Le Train Bleu: Dining in the Splendor of Paris’s Belle Époque
Travel into the past at Le Train Bleu, the mesmerizing Belle Époque restaurant inside Paris-Gare de Lyon. Opened in 1901 for the Exposition Universelle, it was designed by architect Marius Toudoire for the Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée (PLM) railway company.
Originally called the "Buffet de la Gare de Lyon," it dazzled visitors with its grandeur. Over a century later, it remains one of Paris's most iconic dining destinations due to its history, art, and fine French cuisine.
Art, Architecture, and History
Le Train Bleu's decor is more like a museum than a restaurant. The ceilings soar eight meters high, decorated with 41 enormous paintings. These depict scenes of France, key railway destinations, and events from the 1900s.
Artists François Flameng, Henri Gervex, and Albert Maignan brought the space to life. The grand dining hall have three ceiling paintings featuring Paris, Lyon, and Marseille - Flameng’s depiction of Paris is the centerpiece.
Maignan’s mural of the Roman theater in Orange includes portraits of Sarah Bernhardt, Réjane, and Edmond Rostand. The staircase has a mural showing the Pont Alexandre III and the 1900 exposition.
In 1966, André Malraux saved the restaurant from demolition. In 1972, it was partially listed as a historical monument, protecting its breathtaking interiors. Renovations in 2014 revived its splendor, with restored frescoes, repainted walls, and gold-leaf gilding.
While some original furniture was replaced, new blue banquettes and chairs were carefully designed to fit the Belle Époque style.
Le Train Bleu has always been a place for celebs to come show off. Brigitte Bardot, Coco Chanel, Jean Cocteau, and Salvador Dalí all dined here. French President François Mitterrand was also a guest.
The restaurant has appeared in films including Nikita by Luc Besson and Les Vacances de Mr. Bean.
Culinary Journey Along the PLM Railway
Dining at Le Train Bleu is an experience. The polished mahogany floors, golden moldings, and leather banquettes transport you to the grandeur of 1900s France. Here, you gaze at the art while tasting the classic veal roast.
The menu is a tribute to French gastronomy, curated since 2018 by Michelin-starred chef Michel Rostang. Seasonal ingredients and regional dishes honor the PLM railway's historic route.
Guests can enjoy dishes like saucisson pistaché en brioche or côte de veau fermier rôti for a refined taste of tradition.
For dessert, the vacherin glacé Train Bleu and Baba au Rhum royal Saint James are famous. These are paired with an extensive wine list - although the high prices are sometimes frowned upon.
Before Rostang’s involvement, reviews pointed out mediocre food and overpriced wines. One critic once even called it “the only bad restaurant listed as a historical monument.” However, recent years have brought praise for its revival, with dishes now created under the eye of head chef Samir Balia (alongside Rostang).
The average price per person is around €87. Le Train Bleu has a selection of menus: the Menu du Voyageur, at €56, provides a quick yet elegant meal. The Menu PLM (Paris Lyon Méditerranée), priced at €76, features dishes inspired by the historic railway route.
The Menu du Train Bleu, at €120, is a full gastronomic option with the restaurant's signature dishes and culinary expertise. The Menu des Enfants (€29) is designed for kids up to 10 years old.