary that will lead you from station to station to discover works of art, unconventional entrances, and places imprinted with a special story.
Stations in blue denote places of interest. Click on them to read their descriptions, access additional content, and find out their exact locations.
See the mobile-friendly version of the large-format map, or print the entire document.
(Re)visit the other interactive maps we have on the treasures across our lines!
[#100ansLigne10] #CaVautLeDétour ! La #ligne10 regorge de trésors. Grâce à notre carte interactive #RATP, découvrez tous les secrets de la ligne, entre stations aux dispositions atypiques ou à l'esthétique soignée. ✨
Retrouvez la carte ici ? https://t.co/KTO5UzT4YO pic.twitter.com/1XZvpOwM3C— Ligne 10 (@Ligne10_RATP) December 15, 2023
Discover one of the specific characteristics of Cluny - La Sorbonne station
Other unconventional stations on metro line 10
Do you know the phantom station Croix Rouge?
Metro line 10 turns 100
Many activities were organised in mid-December 2023 to commemorate such a remarkable anniversary. Lucky participants were able to admire the historic Sprague-Thomson train, which was exhibited at Porte d’Auteuil station. Speakers from l’ADEMAS (Association d'Exploitation du Matériel Sprague, association of Sprague rolling stock operations) recounted the history of this iconic train model, while actors from La Boîte du Souffleur reenacted the history of metro line 10. Also on the programme were concerts by RATP’s Musiciens du métro (metro musicians) scheme, dance performances, face painting for children, distribution of goodies, and other activities, at La Motte – Piquet Grenelle station.
You can follow the anniversary celebrations on social media through the hashtag #100ansligne10.
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