ONE of the busiest train stations in Europe is just a few hours from the UK – and is more than 170 years old.
Gare du Nord, in Paris, is beautiful from the outside, with the facade dating back to the 1800s.
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It was first built in 1846, however it was too small for the city and was so moved to Lille, now called Fare de Lille Flandres.
The current Gare du Nord was built between 1861, and 1864.
Sadly the inside is less glamorous than it’s hey-day, with many passengers slamming it for being dirty.
Tourists have also been advised of taxi scams, so it’s advised to book ahead.
Read more on train stations
Despite this, it is one of the busiest in Europe and it makes up for it with it’s well-connected routes.
As many as 700,000 passengers travel through a day, and the station has direct trains to four different countries.
Not only can Brits travel to the station by Eurostar, taking just a few hours, but there are also direct trains to the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
It’s also been used as a filming location, featuring in Ocean’s Twelve, The Bourn Identity and Mr Bean’s Holiday.
Many people have praised the design of the train station.
One person wrote: “It was our first view of Paris. How could we not be blown away, especially when we stepped outside and saw Paris for the first time?
“Turning around, we also saw what a work of art the station itself is.”
Another said: “From the outside it is a very impressive building and the area around it appeared to be nice too.”
And works are taking place at the station, with it set to triple in size by the time of the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The project called Horizon 2024, is expected to cost €50million (£42.7million) with new waiting rooms, cafes and even rooftop terraces, as well as additional infrastructure.
And a new underground passage connecting Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, will will open next year.
This will take the entire complex to 77 platforms.
Everything you need to know about visiting France
- Brits need to have a passport with at least three months left on it.
- No visas are needed for anyone staying up to 90 days within an 180-day period but you need to make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- You may also need to show proof of accommodation and funds, around €120 a day.
- The country uses the euro with with around €10 working out to £8.55.
- France is one hour ahead of the UK
- Direct flights to France from the UK take between 1-4 hours depending on the destination
- Or you can travel by train with Eurostar, with destinations including Paris or Lille.
Here are some other unique train stations around the world.
Most beautiful train station – Antwerp Central
First opened in 1905, Antwerp Railway Station was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, with a huge dome on the roof.
One person wrote: “I felt like I was traveling back in time to the golden age of rail travel. The interior is equally impressive, with its marble floors, stained glass windows and ornate decorations.”
Brits can get there by Eurostar by traveling to Brussels and then changing onto a local train.
Largest train station – Grand Central
More than 100 years old, Grand Central Terminal in New York is the largest station in the world.
Not only do as many as 67million passengers use the station, but a train arrives every 58 seconds.
Along with 80 shops, there is even a tennis court inside.
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