For more than a century, the Parisian Metro has been at the heart of life in the city. The extensive 220 km rail network, with its 302 stations and 13 lines, is a vital lifeline for over five million commuters daily. Developed by Fulgence Bienvenüe, a variety of construction methods were tested to build the Metro; from wooden tunnels to steel viaducts to submerged chambers in the Seine. Today, the network continues to expand beyond Paris’ boundaries, thanks to Grand Paris Express – a new 200km-wide network – and is an integral part of life in France’s vibrant capital city.
A remarkable journey into this iconic underground system can be seen on television in ‘Underground: The Story of the Paris Metro’ – an intriguing documentary that reveals its fascinating history and ongoing construction projects. Viewers will discover how every station was designed uniquely to reflect its surrounding neighbourhood, explore stories behind some of the most ambitious engineering feats undertaken in Europe, and follow engineers as they battle against time and budgets to complete sections of Grand Paris Express. This documentary offers an incredible insight into one of the oldest public transportation systems in Europe – making it essential viewing for those who aspire to learn more about this incredible feat of human endeavour.
