176 – 176 Marches

La Nord Sud

a Parisian history

Origin of the 176 Marches name

La Nord Sud

In the heart of Paris, the cobblestone streets of Abbesses in Montmartre set the stage for our name's origin. The Abbesses subway station, with its whimsical yet anachronistic* édicule entrance, is a relic of Parisian transit history. It showcases the Nord-Sud (1902-1931) subway company's meticulous design, featuring brown wavy tiles with the "NS" insignia and ceramic advertising frames. This new network, born in 1902, immediately seduced Parisians with its colourful and comfortable trains, as well as its luxuriously decorated stations.

(Why is this an anachronistic édicule? Learn here)

The station has a single entrance named "Place des Abbesses," adorned with a Guimard entrance topped with a glass canopy nicknamed "dragonfly." Originally located at Hôtel de Ville station, it was moved here in 1974 due to the construction of an underground parking lot. Its presence at a former Nord-Sud company station is historically inaccurate, as this company did not commission Guimard for its designs. A plaque notes this peculiarity, and the structure has been listed as a historic monument since May 29, 1978.

Why 176 ?

176 Marches deep

Our story is supported by not only history but also the combination of elements that truly capture the essence of 176 Marches. Consider the station's architectural wonders—the depths of its underground passages reaching 36 meters below, accessible by either elevators or a staircase with exactly, as you might have guessed, 176 steps. The staircase offers a charming experience, inviting unsuspecting travellers with the promise of a short walk, only to lead them on a journey through its numerous steps.

We cannot overlook the intriguing linguistic nuance that happens to be in our name, as "marche" in French signifies both a walk and a step, perfectly embodying the spirited journey that awaits those who explore the world of 176 Marches.