Paris-Gare-de-Lyon, Railway terminus in 12th arrondissement, France
Paris-Gare-de-Lyon is a terminus railway station in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, handling high-speed trains to southern France, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain. The station contains two main halls with platforms labeled A through N and 5 through 23, spread across multiple levels with waiting areas and shops.
The station opened in 1847 and initially served regional connections to the southeast. The current building was constructed in 1900 for the World's Fair and expanded capacity for long-distance trains to the Alps and Mediterranean.
The main concourse displays decorative elements from the turn of the century, with murals and carved details representing destinations and regions. Le Train Bleu restaurant preserves a dining tradition from that era and still serves as a meeting point for travelers and locals.
The platforms are arranged on three levels, with upper tracks reserved for high-speed trains. Large display boards in the halls show departures and platform numbers, and elevators connect all floors.
The station clock on the tower has shown time for travelers for over a century and is visible from Place de la Bastille. Sculptures at the tower base depict allegorical figures representing cities along the routes to Lyon and Marseille.
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