Botzaris: origin of the name and station history
Served by: metro line 7 bis.
Why this name?
The station takes its name from rue Botzaris, under which it lies, which honours Márkos Bótzaris (1788-1823), a patriot and one of the heroes of the Greek War of Independence. It is on the border of the Combat and Amérique districts, at the south-east edge of the Buttes-Chaumont park, between Buttes Chaumont, Danube and Place des Fêtes. It opened with the Louis Blanc - Pré-Saint-Gervais branch of line 7, then passed to line 7 bis when that branch was split off.
Anecdote
A central pier divides the station into two half-stations of about 75 m, each with a side platform under a round vault, because of the presence of old gypsum quarries. Its single entrance, on rue Botzaris opposite no. 82, is a Guimard pavilion listed as a historic monument. The station was fully renovated on 25 April 2003.
Around Botzaris
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, 180 m away — A park opened on 1 April 1867, the day of the Universal Exposition, designed by Alphand. Davioud's Temple de la Sibylle stands about 50 m above the lake, which is crossed by a 63-metre suspension bridge designed by Eiffel.
- Rosa Bonheur, 140 m away — A friendly open-air café-bar in the park, known for its outdoor dance evenings.
- Quartier de la Mouzaïa, 650 m away — A picturesque village of small flower-covered houses, one of the most peaceful areas of Paris.