About STATION F
STATION F is the world’s largest startup campus, housed in a converted 1920s freight depot (the Halle Freyssinet) in Paris’s 13th arrondissement (stationf.co ) (techcrunch.com ). Built by engineer Eugène Freyssinet in 1927, the concrete hall was rescued from ruin in 2013 when telecom billionaire Xavier Niel bought and renovated it as a 34,000 m² innovation campus (stationf.co ) (techcrunch.com ). It officially opened in 2017 with a gala attended by President Macron (techcrunch.com ). Today over a thousand startups and many corporate partners share the space (stationf.co ). Its turn-of-the-century industrial architecture (a listed monument) provides a dramatic backdrop for cutting-edge tech culture (stationf.co ) (medium.com ).
Inside, Station F feels nothing like a typical office. The interior layout was driven by startup founders’ input: you’ll find modular meeting rooms made from shipping containers, long communal workbenches with built-in plugs, and whimsical furnishings (giant sofa “gondolas” and themed lounges) (medium.com ) (medium.com ). Signage is in English (and French) by design (medium.com ). The balance of open coworking “Create” zones (where teams actually work) with shared social areas (“Share” and “Chill” zones) makes Station F a dynamic workspace (faq.stationf.co ). With its mix of historical flair and modern amenities (broadband Wi-Fi, conference equipment, climate control) plus on-site services, Station F has become an iconic pillar of the French tech ecosystem (stationf.co ) (frenchamericancultural.org ).
Events and Programming
STATION F is primarily an innovation and conference venue rather than a traditional concert hall. Its events focus on technology, entrepreneurship, and community-building. Weekly and monthly programs include hackathons, coding summits, investor forums, demo days and business workshops led by global partners. For example, the campus has hosted Microsoft’s GenAI studio launch, AWS hackathons, Google and Meta AI workshops, and sector summits on fintech and climate tech (stationf.co ) (stationf.co ). In 2024-25 alone it featured massive AI conferences, sustainability forums and startup pitch competitions (stationf.co ). The Master Stage auditorium sees major keynote speakers from the tech world (OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Airbnb’s Brian Chesky, Stripe, Slack and more) (stationf.co ). Even high-profile visitors like Canada’s Prime Minister and musician Pharrell Williams (during an Olympic “Black Ambition” event) have come through Station F (stationf.co ).
Most gatherings at Station F are free or low-cost, often sponsored by partners. Ticketed events (e.g. intensive bootcamps or expos) tend to range in the €10–€50+ range, but many meetups and startup showcases are complimentary with advance registration. The campus calendar is very full: on a given week you might find technology forums (Cybersecurity Day, Cloud computing talks), hands-on workshops (AI Meetups, Coding Sprints), and networking soirées. The huge La Felicità food hall even hosts open-to-public parties and live DJ nights in the evening (medium.com ) (stationf.co ). In short, Station F caters mostly to innovation events – but its spaces are flexible enough that it can support anything from pitches to product launches.
Tickets and Booking
Station F does not have a public box office or standard ticket booth. Instead, visitors register for events online. The official Station F website (and partner sites) lists upcoming events with registration links. Most tech talks, courses and hackathons require signing up in advance; walk-in availability is rare. Popular events often “sell out” by closing the registration form. There is no separate publicly-advertised ticketing system – think of it as a high-tech conference center where you RSVP online. Tickets (when fees apply) are usually sold through the event organizer or platform, not at Station F itself.
The one exception is guided tours. Station F offers free **Insider Tours** that can be booked through its site. These 40–45 minute tours happen weekly (French-language tours on Tuesdays at 11:30, English on Thursdays at 11:30) (stationf.co ). They accommodate only about 25 people per tour, so slots fill up fast. To visit Station F independently, booking online is the rule – this applies even to casual tours. Arrive early on the day of your event or tour, as you’ll check in at the front desk to get a visitor badge (see polices below).
Seating and Layout
Station F’s spaces are designed for flexibility. The centerpiece is the **Open Platform** – a 900 м² blank-floor area that can hold up to 700 standing or 350 seated attendees (stationf.co ). It is often used for hackathons, hack fairs or large conferences. The **Master Stage** is a 352-seat auditorium (plus 9 wheelchair-accessible seats) equipped for major presentations (stationf.co ) (faq.stationf.co ). Two mid-size theaters seat around 100 each: the **Central Room** and **Open Stage**, both furnished with conference-style seating (stationf.co ). For smaller sessions you’ll find intimate rooms like the 25-seat **Creativity Room** (a playful space with a Lego wall (medium.com )) and the 50-seat **Junior Stage**. Two mezzanine lounges (“Amazonia” and “Biblioteca”) each hold about 80 people for mingling or talks (stationf.co ). The **Founders Café** area (in an old café by the entrance) also seats ~75. In total, Station F can host hundreds on-site at once – official estimates note up to 3,000 people working in the building on a given day (techcrunch.com ) (stationf.co ), though events are usually smaller.
For audience advice: front-center seats in the Master Stage are best for speaker events. If you're at an Open Platform event, standing centrally gives a clear view of any performance stage. The glass-walled Open Stage offers good sightlines from nearly every angle. The restaurant-level spaces (like the Amazonia mezzanine) look down onto the main hall and can be lively spots during networking events. Audio and lighting are professional-grade across these rooms (stationf.co ); smaller breakout rooms have video projectors and screens. Since it’s a modern space with high ceilings, acoustics tend to favor speech – but at very loud events (concerts or DJ sets in La Felicità) sound can get quite live.
Getting There and Parking
Station F’s address is 5 Parvis Alan Turing, 75013 Paris (www.sortiraparis.com ). It sits just behind the Bibliothèque nationale de France, so it’s well-served by public transit. The nearest Métro station is *Chevaleret* on Line 6 (about a 5-minute walk). The #14 Métro/RER C station *Bibliothèque François Mitterrand* is also only a 7–8 minute walk away (parisjetaime.com ) (moovitapp.com ). Austerlitz train station (RER C, Metro 5) is a 10-minute walk south. Several bus routes stop near Station F – for example buses 27, 62, 72, 89, 132 and 215 all serve the nearby stops at Bibliothèque F. Mitterrand (moovitapp.com ) (moovitapp.com ). (Even a batobus on the Seine docks at the nearby library pontoon.)
If you drive, public parking is available. The closest commercial garage is Indigo Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand at 19–21 Rue Émile Durkheim (named “Tolbiac-Bibliothèque”) (parisjetaime.com ). It has over 1,000 underground spaces and is roughly a 5-minute walk to Station F. Street parking is another option, though spaces are metered and often in demand. Plan for about €4 per hour (typical for Paris). Rideshare drop-offs can let you out at the Parvis Alan Turing in front of the main entrance. Aside from these, there is no private Station F lot – most guests rely on transit or the nearby Indigo lots (parisjetaime.com ).
Inside the Venue
Entry to Station F’s floor is via a staffed reception. Visitors must check in and wear a badge for the duration. (Any attendee badge is personal: sharing or tailgating is prohibited (faq.stationf.co ).) The staff may issue temporary badges if you forget yours (faq.stationf.co ). Once inside, the atmosphere is that of a bustling startup campus: entrepreneurs working on laptops, impromptu mehgrooms with slides, and plenty of collaborative energy. The layout is mostly open, with a large central hangout (“Savoir-Zone”) where people chat at whiteboard tables. You’ll see many company booths or demo counters lining the hall during events. There is high-speed Wi-Fi throughout (for guests—often provided via events) just like at an expo center.
On-site amenities include the **Bêta Bar** – a showcase area of startup products on display (stationf.co ). Several food/snack spots serve visitors: beyond La Felicità and Anticafé (see below), there are casual café spots and even a branch of La Poste (post office) inside. Restroom facilities are plentiful; the Anticafé is even famous for its artful graffiti-decorated bathrooms (medium.com ). A small coat rack or storage may be found at event entry points. The vibe is generally casual: many people wear jeans and tech-company hoodies, others are business-casual. The venue is non-smoking indoors. (Filming is permitted only with prior permission (faq.stationf.co )—you must avoid showing other companies’ logos or faces without consent.)
The design details are a distinctive perk: colorful themed lounges (Morocco, English Garden, etc.), a giant teddy bear in the Creativity Room, foosball tables, billiards and vintage arcade machines in communal spaces (medium.com ) (medium.com ). It truly feels like a giant concept lab. As a visitor, you’ll notice signs quoting startup mantras (e.g. “great ideas are never enough” (stationf.co )) and guidance in both French and English (medium.com ). There is 24/7 access only for residents; outside visitors can enter between roughly 8:00 and 20:00 on weekdays (faq.stationf.co ). For evening events, plan to arrive before 20:00 or contact security, since staff lock the doors after that time. (Station F regularly hosts tech conferences that run into the evening, but guests still check out by 8pm.)
Nearby Amenities
Station F has two on-site public eateries. The big one is **La Felicità**, a 4,500 m² Italian food court by the Big Mamma group (parisjetaime.com ) (medium.com ). It has multiple kitchens (pizza, pasta, burgers, etc.), three bars (including an outdoor garden terrace), and even live music and DJs at night (medium.com ) (parisjetaime.com ). La Felicità is open every day and welcomes everyone (you do not need an event ticket to enter) (medium.com ) (faq.stationf.co ). Within Station F at the main entrance plaza is an **Anticafé** (coworking café): a ‘pay-by-the-minute’ coffee house with snacks and games (www.anticafe.eu ). It operates roughly 8:30am–8pm on weekdays and serves as both a meeting spot and a workspace (open Wi-Fi is included with the time fee) (www.anticafe.eu ). Both spots have their own bars and are great for pre- or post-event meals or coffees.
Outside Station F, the immediate neighborhood is mostly office and riverfront. Immediately to the north is the Seine and the BnF “riverside” café-boat scene. A few minutes west (across the Seine or via Boulevards) are the “Châtelet/Les Halles” style streets of the 13th with casual eateries, or the multicultural Avenue de Choisy (authentic Asian restaurants). The quaint Butte-aux-Cailles district (15-min walk) offers bistros and wine bars if you head south. For drinks, the bars in nearby Gare de Lyon or Place d’Italie (one metro stop away) are options. Several midrange hotels line the 13th and neighboring 12th arrondissement (around Gare de Lyon/Place d’Italie) for visitors who wish to stay overnight. Late-night transit options include Metro Line 6 (running until after midnight) and several night buses (N31, N131) that stop near Austerlitz. In practice, most visitors either commute by transit or enjoy dinner at La Felicità on-site.
What Makes This Venue Special
Station F’s unique charm comes from its blend of mammoth industrial architecture with startup culture. It is literally a “Station” (F for Freyssinet) reborn as a “launchpad” for businesses (stationf.co ). Its opening was seen as a bold move for Paris tech: before Station F, France was not known for having such an ecosystem under one roof. Now it’s a European tech icon – as its director Roxanne Varza put it, it’s soared Paris to the top of global innovation rankings (stationf.co ). The campus hosts hundreds of programs, accelerators (like Founders/Fighters programs) and new entrepreneurs, making it a microcosm of the startup scene. The creative details – from the 11-meter Jeff Koons “Play-Doh” sculpture in the main hall (frenchamericancultural.org ), to the quirky signs (“Station Femmes” initiative for women) – give it character and an Instagram-worthy atmosphere.
Another specialty is the food hall, which on its own is a destination. La Felicità became the largest European restaurant when it opened, and Parisians come here just to eat (pizzas start at €6, pasta €8) (medium.com ) (parisjetaime.com ). The fact that an outsider can wander the massive halls and mingle with founders is unusual. Many visitors note that Station F feels more like a creative festival or museum than a plain office park. Locals appreciate that Station F turned an old railway monument into something vibrant and accessible. In a city of quaint bistros, this 1950’s-style vaulted hangar full of foosball tables, start-up stands, and international innovators really stands out. It’s become as much a symbol of Paris’ future-forward goals as its history.
Visitor Tips and Information
**Accessibility:** The campus is wheelchair-friendly. There are ramps at the entrance, multiple elevators, and 9 wheelchair-accessible seats in the Master Stage (faq.stationf.co ). Visitors with mobility needs should feel welcome. Service animals are allowed, but only guide dogs; owners will be asked to show the dog’s vaccination record (faq.stationf.co ). If you need assistance, Station F staff are trained to help. **Tours:** As noted, book public tours in advance online (stationf.co ). Arrive 5-10 minutes early to check in. The tours will take you through parts of the Share and Chill zones (overlooking the Create zone) (faq.stationf.co ); respect that the actual office workspaces are off-limits. **Entry policy:** Since badge fraud is strictly policed (first offense costs a 7-day ban (faq.stationf.co )), never try to “sneak in” a friend or hold doors for others. Each guest must have their own badge. Bring a photo ID – you’ll need it for any temporary badge at reception (faq.stationf.co ).
**Arrival & Dress:** No special dress code is enforced. Business casual or smart-casual is appropriate. Metro / taxi is easiest – see above. Give yourself time to find the front desk; for big events, there are often signs or staff outside guiding attendees. **Food and Drink:** Outside food is generally allowed in public areas, but you cannot bring outside alcohol. Plan to try La Felicità or grab coffee at Anticafé. There are water fountains and snack vending machines too. **Cell Phone/Photography:** Feel free to take photos of the venue for personal use. Filming videos is OK as long as you don’t film other companies without permission (faq.stationf.co ) and avoid recording private conversations. Social tips: Station F is a working environment – keep noise low near working areas and be professional. **COVID/Vaccination:** (As of 2023) there have been no special vaccine or mask requirements at Station F, but check current French guidelines before visiting. **Questions:** For any other doubt (where to find bathroom, etc.), just ask the friendly reception or an event coordinator on site – they’re usually extremely helpful. Station F staff pride themselves on customer experience (even joking that “we’re here to make your experience wonderful” (faq.stationf.co )) so don’t hesitate to reach out on-site if needed.
What is Station F and where is it located?
STATION F is a vast startup campus and innovation hub in Paris, created by entrepreneur Xavier Niel in 2017. It’s housed in the 1927 Halle Freyssinet (a former rail depot) at 5 Parvis Alan Turing, 75013 Paris (www.sortiraparis.com ). In transit terms, its nearest metro stations are Chevaleret (Line 6) and Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand (Line 14/RER C) (parisjetaime.com ), and several city buses (e.g. 27, 62, 72, 89, 132, 215) stop close by (moovitapp.com ).
How do I get tickets or register for Station F events?
There is no physical ticket office at Station F. Most events require online registration. Visit the official Station F website or the specific event page (often on Meetup or Eventbrite) and reserve your spot there. Many events are free or low-cost. Guided tours use an online booking system too (they are free but limited in capacity) (stationf.co ). For paid events, you buy tickets through the organiser’s platform rather than on-site.
What can I see and do at Station F?
As a visitor, you can attend conferences, workshops and meetups focused on tech and startups. You may also tour the campus (guided public tours available on Tuesdays and Thursdays (stationf.co )). Inside, you’ll find open work areas, demo booths, the Bêta Bar (showcase of startup products) (stationf.co ), and creative lounges. The on-site restaurants La Felicità (Italian food hall) and Anticafé offer casual dining even for non-students (faq.stationf.co ) (medium.com ). Note: you cannot roam freely into private offices – tours cover only public “Share” and “Chill” areas (faq.stationf.co ).
Is Station F open to the general public and when?
Station F is generally only open to registered guests during weekdays. Visitors need an invitation or booking to enter. Public tours or event attendees can enter roughly between 8:00 and 20:00 on weekdays (faq.stationf.co ). The campus does not admit general guests on weekends or holidays (those days are reserved solely for resident entrepreneurs) (faq.stationf.co ). Le Felicità restaurant, however, is open every day to anyone, 24/7 (medium.com ).
Does Station F have guided tours and how long are they?
Yes – Station F runs a weekly guided “Insider Tour” (about 40–45 minutes) through its highlights. Tours in French run every Tuesday at 11:30, and tours in English are every Thursday at 11:30 (stationf.co ). These tours are free but must be booked online in advance. Tours are limited (around 25 people maximum) and fill up, so reserve early. They show shared zones of Station F while respecting that we don’t enter private startup offices (faq.stationf.co ) (stationf.co ).
What is the seating capacity in Station F’s main auditorium?
The “Master Stage” auditorium seats 352 people , plus 9 special accessible (wheelchair) spots (stationf.co ) (faq.stationf.co ). This is Station F’s largest fixed seating area. Other rooms include a 700-capacity open-floor space (up to 350 seated) and several ~100-seat theatres and mezzanines. In total, Station F can accommodate thousands of visitors across all spaces (techcrunch.com ) (stationf.co ).
Is Station F wheelchair accessible?
Absolutely. Station F meets all French accessibility standards. There are access ramps at the entrances, multiple elevators between floors, and accessible restrooms. Importantly, the main auditorium (“Master Stage”) has 9 seats reserved for visitors with disabilities (faq.stationf.co ). The staff are accustomed to assisting guests with mobility needs.
What food and drink options does Station F offer?
Station F has two main eateries open to the public. One is La Felicità , a huge Italian food hall by Big Mamma (open 7 days a week, 24/7) where you can buy pizza (€6+), pasta (€8+), salads, cocktails & more (medium.com ) (parisjetaime.com ). The other is an Anticafé on the ground floor – a pay-by-the-minute coffee shop serving coffee, snacks and pastries (www.anticafe.eu ). Outside food is allowed in general areas except alcohol; the La Felicità bar has its own cocktails and beer. A branch of La Poste (post office) is also on-site for sending mail.
Can I bring children or pets to Station F?
Station F welcomes visitors of all ages but sets some rules. Children are allowed in the public “Share Zone” during visiting hours (faq.stationf.co ); if you come with kids, it’s recommended to use the meeting rooms or open areas for comfort. Pets in general are not permitted, except for guide dogs. Service animals are welcome, but owners need to present proof of vaccination (faq.stationf.co ).
Are there hotels near Station F?
There are no hotels attached to Station F itself, but several are within short transit rides. Many visitors stay near the Bercy or Gare de Lyon area (one metro stop west on Line 14) or around Place d’Italie, as these are a few kilometers west. Nearby 13th-arrondissement streets (like Rue de Tolbiac or Rue Nationale) have budget business hotels. For example, the Timhotel Paris XIII – Bibliothèque is under 1 km away. Use métro or taxi from your hotel to reach the campus.
What are the rules for filming or photography?
Photography for personal use is fine anywhere on campus. You can take snapshots of the building and events. Professional filming or extensive recording requires permission: Station F asks you to fill out a simple form and get approval first (faq.stationf.co ). If filming, avoid capturing partner logos or people’s faces without consent – blur them in post if needed (faq.stationf.co ). Also note that filming is not allowed in every area (for example, it’s prohibited in the Chill Zone / La Felicità restaurant) (faq.stationf.co ).
How is Station F accessible by car and parking?
Station F is near the Paris Périphérique Ring Road (take Porte d'Italie area) and has nearby public parking. The Indigo “Bibliothèque François Mitterrand” garage at Rue Émile Durkheim (Tolbiac–Bibliothèque) is right next door (parisjetaime.com ), with about 1,000 underground spaces. From there it’s a short walk. Street parking is very limited. Typical rates (~€4/hour) apply in these public lots. If driving, follow signs for BnF/Station F or use GPS for “Tolbiac–Bibliothèque Indigo.”
What is the Bêta Bar at Station F?
The Bêta Bar is an exhibition area in Station F showcasing innovative products from the startups on campus. Small gadgets, prototypes and demos are arranged like a bar counter for visitors to try out. It’s open to anyone visiting Station F. It’s a fun way to see cutting-edge tech ideas firsthand during your visit (stationf.co ).
Is Station F open on weekends or holidays?
No. Station F’s public areas are not open on weekends or public holidays. Only resident startups work on the weekends. Any events, tours or guest visits are held on Monday–Friday. (For example, public tours only occur on weekdays and Station F does not issue visitor passes for weekends (faq.stationf.co ).)
