Passengers travelling through Gare de l'Est will not have missed the construction work in progress. The arrival of the CDG Expressexpected in 2027, is already in the pipeline, with the construction of new platforms in place of the old platforms 1 and 2. Preparations for this fast 20-minute link to Paris's main airport will also see the creation of a new transit area tailored to the expectations of a potentially upmarket international clientele, including quality shopping facilities. Other work in progress includes the installation of two escalators and a lift just next door, on rue d'Alsace, which next year will facilitate the above-ground link with Gare du Nord, before a new underground tunnel provides a direct link between the two stations by 2025.
However, these are just some of the aspects of the announced renewal of this station, which was built in 1850, when Napoléon III was already making his mark under Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte. SNCF Gares & Connexions and Altarea, one of France's leading urban transformation companies, have just signed an agreement to giving new impetus to this rail gateway from eastern France and, further afield, Germany and Luxembourg.
This new lease of life will take the form of a new façade that respects the station's heritage. Old buildings from the 1980s that stood next to the station building will be demolished to make way for a new façade. reveal the station's historic façade on the transverse quay side, while the cupolas on the front terraces will be renovated.
But it is also inside the station that this renewal will take shape. With almost 50 million passengers passing through every year, new shops and an innovative range of restaurants are also planned. " We are very familiar with the Gare Paris Est and are looking forward to once again making use of our expertise as a transforming busy places into living spacesto turn it into a brand new station, in line with current usage and with an international dimension "says Alain Taravella, Chairman of the Altarea Group.
Already partners in the transformation of Paris Montparnasse station and the modernisation of Austerlitz station, SNCF Gares & Connexions and Altarea are also going to create a place within the station that is suitable for business travellers. In place of a former Kyriad hotel, located on the upper floors of the station, the station will incorporate a 2,700 m² coworking space. Designed by the Tolila+Gilliland architectural firm, and featuring terraces and a lounge, this new-generation workspace will be able to accommodate travellers passing through, as well as entrepreneurs and local teleworkers. The whole complex will be complemented by a 400 m² restaurant open to the neighbourhood.
" This commercial redevelopment project at Paris Est station is a further illustration of
our determination to transform and boosting the appeal of our stations to offer a quality service for passengers and local residents "said Marlène Dolveck, Director General of SNCF Gares & Connexions. Although work is due to start at the end of the summer, the project is not due to be delivered until the end of 2026. Just in time for the debut of the CDG Express.
