In Paris, France, there is a restaurant called Le Train Bleu, which for over a century has been attracting curious Parisian food lovers who are fascinated by new experiences. This restaurant is not just a gathering place for delicious dishes but also resembles a historical museum. With its opulent French decor, customers enjoy exquisite cuisine in a magnificent and comfortable environment surrounded by large murals exuding an artistic atmosphere.
Located within the bustling Gare de Lyon train station in Lyon, the Le Train Bleu restaurant opened during the 1900 World Exposition in Paris, a time when the city was in the height of its Belle Époque era, filled with art, culture, science, and extreme optimism. The restaurant showcases the popular Art Nouveau style of the time, and its interior decorations, whether on the walls or ceilings, are artistic works with a rich traditional flair.
The design of the restaurant cleverly creates a feeling of being on a train journey. Mimicking the style of luxurious train compartments, the interior features continuous ribbed panels and arches that divide spaces, creating a series of “traveler” cabins. Sitting here, customers can seemingly admire picturesque French countryside views rapidly passing by through those huge arched glass windows.
Sitting inside Le Train Bleu, you can experience the beauty of France without having to look far. Just by looking up, the artistic works on the murals and ceilings transport you to scenic locations. These murals depict the landscapes along the “Blue Train,” famous for its deep blue sleeping cars, built by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, with the restaurant serving as a tribute to this train.
Astute customers will notice the ubiquitous PLM logo within the restaurant, representing the Paris-Lyon-Mediterranean railway line.
The Blue Train, a luxury train second only to the Orient Express, once roamed the French Riviera along the Mediterranean coast. In order to commemorate this luxurious journey, the restaurant was renamed in 1963. Before that, it was known as Buffet de la Gare de Lyon. Today, the scenic beauty along the famous Paris to Vintimille route of the Blue Train is immortalized in 41 colorful murals within the restaurant, skillfully placed between gilded ceiling panels, providing customers with a visual feast.
During the creation of Le Train Bleu, twenty-seven top French artists were carefully selected to paint these magnificent, treasure-like murals. Their works are far from ordinary, each being a piece of art treasure. These artists possessed skills honed through centuries of heritage and continuous improvement at arts academies, showcasing classic perspective techniques and a profound understanding of human anatomy, utilizing the finest modern pigments being tried by contemporary Impressionist painters.
Le Train Bleu is not just a paradise for food but also a holy place steeped in history, transporting customers back to late 19th-century Paris. The classical sculptures, dazzling gold leaf decorations, floral arrangements, and dreamy crystal chandeliers weave together a mythical world. All these elements blend to create the famous, elegant, and magnificent atmosphere of Le Train Bleu.
With its long history and unique atmosphere, Le Train Bleu has not only attracted numerous famous movie stars but also become an indispensable classic scene in French cinema. The restaurant served as the filming location for the 1990 thriller “Nikita,” starring the famous French actress Anne Parillaud. Fashion icon Coco Chanel and the alluring Brigitte Bardot of the 1970s have also left their marks here. The visits of these celebrities undoubtedly added glamour to the restaurant, with their culinary experiences becoming a much-discussed topic.
Le Train Bleu is a globally renowned French restaurant. It is famously known for its authentic French cuisine and was designated a historic monument (Monument Historique) in France in 1972. With the arrival of the new century, in 2014, the restaurant underwent a meticulous restoration, restoring its artistic pieces to their former glory while also modernizing the kitchen. Today, it remains a shining gem in the second busiest train station in Paris, attracting many travelers seeking culinary delights.
As for the food choices, what options do rushing commuters and glamorous stars have at Le Train Bleu? They might opt for the walnut oil-drizzled lobster salad as an appetizer, savor the restaurant’s signature roasted leg of lamb, or try the unforgettable main course of veal cutlet covered in a layer of golden cheese. And for dessert, the Langue de Chat, a sweet treat drizzled with vanilla syrup and sprinkled with fluffy whipped cream, is undoubtedly the perfect finale. It makes one wonder, do these guests still have enough room to indulge in this sweet temptation?