The 9Hotel République near the Canal Saint Martin
9 minutes walk from the hotel
Near Gare de l’Est, a well-located Hotel
Our hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from Gare de l’Est, one of the six major SNCF railway terminals in Paris. This architectural masterpiece is the departure point for numerous high-speed train lines to Alsace, Lorraine, as well as foreign destinations such as Germany and Poland. It also provides access to the Île-de-France rail network via the metro or RER, making it easy to travel throughout Paris and its suburbs.
How to get to Gare de l’Est?
Located near Gare du Nord, just a few minutes’ walk away, Gare de l’Est is served by metro lines 4, 5, and 7, providing easy access from Paris and its outskirts. Taking metro line 4 towards Porte d’Orléans, you can easily travel from Gare de l’Est to Gare Montparnasse.
To get from Gare de Lyon to Gare de l’Est, take metro lines 1 and 5, with a travel time of about 20 minutes. To reach Orly Airport from Gare de l’Est, there are several metro, train, and bus options, taking approximately 40 minutes.
A parking lot and various car rental agencies are available in the basement of Gare de l’Est. Additionally, numerous bus lines depart from the station, and finding a taxi is quite easy.
A Hotel Near Cafes and Restaurants
"Chez Aldo Gare de l’Est" is a popular restaurant on your way from 9Hotel République, located close to "Chez Schmid," known as the ambassador of Alsace in Paris. This charming establishment was founded in 1904 to provide Alsatians with a welcoming retreat after their long railway journey to the capital.
A little further east, opposite the Canal Saint-Martin but not far from Chez Schmid and Chez Aldo, is the famous crêperie "Fait ta crêpe." To get there from 9Hotel République, simply head north along Boulevard Magenta.
There are many more brasseries, cafés, and restaurants to discover in this neighborhood between Place de la République and Gare de l’Est.
History of the former Strasbourg station
Gare de l’Est, located next to 9Hotel République, has a history spanning over 170 years. Situated in Paris’ 10th arrondissement, near Gare du Nord, it is easily accessible on foot or by metro. It was originally established to connect Paris to Strasbourg after lengthy negotiations. In fact, its location—just steps from Gare du Nord and not truly in the east of Paris—almost led to its cancellation. At the time, Strasbourg could have been served by Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon or even Gare d’Austerlitz.
Ultimately, it was built on the site of the Saint-Laurent Enclosure, where the Saint-Laurent Fair took place until the early 19th century. This area had originally been granted to lepers by King Louis VI the Fat. The station was inaugurated in 1850 by the future Emperor Napoleon III.
The most beautiful Station in the world?
Classified as a historic monument and long considered the most beautiful railway station in the world, Gare de l’Est is a neo-classical building with a limestone façade. Over the years, many architectural elements have been added while respecting its original style—except for the large transverse hall and its two Art Deco entrances on Rue d’Alsace and Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Martin.
The western wing, with its oldest façade, features a half-rose window and a clock flanked by sculptures representing the Seine and the Rhine rivers. On the gable of this hall, an allegorical statue of Strasbourg stands as a testament to the station’s symbolic orientation towards the Grand Est region, despite not being located in the actual east of Paris.
An important station in Paris
In terms of passenger traffic, Gare de l’Est ranks fifth among Paris’ six major railway terminals. With over 41 million travelers annually, according to SNCF, its activity, which had declined after the launch of the RER E, surged again with the introduction of the TGV Est, increasing passenger numbers by 22%.
In 2007, the year the LGV Est Européenne high-speed line was launched, an Alstom Transport prototype train set a world speed record of 574.8 km/h. Today, it is possible to travel by train from Paris to Berlin, Warsaw, Moscow, Minsk, Vienna, Budapest, and even Istanbul.
A shuttle service between Gare de l’Est and Charles-de-Gaulle Airport's TGV station is currently under consideration.
Gare de l’Est in culture
Several famous paintings, notably by Maximilien Luce, depict Gare de l’Est in the early 20th century. The station gained particular attention from painters and writers during World War I, as many French soldiers (the "Poilus") passed through it on their way to the Eastern Front. As a tribute, American painter Albert Herter donated a monumental painting titled Le Départ des Poilus, août 1914, which still hangs in the main hall.
Gare de l’Est has also been featured in numerous French films, highlighting its aesthetic appeal. Notable movies include Zazie dans le Métro, L’Homme de Rio, La Grande Vadrouille, Le Cerveau, Les Ripoux, and Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain.
A hotel in a quiet parisian neighborhood
The Gare de l’Est district, where our hotel is located, is peaceful and calm despite its proximity to Place de la République and two major train stations, Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est. Nearby, the Canal Saint-Martin and the Belleville district offer green spaces and waterways, providing travelers with a refreshing retreat after a busy day.
Additionally, the close proximity of these two stations is convenient for long-distance travelers wishing to drop off their luggage at their hotel upon arrival. Since the hotel is also just a few steps from Place de la République, it is an excellent base for exploring Paris and its surroundings using public transportation. Numerous metro, RER, and bus lines depart from this hub, making 9Hotel République an ideal place to stay in Paris.
