Paris Métro Line 8
Paris Métro Line 8 (French: Ligne 8 du métro de Paris) is one of the sixteen lines of the Paris Métro. It spans from Balard in the southwestern part of Paris to Pointe du Lac station in the southeastern suburbs, following a unique parabolic route on the Rive Droite of the Seine.
History
Line 8 was the last line included in the original 1898 Paris Métro plan and opened in July 1913. Initially, it was designed to connect Porte d'Auteuil and Opéra. However, significant alterations were made during the 1930s when Line 10 took over its western section.
In its history, Line 8 has undergone several expansions. Notably, it extended to Maisons-Alfort – Les Juilliottes on April 27, 1972, within a tunnel. The line further progressed into Créteil on September 10, 1974, culminating at Créteil–Préfecture station, a significant extension that marked the first Paris Métro connection with the prefecture of a bordering department.
Route and Features
Line 8 is remarkable for its comprehensive interchange capabilities, connecting with all but three other Métro lines: Line 2, Line 3bis, and Line 7bis. The line serves diverse areas within the city, including the Grands Boulevards and Bois de Vincennes. It also extends into the southeastern suburbs, significantly impacting communes such as Charenton-le-Pont, Maisons-Alfort, and Créteil.
Part of the line travels on open-air tracks situated in the median of a highway. The Créteil–L'Échat station features a central platform and was inaugurated on September 24, 1973.
Modern Significance
As of its latest extensions, Paris Métro Line 8 stretches over 22 kilometers (14 miles) and comprises 37 stations. It plays a crucial role in connecting southwestern Paris to its southeastern suburbs, serving not only as a transportation conduit but also as a vital link between various urban and suburban communities.