Le Train Bleu: Passport to Old Paris
Nestled discreetly above the hustle and bustle of the Gare de Lyon's busy concourse, unnoticed by travelers hurrying to catch their trains, the Train Bleu restaurant is one of Paris’ majestic gems from the city's gilded past. Its neo-baroque frescoes, gilded chandeliers, and arched floor-to-ceiling windows transport you back to the Belle Époque.
The parallels between Le Train Bleu's opulence and the splendors of Versailles Palace are obvious, but no photo will truly convey the experience like seeing it for yourself. The colors are as rich as the food and drink; what isn’t bathed in gold is tufted royal blue or polished mahogany. Walking into Le Train Bleu makes you feel suddenly important, like you’ve slipped in after a society ball.
Sleeping car inspired seating. Image Credit: Le Train Bleu
The Gare de Lyon, which opened in 1901 at the height of the Belle Époque, was the Paris terminal for trains from Lyon and Marseille. You can still spot the letters "PLM” woven into the décor in the bar and restaurant. The restaurant, initially called “Buffet de la Gare de Lyon”, was renamed “Le Train Bleu” in 1963 in homage to the famous Paris-Vintimille train that once took wealthy passengers south to the Riviera. The original voyage was made by a wealthy clientele traveling by train to the Côte d’Azur. Upper-class British travelers going south to the Riviera for the warm climate would stop at the Gare de Lyon in Paris and enjoy the restaurant's "buffet" — and mix with the Parisian social elite — before boarding a train taking them down to the Côte d’Azur.
The famous Paris-Vintimille train which inspired the name, "Le Train Bleu." Image Credit: Le Blog de Nikko
In 1924 the Ballets Russes staged a one-act ballet titled "Le Train Bleu", inspired by the famous train, at the Theatre des Champs-Élysées. The ballet's costumes were designed by Coco Chanel. Though the famous "train bleu" made its last trip on December 9, 2007, its legacy of luxury, style and comfort are carried on through the restaurant, which underwent an extensive renovation and re-opened in 2014.
Though Paris is filled with them, Le Train Bleu isn’t just another pretty thing. It is consistently listed as one of the best train station restaurants in Europe. In 1972, it was declared a historical monument given its cultural and historical importance. An orchestrated symphony of sight, sound and goût, Le Train Bleu is a must-see before you conclude your time in Paris.
Le Train Bleu bar room. Image Credit: Le Train Bleu
On a student budget? The best way to indulge in this lavish experience without surrendering your week’s food budget is to grab a drink at the bar (8.50 euros for wine and 16 euros for cocktails), partake in teatime (17 euros) which includes your choice of pastry, hot drink or juice, or my personal favorite, dessert (18 euros). They’re famous for their Rum Baba and, yes, the rumors are true, they leave you to your devices with a full bottle of rum so bring a friend!
If you’re heart-set on eating in the restaurant, their menu options start at 29 euros for main dishes. If you’re heart-set and patient, you’ll wait for your parents to visit and take them here for dinner as a must-have, quintessentially Parisian dining experience.
Le Train Bleu signature dessert, Rum Baba. Image Credit: Le Train Bleu
Le Train Bleu
Open daily 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
reservation.trainbleu@ssp.fr
www.le-train-bleu.com.
Tel: +33 1 43 43 09 06
