This legendary luxury brasserie, founded in 1901, hides in the heart of a Paris train station. A palatial restaurant, listed as a historical monument, formerly known as “Le Buffet de la Gare”... Have you guessed? This place is none other than…
Le Train Bleu: one of the relics of the 1900 Universal Exhibition
It was in 1900, on the occasion of the Universal Exhibition, that what was to become a true Parisian legend was born: “Le Buffet de la gare”. It was built by architect Marius Toudoire, who also designed the Tour de l’Horloge and the emblematic façade of the Gare de Lyon. A year later, in 1901, the restaurant was inaugurated by the then President of the Republic, Émile Loubet. It wasn’t until 1963 that the restaurant took on the name we know today: Le Train Bleu. A nod to the mythical“Paris-Vintimille” of 1868, recognizable by its midnight-blue coat. A train that linked Paris to the Côte d’Azur in unparalleled luxury.
An architectural gem, hidden away on the second floor of the Gare de Lyon.
Today, Le Train Bleu (Classified as a Historic Monument in 1972) continues to fascinate with its splendor and timeless atmosphere. 8-meter-high ceilings, grandiose frescoes, moldings, gilding and crystal chandeliers… Here, everything exudes the Belle Époque. It’s a sumptuous setting that has been the backdrop for numerous films, including Nikita (1990).
Coco Chanel, Salvador Dalí, Brigitte Bardot and Marcel Pagnol have all passed through the doors of this mythical place. No doubt because of the beauty of the premises, which already evoked the impression of entering a living museum. Here, every detail tells a page of Parisian history. Witness the murals by renowned artists (François Flameng, Albert Maignan) illustrating the major stages of the Paris-Lyon-Mediterranean journey.
A brasserie of spectacular beauty, a Mecca of French gastronomy.
In this golden setting, you’ll discover the generous, refined cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Michel Rostang. A cuisine that pays homage to French classics and revisits the spirit of the old station buffets. The menu of this historic luxury brasserie features such specialties as pâté en croûte de campagne, terrine de foie gras de canard, tourteau and fricassee de girolles au vin jaune. And this summer, Chef Michel Rostang invites gourmets to try his lobster macaroni gratin, on the €54 menu.
From lunch to dinner, culinary shows go on in the heart of the luxury brasserie Le Train Bleu.
To complete the gastronomic experience, the staff carve certain dishes in the dining room and flame others before your very eyes, offering a veritable culinary spectacle. Such is the case with the roast leg of lamb from our regions, served to the car de tranche. For show and taste, we’re also crazy about the spectacular crêpes Suzette, flambéed with Grand Marnier before our very eyes.
Whether you’re passing through the capital or a curious Parisian, forget the clock at the Gare de Lyon! Le Train Bleu restaurant invites you to an exceptional stopover, between heritage and French art de vivre. An enchanting gastronomic interlude, to be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
📍Le Train Bleu, place Louis-Armand, 75012 Paris