The station opened on 19 November 1904 under the name Rue Saint-Denis. On 15 October 1907 it changed its name to Réaumur - Sébastopol. The new name is in commemoration of René-Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur (1683-1757), a chemist and doctor who invented the alcohol thermometer, and the port of Sevastopol in Crimea, which was under siege from 1854 to 1855 during the Crimean War.
The station is situated on the border of the 2nd and 3rd arrondissements. It is served by the metro lines 3 and 4.
Platform Line 3
Line 3 started operation on 19 November 1904. In May 2015 this platform is in the middle of refurbishment.
Entrance to the platforms is from the end.
Most of the platform has been stripped back. Temporary lights are fixed close to the ceiling. The electric display boards showing the direction, current time and time to wait for the next two trains have been removed.
This part of the ceiling is partly tiled. Tiling continues during the times the metro is closed. The movable work platform allows for easy access.
The temporary signage is placed in an advertising board with a white ceramic frame. The station name is in all capital letters on a blue enamel sign.
The walls are tiled in Metro style, finished with a turquoise border row at the bottom.
Four red plastic seats are fixed on a bar. They are placed in front of a bare wall with temporary lighting from the ceiling.
Platform Line 4
Line 4 started operation on 21 April 1908. It is an underground platform.
The platforms are on either side of the tracks. The tracks are separated by a metal fence.
The advertising is in metal-framed boards.
The platform has two drinks and snack machines.
The platform of the line 4 is under the tracks of the line 3. Therefore the ceiling has been re-inforced with silver steel beams and shaped in small arches.
The scythe-like light fittings are connected to the steel beams.
The walls are tiles in flat, white tiles with are placed vertical.
Next to the platform stairs is an image of a man with a briefcase making a phonecall. This metal portrait is one of several showcasing some local travellers and their thoughts.
The blue signage with white mixed case letters has been surrounded with metal panels showing portraits of other passengers.
Transfer corridor from the line 3. The walls are tiled and are bordered with a row of light turquoise tiles. In order to keep the numbers of passengers moving, this corridor is a dedicated entry to the platform and the next opening will be a dedicated exit from the platform.