The station opened on 5 May 1931 with the extension of the line from Richelieu–Drouot for the Paris Colonial Exposition, held in the nearby Bois de Vincennes.

It is named after the Porte de Charenton, a gate in the 19th-century Thiers wall of Paris on the road to Charenton-le-Pont.

The first two, at the south-west end of the platforms, lead: The last two, at the north-east end of the quays, allowing access to the Reuilly lawn, lead: Porte de Charenton is a station with a particular configuration.

These arrangements are combined with the flat white ceramic tiles which cover the walls and the particularly wide vault.

The advertising frames are metal and the name of the station is written in capital letters on enameled plaques.