The heart of Montmartre beats right here at street level.
Today's stop: Abbesses station on Line 12, one of the few remaining original Guimard Art Nouveau entrances still in place (and one of the most photographed in Paris).
The graceful green cast-iron canopy, with its swirling vegetal motifs and glass roof, sits like a delicate jewel in the middle of the Place des Abbesses square. Surrounded by plane trees in full autumn color, crêpe stands, cafés, and the constant flow of people heading up toward Sacré-Cœur or down to Pigalle, it feels both timeless and very much alive. The Métro sign glows softly, the fence encloses the entrance, and the whole scene has that unmistakable Montmartre mix of charm, bustle, and just a hint of everyday chaos.
Why Abbesses stands out:
- It's one of only three surviving original Guimard glass-roofed entrances (along with Porte Dauphine and Châtelet).
- The station itself has the longest escalator in the Paris Métro network (the 36 m one leading up to the Butte Montmartre).
As of 2026, Abbesses was overtaken as the deepest metro station by Villejuif–Gustave Roussy station on the new Grand Paris Express Line 15 (around 52 meters deep), but Abbesses still holds the title for the original Paris Métro network (RATP lines 1–14).
- Perfect starting point for exploring rue des Abbesses, Place du Tertre, or the hidden staircases and vineyards of Montmartre.
Reminder: even on the most ordinary day, Paris can surprise you with a little Art Nouveau magic.
Bon lundi à tous !
“Every journey begins somewhere — in Paris, it often begins underground.”
Part of the “Métro Mondays” Series
Each Monday, we travel beneath Paris — tracing its stories, moods, and motion through the tunnels that carry the week into being.
© About Paris — Métro Mondays · Back to Home
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