Philippe Auguste: station history
Served by: metro line 2.
Did you know?
The station comes from avenue Philippe-Auguste, which honours King Philip II, known as Philip Augustus (1180-1223), seventh king of the Capetian dynasty. It lies on the border of the 11th and 20th arrondissements, between the Roquette and Père-Lachaise districts, under the end of boulevard de Charonne, at its junction with boulevard de Ménilmontant, between Père Lachaise and Alexandre Dumas. It opened with the Anvers - Bagnolet section of line 2 North.
Anecdote
Its entrance 1 is a Guimard pavilion listed as a historic monument, and its bevelled white tiles, Gaudin-style light strips and blue seats date from the 2018 renovation.
Audio guide
Philippe Auguste in the spotlight
Philip II said "Augustus" is the only king of France honored in the Paris metro. The long-awaited heir of Louis VII and Adele of Champagne, becomes king at the age of 15. Despite his young age, he will quickly prove himself to be up to the task. Thanks to his important military victories and his political ability, he will greatly increase the royal domain. Philippe Auguste was the first king to have Rex Franciæ, "King of France", instead of Rex Francorum, "King of the Franks", refer to his actions.
Crowned in Reims on November 1, 1179, during his father's lifetime, he reigned alone from September 1180 and married Isabelle de Hainaut, whose dowry included Artois. His conquests quadrupled the royal domain. He won a decisive victory at Bouvines in 1214 over a coalition of England, Flanders and Emperor Otto IV. He created salaried royal officers, bailiffs and seneschals, and built a first enclosure around Paris.
Anecdote: to find money, he sells freedom charters and frees serfs against payment.
In image, the seal of Philippe Auguste kept at the National Archives
Around Philippe Auguste
- Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, 400 m away — Paris's largest cemetery, the final resting place of Chopin, Édith Piaf, Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde.
- Rue des Pyrénées, 850 m away — A long shopping street crossing the 20th arrondissement, lively with local shops.
- Square Édouard-Vaillant, 1100 m away — A small, peaceful square in the 20th arrondissement, a pleasant green break in a lively district.