Saint Martin, in my opinion the most famous of the parisian ghost stations. It had haunted my dreams for over three years since my last visit. I had come so close, a small glimpse through a keyhole the only reward for the nights efforts, but tonight was the night. Finally after several years of browsing pictures and reports, it was my turn to visit!

Saint Martin sits between the stations of République and Strasbourg - Saint-Denis on lines 8 and 9. The station closed at the start of World War II on September 2nd, 1939, reopening after the French Liberation. However its second lease of life was short lived as it eventually closed for good due to its proximity to Strasbourg - Saint-Denis which was less then 100 meters away.

With the assistance of a hearty frenchman we crossed the threshold, further then i had ever been before. The sound of rumbling trains in the distance, dust and concrete greeting the nose. The walls covered in paint and pen of all colours and variety, from time spent pieces to the french equivalent of ”Dave woz ere”. Playing cat and mouse with the trains we grabbed what we could of the platforms before returning to the moderate safety of the stairwells. Rinse, repeat, retreat.

Nowadays exploring St Martin is nothing groundbreaking, its corridors fairly well trodden by now. But to me it meant one thing. Closure.