Line 13 of the Paris metro: 16 Sundays of closure in 2026 to prepare for the new MF19 trains

Line 13 of the Paris metro is in the news again. This time, it’s not for its crowded carriages or chronic delays. RATP has just announced no fewer than 16 closures planned between May and December 2026. This news is likely to complicate the daily lives of thousands of users.

Line 13, a symbol of the Paris metro’s problems

If you live in the north or south of Paris, you’re probably familiar with this sky-blue line. Between recurring technical problems, sardine-crammed carriages and delays of all kinds, the 13 has a long list of faults. Many Parisians prefer to take detours to avoid it.

This line shares the unenviable title of worst line on the Paris metro with line 8. As commuters know, getting on at rush hour can be a physical challenge. However, this situation could soon change thanks to major modernization work.

RATP has therefore decided to take the bull by the horns. Regular closures are scheduled to allow for this essential work. It’s tough, but the promise of a more pleasant line is on the horizon.

“When line 13 is closed for work and you have to change your habits, it’s unbearable, but it means that the worst line in Paris is getting a makeover.”

Plaisance station already closed

In fact, the work has already begun. Plaisance station is currently inaccessible until Sunday April 12. Passengers will therefore have to find alternatives for their daily journeys on the Paris metro.

This temporary closure is just a foretaste of what’s in store for users. Since the beginning of the year, line 13 has already experienced several one-off interruptions. RATP is thus preparing the ground for a more thorough modernization of the network.

• 16 Sundays closed between May 3 and December 13, 2026
• Line closed until midday on affected days
• Replacement bus between Asnières Gennevilliers Les Courtilles and Porte de Clichy
• Station Plaisance closed until April 12
• Arrival of the new MF19 trainsets

A calendar of closures to mark in your diary

To help you get organized, here are the precise dates for Paris metro line 13 closures. In May, the line will be closed on May 3 and 17. In June, the line will be closed on June 7 and 28.

Summer will not be spared either. In August, three Sundays are affected: August 2, 16 and 30. September will be particularly busy, with closures on September 13, 20 and 27.

In autumn, the calendar remains packed. October 11 will be affected, followed by three Sundays in November: November 1, 15 and 29. To round off the year, a final closure is scheduled for December 13.

Alternative solutions put in place

RATP is not leaving passengers without an alternative. A replacement bus will run between the Asnières Gennevilliers Les Courtilles and Porte de Clichy stations. This service will run for the duration of the morning interruptions.

For the rest of the journey on the Paris metro network, however, you’ll have to find other ways of getting around. Conventional bus routes, tramways and even bicycles are all options. So it’s best to plan ahead and allow extra time for travel on these days.

MF19 trains, the light at the end of the tunnel

Behind these repeated closures lies an ambitious project. RATP is preparing for the arrival of future MF19 trains on line 13 of the Paris metro. These new trains promise a much more pleasant travel experience for users.

These new-generation trains have already been running on line 10 since October 16. Feedback has been positive: they are quieter, faster and more modern. Line 13 should soon benefit from the same improvements.

The current work is aimed precisely at adapting the infrastructure to this new equipment. This requires technical interventions that are impossible to carry out during normal service. Hence the decision to close the line on Sunday mornings, when it is least busy.

This modernization represents a major investment to improve passengers’ daily lives. After years of hardship on this line, users can look forward to transport conditions that are finally worthy of the name. Patience will be the order of the day for a few months yet on the Paris metro network.

• Paris subway