Definition
Bir-Hakeim station is a rapid transit station on Line 6 of the Paris Métro network, situated in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, France. It provides access to the surrounding Île-de-France district and is located adjacent to the Pont de Bir‑Hakeim (Bir‑Hakeim Bridge).
Overview
The station opened on 2 October 1900 as part of the former Line 2 South, which later became incorporated into Line 6. It is positioned on the right bank of the Seine, near the intersection of Avenue de la Motte-Picquet and Boulevard de la Fédération. The station serves a mixed residential and commercial area and is a key access point for the nearby Parc André Citroën and the high‑rise residential towers of the Beaugrenelle district. It is operated by the Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP) and is within fare zone 1.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Bir‑Hakeim” derives from the nearby Pont de Bir‑Hakeim, a double-deck steel bridge constructed in the 1900s. The bridge itself was renamed in 1949 to commemorate the Battle of Bir Hakeim (May–June 1942), a notable engagement in which Free French forces held off the German‑Italian Afrika Korps in Libya during World War II. Consequently, the Métro station adopted the bridge’s name.
Characteristics
- Lines and Services: Served exclusively by Paris Métro Line 6; no direct connections to regional RER or suburban train lines. Bus routes 42, 70, 72, 88, and 92 provide surface‑transit links.
- Station Layout: Standard two‑track, side‑platform configuration typical of early 20th‑century Paris Métro design. The platforms are 105 m long, accommodating the MP 89 rolling stock used on Line 6.
- Architectural Elements: The station retains Art Deco–style tiling and signage installed during the 1970s renovation. Original Guimard entrances were replaced in the 1990s with modern glass‑canopy structures that respect the historic aesthetic of the surrounding area.
- Accessibility: As of the latest RATP reports, the station is not fully accessible to passengers with reduced mobility; there are no elevators or escalators to the platform level.
- Passenger Usage: In 2022, Bir‑Hakeim station recorded approximately 2.3 million entries, ranking it in the mid‑range of usage among Paris Métro stations.
Related Topics
- Pont de Bir‑Hakeim – the adjacent bridge whose name inspired the station, notable for its double‑deck design and role in the 1924 Paris–Rouen cycling race.
- Battle of Bir Hakeim – a World II battle involving the Free French Brigade, after which both the bridge and the station are named.
- Paris Métro Line 6 – a semi‑circular line encircling the southern portion of Paris, known for its elevated sections offering views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.
- RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens) – the public transport operator responsible for the Paris Métro, including Bir‑Hakeim station.
- Beaugrenelle district – a modern urban development near the station, featuring commercial centers, residential towers, and public spaces.