Le Train Bleu isn’t just a restaurant — it’s one of the most beautiful places to eat in Paris. Inside the busy Gare de Lyon train station, you’ll find golden ceilings, chandeliers, and huge painted walls.
A Jewel of Paris Inside Gare de Lyon
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Le Train Bleu is more than a restaurant — it’s an institution.
Tucked inside the Gare de Lyon, one of Paris’s major train stations, this restaurant opened in 1901 for the Exposition Universelle.
It looks like a royal ballroom, with gilded moldings, painted ceilings, marble statues, chandeliers, and tall windows overlooking the train tracks.
Each dining room is named after a French city or region.
The décor is listed as a Monument Historique, and dining here feels like being transported to the Belle Époque.
It’s not just a place to eat — it’s a step into history.
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The Food
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Le Train Bleu offers traditional French gastronomy with a touch of modern refinement.
The menu is curated by Michel Rostang, a Michelin-starred chef.
Many recipes come from regional French cuisine and are served with rich sauces, slow cooking, and fresh herbs.
There are several menus: à la carte, seasonal tasting menus, and prix-fixe options.
The restaurant accommodates both travelers in a hurry and gourmets taking their time.
Signature Dishes to Try
- Pâté en Croûte with Chicken and Morels
A rich, meaty starter served with sweet-and-sour vegetables and a light jus. This elegant dish is part of the PLM Menu and often recommended by the staff. - Foie Gras Terrine with Duck Confit
A layered terrine served with rhubarb chutney and toasted brioche. Creamy, tangy, and indulgent — one of the house classics. - Gratin de Macaroni au Homard
Macaroni gratin with lobster, a nod to classic French comfort food, elevated by luxury ingredients. A creation “à la Michel Rostang”. - Vol-au-Vent of Poultry and Sweetbreads
A light puff pastry filled with tender meat, spring vegetables, and a creamy vin jaune sauce. Classic and rich. - Gigot d’Agneau Rôti (Roast Leg of Lamb)
Sliced tableside, served with creamy dauphinois potatoes. A show-stopper and part of the seasonal “Voyageur” menu. - Baba au Rhum
Sponge cake soaked in citrus-infused rum, topped with fresh whipped cream. Served generously and flamboyantly — a must-have for dessert lovers.
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Atmosphere
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The setting is grand, ceremonial, and timeless.
Expect white tablecloths, silver service, and crystal glasses.
Waiters wear formal attire and service is professional, discreet, and precise.
At lunch, the atmosphere is slightly more casual, with travelers and businesspeople.
At dinner, it’s romantic and hushed.
If you like classic elegance, theatrical interiors, and old-world charm, this is your place.
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What People Say
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Guests consistently praise:
- The splendid décor, described as “palace-like” or “museum quality”
- The high-level service
- The baba au rhum, foie gras terrine, and vol-au-vent
- The calm and timeless feel, even inside a busy train station
Some note that prices are high, but most agree that the experience and setting justify the cost.
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Is It Worth It?
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Yes — for the experience, the setting, and the cuisine.
Dining at Le Train Bleu is about more than the food: it’s a moment suspended in time.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a formal lunch, or just want to experience one of Paris’s most beautiful restaurants, this is a unique destination.
Come for the gilded ceilings and leave remembering the soufflé and the perfect wine pairing. It’s a Parisian memory in the making.
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
