Metro line 2 consists of 25 stations (including four elevated metro stations), covering over 11.952 km (2.2 km of which are elevated tracks). It serves several Paris landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, the residential neighbourhoods of the 16th and 17th arrondissements, the Montmartre hill, and Père Lachaise cemetery. Metro line 2 is connected to almost all Paris metro lines (excluding metro lines 3bis, 8, 10 and 14), and its itinerary traces a semi-circle across the northern section of the city. It was initially intended to connect Porte Maillot and Nation passing through Barbès station.
The creation of metro line 2
In the beginning, the network only possessed one long circular metro line tracing what used to be the Fermiers généraux city wall, which was demolished in 1860. Eventually, it was decided that two distinct lines would be operated independently : metro line 2 Nord (currently metro line 2) and metro line 2 Sud (currently metro line 6).
Works on the two metro lines began at the same time as the construction of metro line 1. The two branches connecting Étoile station to Porte Dauphine (metro line 2 Nord) and Trocadéro stations (metro line 2 Sud) were commissioned at the end of 1900.
The first section of metro line 2 Nord, which was 1.6 km long, included three vaulted stations : Place de l’Étoile (slightly arched and located beneath avenue de Wagram), Victor Hugo (containing a sharp curve) and Porte Dauphine, its terminus.
Under the leadership of engineer Fulgence Bienvenüe, metro line 2 underwent preparatory works. The main objective was to redirect supply networks, notably the water and sewer systems.
Metro line 2 was established as viaducts encompassing approximately two kilometres. This represented 20% of its total length and included four elevated stations (Jaurès, Stalingrad, La Chapelle and Barbès–Rochechouart).
Designed by architect Jean-Camille Formigé, the elevated metro line 2 construction, built in 1902-1903, brings together the combination of a metallic structure, brick, and dressed stone, which is evocative of architecture seen in major train stations.
The elevated station platforms are lined with glass walls and protected by a canopy supported by an openwork design metal framework without pillars, which is a true architectural feat revealing light and luminous elegance. The station entrance comprises a central staircase that separates into two spans covered by glass canopies, leading to platforms on both sides of the track. The external stone walls are decorated with garlands and patterns representing beehives and steam locomotives in bas-relief.
Line commissioning
Metro line 2 was commissioned in stages. In 1902, the section between Étoile and Anvers stations, where trains depart in the opposite direction, was commissioned. In 1903, the line ran to Rue de Bagnolet station (now Alexandre Dumas station), up until the completion of works at Nation station. The terminus station was also redesigned, which caused delays. Ultimately, metro line 2 was fully commissioned in 1903.
In 1979, the MF67 trains were introduced on the line. They were equipped with a special feature : automated driving. The MF67 rolling stock was in turn replaced by MF01 trains with articulated cars from 2008 to 2011.
Metro line 2’s distinctive features
Several metro line 2 stations were the setting for historical events, among which Père Lachaise station. This station benefited from the installation of the first escalator on the Paris metro network in 1909. The escalator, which connects metro line 2, the ticket hall, and metro line 3, was a major innovation at the time.
At Stalingrad station, the connection to metro lines 5 and 7 has only existed since 1942. Prior to this, this metro line 2 station was named “Rue d’Aubervilliers station”, while metro line 7's station went by “Rue de la Villette” station. With the commissioning of the metro line 5 extension in 1942, the two stations, which were until then distinct, became one. It was then named “Aubervilliers-Boulevard de la Villette”, until it took the name of “Stalingrad” in 1946.
The initial Victor Hugo station, with its sharp curve and 75 m radius, was moved in 1932. The commissioning of 75-metre trains comprising 14.20-metre cars, created a dangerous gap for passengers. It then became necessary to move Victor Hugo station almost entirely to accommodate the new trains. The “cathedral”-works method was used to build a new arch above the previous one.
At Jaurès station, some of the glass walls were decorated with stained glass. They were designed by Jacques-Antoine Ducatez in 1989 to celebrate the 200th year anniversary of the French Revolution.
The Charonne workshop opened in 1900 in Paris’ 20th arrondissement to be used for both metro lines 2 and 1. Eventually, the extension of metro line 1 left the use of the Charonne workshop exclusively to metro line 2.
Metro line 2, which was built at ground level below boulevard des Batignolles, passes above the four tunnels at Saint-Lazare station.
The line and its secrets
Metro line 2 is a treasure trove of surprises! Find out about the various artistic, historic, and surprising secrets that await you on the interactive metro line 2 Ça vaut le détour (It’s worth the trip) map.
Metro line 2 news is available on our social media channels
Stay informed by following our social media accounts : X metro line 2, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok !
