Bir-Hakeim (Paris Métro)

Infobox Paris metro
Name=Bir-Hakeim
Pic=
Day=April 24th
Year=1906
Access=
Municipality=the 15th arrondissement of Paris
Zone=1
Next=
X=73
Y=88

Bir-Hakeim is an elevated station of the Paris Métro, situated on the left bank of the Bir-Hakeim bridge over the Seine. The bridge is classified as a historic monument.

History

The station was called Quai de la Grenelle until 1949, when it was renamed to commemorate the Battle of Bir Hakeim. A commemorative panel is situated at the entrance of the platform for trains traveling towards Nation.

It is the station closest to the Eiffel Tower; the signs on the station walls say "Bir-Hakeim — Tour Eiffel".

Near the station is the site of the former Vélodrome d'hiver (Winter Velodrome or "Vel'd'Hiv"), which was famous for its cycling competitions but infamous as having been the first place of detention for thousands of Parisian Jews who were rounded up by the police on July 16, 1942 before their deportation to concentration camps. The velodrome was destroyed in 1960 in the course of work done on the bank of the Seine (Front de Seine). A commemorative monument has been raised near the south side of the station, above the tracks of the RER C.