Chaussée d'Antin-Lafayette Metro Station and the French Revolution

The Chaussée d'Antin–Lafayette metro station is a Parisian metro station where lines 7 and 9 intersect. It is located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. The station has 6 entrances. Entrance 1, “Galeries Lafayette – Grands Magasins,” opens at the corner of Boulevard Haussmann and Rue de la Chaussée-d'Antin, directly across from the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann.

Development of the Chaussée d'Antin–Lafayette metro station

The station opened on November 5, 1910, with the launch of the first section of line 7 between Opéra and Porte de la Villette.

On June 3, 1923, the station became the northeastern terminus of line 9 (coming from Exelmans), replacing the former Saint-Augustin terminus. It remained so until June 30, 1928, when the line was extended by one additional station to Richelieu – Drouot.

The platforms of both lines, each 75 metres long, are of standard configuration.

Renovation of the Chaussée d'Antin Metro Station

The first renovation in the "partial Andreu-Motte" style took place in the 1980s.

In 1989, the Chaussée d'Antin station was renamed Chaussée d'Antin-La Fayette, due to its location at the start of Rue La Fayette, which pays tribute to Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette. At the same time, the two stops on lines 7 and 9 were enhanced with specific cultural features to complement the modernisation of their platforms.

Commemoration of the Revolution at the Chaussée d'Antin-Lafayette Metro Station

It commemorates the bicentenary of the French Revolution and was funded by the Galeries Lafayette, which serve the station. Each elliptical vault is adorned with a painted tin fresco, created by French painter Jean-Paul Chambas in 1989. Jean-Paul Chambas is a contemporary French painter born on 11 March 1947 in Vic-Fezensac (Gers). In 1971, he began working as a theatre set designer, an activity that led him to the Paris Opera.

A car in the métro?
On April 24, 2012, a car crashed into one of the métro entrances at the Chaussée d'Antin - La Fayette station, without causing any injuries. The driver had mistaken it for the entrance to an underground parking garage leading to the basement of the Galeries Lafayette. A similar accident occurred on September 24, 2018, on another staircase leading to the same station, also without any casualties.

Exploring the neighborhood around the station

This station is an ideal gateway to explore a district where elegance and vibrancy blend together. You’ll have direct access to the department stores, perfect for a shopping break or admiring their window displays, especially during the holiday season. But beyond the shops, the boulevard and surrounding streets are brimming with cafés and brasseries where you can rest between visits.

Before heading back up to the surface, look up: each vault of the station is adorned with a painted tin fresco by artist Jean-Paul Chambas, created in 1989 for the bicentenary of the French Revolution. Outside, Rue La Fayette, which gives the station its name, pays tribute to the Marquis de Lafayette.

For a more structured stroll, head toward the nearby Opéra. Line 7, which serves the station, also stops at Opéra if you prefer to save time. This very central area is easy to explore on foot and lends itself to spontaneous stops for a coffee or an ice cream on a terrace.

To see nearby

You can take advantage of visiting the surroundings by following our self-guided walks starting from the department stores (Galeries Lafayette or Le Printemps):

Walk from Opéra Garnier to Galeries Lafayette and Place de la Concorde
then from Concorde
- either Walk from the Arc de Triomphe to Concorde via the Champs-Élysées
- either Louvre to Concorde Walk via Tuileries and Vendôme

Relaxing cruise embarkations are also available within short distances from Place de la Concorde:

Batobus Shuttle - River Taxi (Stop at Place de la Concorde) - Batobus River Taxi Booking (9 stops) (Hop-on Hop-off - 1 or 2-day pass - Easy way to move from one museum to another)
Canal Saint-Martin Cruise from Musée d'Orsay - Seine and Canal Saint-Martin Cruise Booking – Port Solferino - Musée d'Orsay - Parc de la Villette - Port Solferino is located at the foot of the Musée d'Orsay, near the Jardin des Tuileries but on the opposite bank.
Paris Vedettes Cruises - Paris Booking: Seine Dinner Cruise with Panoramic Views and Champagne (Port Solferino – approx. Musée d'Orsay)

But you can also see or visit (and book online when available) the following Points of Interest:

Bonus: 5 essential tips to help you plan and enjoy your stay in Paris

Have you noticed that our website provides tools to help you easily organize your trip to Paris so that your stay is a stress-free success?

1. Phrasebook Translator for those who don’t speak French fluently

Having trouble finding the right word or phrase in French? Click here on PHRASEBOOK – or at the top right of your screen. This is a glossary of 100 useful words and/or phrases for a tourist visiting Paris. You’ll feel at ease at a restaurant, hotel, shopping, the metro, greetings, asking for directions, and more. Eight languages are available. And guess what? You can also listen to each word and phrase in French.

2. The VPBY Stay Generator

There are many interesting and informative things to see in Paris. A well-organized stay is highly recommended. To help you, we offer you FREE of charge our Stay Generator.

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3. List of Reservations to Make

You have free access to our database to "get to know" Paris (Click on Paris Guide) and discover Paris (Click on Places to Visit). And to avoid wasting time queuing, we recommend making your reservations directly online a few days in advance. All official reservations are available and accessible on our website:

Bookings to enter museums, monuments, shows, Seine river cruises
Bookings for your arrival in France: flights, trains, cars
Bookings for your accommodation: hotels, apartments, guesthouses – in Paris or its immediate vicinity

You will find links to all these bookings directly in the articles about the attractions that interest you or in the self-guided routes of our walks. By clicking on "Bookings" in the header bar, you will have access to all the reservations you need during your stay. For example:

4. Collectible Paris Photo Souvenirs

These are high-definition collectible photos available in digital format or as long-lasting prints (75 to 100 years). Their size ranges from postcard to large format (1 meter or more on a side). A lifelong keepsake to decorate your home. Quality souvenirs (unlike plastic Eiffel Towers or snow globes). At very affordable prices. Click on:

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