Le Train Bleu – Listed Historical Monument
Le Train Bleu stands out from other Parisian restaurants for two reasons.
Firstly, its unique location within the Gare de Lyon (train station) gives it an exceptional character.
Originally conceived as the Buffet de la Gare de Lyon, the restaurant was renamed Le Train Bleu in 1963 to commemorate the inauguration of the prestigious Paris-Ventimiglia line.
Secondly, Le Train Bleu is renowned for its lavish and extravagant Belle Époque decor, which evokes the grandeur of Parisian palaces.
This remarkable interior design earned it the status of a historical monument in 1972.
Buffet de la Gare de Lyon built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900
Gare de Lyon was the Parisian terminus of the PML, the Compagnie des chemins de fer de Paris à Lyon et à la Méditerranée (Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée), founded in 1882.
In anticipation of the 1900 Universal Exhibition, the PML built the Buffet de la Gare de Lyon in the premises of the station. At the turn of the 20th century, train travel remained a privilege reserved for the elite. Electricity was still in its infancy, and we were still in the era of majestic steam locomotives. Journeys were slow but made up for in refined luxury.
The Universal Exhibition attracted 50 million visitors to Paris between April 15 and November 12, 1900, many of them arrived by train and were looking for a place to eat.
The Buffet de la Gare de Lyon was thus designed to exude opulence and refinement, with the ambition of making a lasting impression on visitors, both provincial and foreign, by offering them a gastronomic experience in an exceptional setting!
The restaurant was intended to embody the spirit of a prosperous, artistic and innovative France during the Belle Époque. Inaugurated by President Émile Loubet on April 7, 1901. Although interrupted by the First World War, the railway line resumed service in 1920.
In 1922, the old wooden sleepers were replaced by metal carriages adorned with blue and gold paint, giving rise to the luxurious Train Bleu. This name became official in 1947, establishing the restaurant as a symbol of elegance and refinement.
Le Train Bleu, a magnificent Belle Epoque restaurant
The decor of the restaurant Le Train Bleu perfectly illustrates the splendour of the early 20th century.
Between 1871 and 1914, art underwent profound transformations. Art Nouveau was at its peak from 1880 to 1910, a style inspired by Baroque, Oriental and Classical influences.
The baroque decoration, renowned for its theatrical effect and grandeur, aimed to impress, a desire that is clearly reflected in the design of the Blue Train.
Upon arrival, you are greeted by a wealth of stucco, sculptures, paintings, portraits, trophies, floral ornaments, scrolls, foliage, mouldings, and sculptures that adorn columns, pilasters, ceilings and walls.
The palette, dominated by deep reds and blues, with an abundance of gold, contributes to the opulent atmosphere and makes Le Train Bleu a truly extravagant culinary experience.
The PLM company spared no expense in decorating the Train Bleu, entrusting this task to the most prestigious painters of the time.
The ceilings and walls of the restaurant were adorned with exquisite paintings depicting 41 cities and various landscapes traversed by the railway line connecting Paris to Lyon and Marseille.
Renowned artists such as Flameng, Debuffe and Saint-Pierre were commissioned to paint the three ceilings of the main dining room, each illustrating scenes from the prestigious cities visited.
Maignan and Montenard painted iconic monuments, such as the Orange Theatre, and cities, such as Villefranche and Monaco, on the walls.
You will also find portraits of personalities of the time, including the president and the general manager of the PLM company, as well as renowned writers and actresses such as Edmond Rostand, Sarah Bernhardt and Réjane.
The Salle Dorée (Golden Room) of the Blue Train, boasts a ceiling painted by Gervex depicting the famous Battle of Flowers in Nice, and its frescoes by Olive illustrating Marseille and Saint-Honorat, as well as works by Burnand representing Mont Blanc and the Panorama of the Bernese Alps. These transform the dining room into a veritable miniature palace.
Le Train Bleu has managed to preserve its timeless charm, offering a glimpse of a bygone era with its waxed parquet floors, tables covered with impeccable white tablecloths and tableware adorned with the coat of arms of the PLM. Waiters wear the traditional attire, black jackets and classic white shirts.
Entering Le Train Bleu is like stepping into a magical world, where the atmosphere is enchanting, the cuisine exceptional, and the staff attentive and warm.
It is no wonder that the restaurant has long attracted the rich and famous and counted among its regulars personalities such as Coco Chanel, Brigitte Bardot, Jean Cocteau and Salvador Dali.
Directions: 12th District – Place Louis Armand – Gare de Lyon
Metro: Gare de Lyon on Line 1 and on RER A
Coordinates Le Train Bleu: Lat 48.845111 – Long 2.373551
