Place de l'Europe - Simone Veil, Square and bridge complex in 8th arrondissement, France
Place de l'Europe-Simone Veil is an octagonal plaza positioned above railway tracks near Gare Saint-Lazare station in Paris. The space connects several streets and serves as both a pedestrian crossing and a thoroughfare for vehicles.
The square was established in 1826 by royal decree as part of Paris's urban development. When railway expansion threatened the site in the 1890s, it was reconstructed on a viaduct that had been built to span the train tracks.
The square was renamed in 2018 to honor Simone Veil, who served as the first female president of the European Parliament and championed women's rights. Eight streets radiating from this spot bear the names of European capitals, giving the place an international character.
The square is easily accessible via the Europe metro station and sits in the heart of the 8th arrondissement. Visitors should expect the space to be busy with foot traffic and regular vehicle movement throughout the day.
The entire plaza sits atop a massive viaduct from the 19th century, a hidden engineering feat that allows the street life to continue above the train tracks. This structure was essential to merging urban movement with railway infrastructure without disruption.
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