If you haven’t heard of Le Train Bleu, or glimpsed it when passing through Gare de Lyon, then you are missing out on a key piece of Parisian history, as well as a fantastic meal. It oozes opulence with its heavily painted ceilings, designed to reflect different regions and towns of France, painted initially for the Exposition Universelle (1900).
Suitably indulgent, Le Train Bleu offer three formulas, for an express lunch there is the “travellers menu,” though there are only two dishes to choose from (€45); for a little more you can choose the arts menu (€65) which provides a small selection of the three courses and finally the most luxurious- the Train Bleu menu (€110) which I of course opted for. Though do read the menu online in advance because there are no options. You can of course order from the menu, but I fancied a little excitement in my meal.
All of the courses were fantastic, beautifully presented and interesting with their flavours. I requested an alternative to the foie gras which was graciously replaced by the oeuf parfait, which was indeed perfect. My only fault with the food was that I struggled to finish. I finally ended the meal with the “café gourmand” (normally a coffee served with a selection of mini desserts), but with a lapsang souchong tea instead.
If you are looking for a dinner to remember, in a truly astonishing setting, Le Train Bleu is the place to go. I dined alone, and for me it is a sign of a good establishment if you are made to feel equally at home and welcome. I had brought a book with me, but with so much to look at and so much to enjoy, I barely picked it up.
Address: In Gare de Lyon, Place Louis-Armand, 75012 Paris
Metro: Gare de Lyon, M1, 14, RER A, D
Open: 11:30 to 14:45 and 19:00 to 22:45 daily
Phone: 01 43 43 09 06
Website: www.le-train-bleu.com