Helping communities thrive with Place de la Gare
Supported by SNCF Gares & Connexions, and developed in collaboration with local authorities and entrepreneurs, this programme revitalizes disused stations and station spaces by transforming them into vibrant, useful community hubs.
Repurposing unused spaces for multiple projects
Through the Place de la Gare programme, we transform unused spaces inside our stations to host a variety of services, from community grocery stores and bike repair shops to co-working spaces, tourism offices and childcare centres.
Identifying each community’s needs
Drawing on its local teams, SNCF Retail & Connexions—a subsidiary of SNCF Gares & Connexions—coordinates these projects, which include both long-term and pop-up initiatives. Our teams share their expertise and market insights with entrepreneurs, helping them shape their projects and identify potential partners. Local authorities also play a vital role, contributing their knowledge of community needs and connecting entrepreneurs with the right stakeholders.
Place de la Gare in action
A bakery in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (southeastern France)
Opened in a station that had been out of use for 40 years, the bakery in Parent-Coudes-Champeix now serves over 250 customers each day.
Childcare centres in the Paris Region
In the outer suburbs of Paris, parents can now access childcare right inside their local stations.
A non-profit in Centre Val-de-Loire (central France)
Since 2019, Lire et Dire, a non-profit dedicated to fighting illiteracy, has been based at Chinon station.
3,000
stations across France
200+
Place de la Gare initiatives launched since 2019
A
wide range
of projects supported nationwide
Support every step of the way
What sets Place de la Gare apart is its collaborative approach. SNCF Gares & Connexions connects local authorities with entrepreneurs:
- We hold in-depth discussions with local authorities—from Transport Organising Authorities to municipal representatives—to analyse public policy and share our expertise on station properties, including their condition, community role and commercial potential.
- We support each entrepreneur at every stage, from concept to launch.
Who can propose a project?
We welcome proposals from all types of entrepreneurs—businesses, non-profits, and even local authorities (municipal, regional, and state services).
Which means initiatives are wide-ranging:
- public services: information centres, medical centres, tourism offices, etc.
- shops and services: cafés, restaurants, grocery stores, museums
- mobility services: bike rental shops, mobility hubs, etc.
- shared spaces: cultural third places, co-working spaces or offices
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