Eat in a Different Era at Paris' Train Themed Restaurants
The magic of dining in style in a luxurious train car is a dream for train lovers, foodies and movie buffs alike. From legendary tales in fiction and cinema, train-travel has inspired Agatha Christie’s Murder on The Orient Express to Alfred Hitchcock’s Strangers On a Train. Even James Bond rode The Orient Express from Istanbul to London. Bon voyage et bon appétit!
1. Le Wagon Bleu
The first stop is at Le Wagon Bleu in the 17e arrondissement. Here’s the catch - this authentic French bistro is actually on one of the last mysterious Orient Express wagons. In 1865, Belgian baker’s son, George Nagemackers’ vision of luxurious railway travel and decadent sleeper-cars or “wagons-lits” came to life. Newspapers coined it the “Orient Express” with its route starting in Paris and set to Istanbul, not knowing it would be its last stop.
The 80-hour journey wasn’t tiresome because aboard the train, its passengers were sleeping in silk sheets, dining in lush velvet cars as if they were in one of Europe’s finest hotels. Even English spies like Robert Baden-Powell, rode the glamourous train, whose intricate sketches of butterfly wings were in reality coded fortifications he spotted along the Dalmation Coast during WWI.
The train that houses Le Wagon Bleu was in service from 1925 until it made its final run in 1957. But dining in the cozy wagons never lost its luster, so it was decidedly renovated as a set for the cult movie La Grande Vadrouille in 1965. The orange-hued lights and blue velvet seating truly embodies the spirit of the Orient Express as waiters serve Corsican cuisine with a wide choice of regional wines.
Inside the original Wagon Bleu of the Orient Express, 1925. Image credit: Le Wagon Bleu
Inside the original Wagon Bleu of the Orient Express, 1925. Image credit: Le Wagon Bleu2. Victoria Station Restaurant Wagon
We’re just warming up… the second destination is the Victoria Station Restaurant Wagon in the 2e arrondissement. Walking into the eccentric restaurant feels like you’re about to travel back in time to the Belle Époque. The spirit of the era is a time of “joie de vivre” in contrast to some of the 20th century hardships with the joys of music halls, cabarets and bistros.
The neon sign of the Victoria Station Restaurant Wagon draws in intimate groups of 2-4 guests to the boulevard of Montmartre. Two guests from Ireland waiting outside the restaurant happily recommended the wood fired pizza which is prepared in front of them. They praised the Italian food’s large portions, affordable dining options and lovely red wine.
3. Le Train Bleu
All aboard Le Train Bleu - a very upscale restaurant with luxurious gold seating the hall of Gare de Lyon. The station was built for the World Exposition of 1900, known for its large clock tower in the station and many trains depart here for the south of France. Even Coco Chanel used to dine under their sparkling chandeliers in the 20th century.
The restaurant is dripping gold and intricate frescos by French artist Albert Maignan. The setting is so opulent that it even served as a film set for La Femme Nikita, Place Vendome, Filles Uniques, Mr. Bean’s Holiday and Travels with my Aunt.
Open every day, the restaurant is complete with a breakfast menu, lounge bar for snacking, tapas, drinks and dinner menu. Le Train Bleu’s iconic dishes include the traditional gratin dauphinois and the famous roast leg of lamb. The luxe restaurant is also known for the Bresse poultry served with fresh tarragon cream on a bed of rice along with the rum baba and delicious tartare prepared at your table.
4. La Recyclerie
Last but not least, our final destination is more modern café called La Recyclerie in the 18e arrondissement. An old train station called Gare Ornano was turned eco-friendly café spacious and dripping with plants. This one attracts hipsters and hungry antique shoppers, since it’s around the corner from le Marché de Puces. Customers sip their coffee, indulge in brunch and read the books in the cozy library near the cashier. In the summer, this bright, open space hosts “Le Gare aux Docs”, a festival for outdoor movies projected during the summer.
From Corsican food to Italian cuisine paired with the stylistic decor of different eras, there are a plethora of ways to plan a special dining experience in Paris. Develop your itinerary based off these 4 Train-Themed Restaurants and look forward to your next magical meal aboard a train!
