Last Updated on 1st March 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
Illustrious, ornate, and something of an institution in the Parisian dining landscape, Le Train Bleu is nestled within Paris’ Gare de Lyon and has been welcoming diners since the start of the 20th-century. Today, the grandiose restaurant is one of the best places to dine in the city if you’re looking for a historic experience with great food and plenty of charm. Here’s what it’s really like to dine at Le Train Bleu.
I have wanted to dine at Le Train Bleu for the longest time and, after seeing it featured in countless magazines and across social media, was very happy to finally have an occasion to dine there. Here are my honest thoughts!
Contents
Where is Le Train Bleu?
Le Train Bleu is located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris in the Gare de Lyon station. The restaurant is physically within the station and so you’ll have to enter the station in order to reach the restaurant. However, it’s worth noting that you don’t need to be catching a train to dine at the restaurant!
The dining venue is actually set on the first floor of the station and so one side of the restaurant has windows overlooking the station’s main platforms, while the other side looks onto the street below. The easiest way to reach the restaurant is by metro as Gare de Lyon is served by metro lines 1 and 14 and the RER A.
A brief history
The restaurant is set within Paris’s Gare de Lyon and dates back to 1901. The dining area of the restaurant is lavishly decorated in neo-baroque and Belle Époque frescoes, panelling, and high ceilings.
Designed by French architect Marius Toudoire, most murals feature the French Riviera, as this is where most diners were heading to after they finished their meals. When it was opened, it was known as a the Gare de Lyon buffet, but this was changed to Le Train Bleu in 1963.
The name Le Train Bleu derives from an iconic train along the old “Paris-Ventimiglia” line. The restaurant was featured in Mr Bean and also in the French film Nikita. Today the restaurant has become a staple in the French dining scene and is perfect for a long and lazy lunch (even if you’re not catching a train after!)
The menu comprises of classic French fare. You can expect to find starters, mains, and desserts on the menu. Savoury dishes mainly comprise of meat and fish options, while the sweets are the kind of French desserts you would expect to find in such a traditional establishment. Here are some particular standouts:
- Steak tartare (this is prepared on a specially wheeled out table in front of you)
- Crêpes Suzette (I especially recommend ordering these as they are baked in front of you using a pan on fire)
What’s it like to dine at Le Train Bleu?
As soon as you sit down, you’ll be presented with a paper menu (there are no QR code menus). We then ordered a bottle of wine for the table and received a complimentary amuse bouche, which is a kind of mini snack. There are set menus but we all ordered à la carte because there’s no vegetarian menu!
Afterwards, we each ordered a dessert and someone at the table got crepes suzette, which they make in front of you in a pan on fire. All in all, I really enjoyed our experience and would totally visit again for a special occasion!
Is there a vegetarian option at Le Train Bleu?
Yes, there is one single vegetarian option on the menu, which is a truffle gnocchi. Unfortunately you won’t be able to get one of the set menus as these don’t cater towards vegetarians. I had pretty low expectations for the food considering how touristy this spot is. And while it was pretty pricey, it was also very tasty!
Is Le Train Bleu expensive?
Prices were quite expensive but not overly exorbitant. For example, my truffle gnocchi dish was €36, while the bottle of wine was €55 (which was a lot less than I was expecting for such a fine dining venue). Starters range from €29-€39, main courses €36-€58. Desserts are all €18 each.
All in all, we paid around €80 per person for a main course each, and shared desserts, a bottle of wine, and a few extra drinks. It’s certainly a splurge, but as you won’t be dining there every day, I would say that it’s definitely worth the cost!
Is there a dress code for Le Train Bleu?
No, there is no specific dress code at Le Train Bleu as it is a traveller’s café at a train station. I personally opted to dress in smart casual, but there were plenty of people seated in t-shirts and sneakers so I don’t think they’re overly fussy when it comes to attire (as long as you don’t dress offensively and don’t go topless!)
As lots of people are headed out onto the train after their meals, lots of people are dressed in comfortable clothing and come with their luggage. On that note, don’t worry about having to bring luggage with you as the restaurant is very large and each dining area has plenty of space around it to store your bags!
How to visit Le train Bleu
I recommend reserving at least a few weeks ahead of time, especially if you want to visit on a weekend (I think we booked a month ahead of time!) You can also go to Le Train Bleu for just a drink, but you’ll be seated in a modern hallway so if you want to experience the gilded glamour of the two main dining halls, you’ll have to opt for a full meal.
You are also free to take as many photos and videos as you like before, during, and after your meal. Just be conscious of the fact that, if you stand in the middle aisle to get your photos, then there are lots of waiters carrying various plates and trays so don’t knock into them or get too in the way!
Enjoyed reading about Le Train Bleu? Pin this article now, read it again later:
Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.