Le Train Bleu, nestled in the heart of Gare de Lyon, is much more than a simple restaurant. It is a place where time seems to stand still, where every detail of the decor and every dish served tells a story. Since its inauguration in 1901, this prestigious establishment has preserved its Belle Époque charm, becoming a living witness to the transformations of the capital.
The history of Le Train Bleu begins at the dawn of the 20th century, a period marked by effervescence and progress. Designed for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, the restaurant was intended to dazzle passing travelers, offering them a taste of Parisian luxury. Architects Marius Toudoire and Émile Bénard were tasked with creating a space where art and gastronomy would meet in perfect harmony.
I remember my first visits to Le Train Bleu, those moments when, passing through the carved wooden doors, I discovered a world of splendor and refinement. The vast rooms, adorned with frescoes and gilding, were illuminated by sparkling chandeliers, giving the place an atmosphere that was both majestic and intimate. Every table, every chair, seemed to have been placed with meticulous precision, reflecting the attention to detail.
Anecdotes abound about this mythical place. It is said that one evening in 1945, Jean Cocteau, accompanied by his friends Pablo Picasso and Coco Chanel, dined there after an evening at the theater. During the meal, Cocteau, inspired by the ambiance, took out a sketchbook and began drawing the faces of his companions. Picasso, amused by the scene, added a few brushstrokes, turning a simple evening among friends into an impromptu artistic performance.
The accounts of the servers, discreet witnesses to the stories that unfold there, are also rich in anecdotes. One recalls a memorable dinner during which a famous French actor, after tasting a Grand Marnier soufflé, stood up to personally thank the chef, to the applause of the other diners. Such moments, where the line between the everyday and the exceptional blurs, contribute to making Le Train Bleu a unique place.
The dishes served at Le Train Bleu are themselves works of art, combining tradition and innovation. The filet of beef Rossini, the pike quenelles, or the rum baba—each dish is carefully prepared and presented with rare elegance. Every bite is an invitation to a gustatory journey, a dive into the richness and diversity of French cuisine.
Thus, Le Train Bleu is not just a restaurant. It is a treasure chest of memory, a sanctuary where history and gastronomy come together to offer visitors moments of grace and contemplation. Every fresco, every chandelier, every dish tells a story, that of a Paris where the art of living is elevated to a true philosophy.
Leaving Le Train Bleu, heart filled with memories and flavors, one carries away a fragment of that grandeur, a part of that timeless light. Le Train Bleu, with its majesty and refinement, reminds us that Paris is a city where history and art combine to offer its inhabitants and visitors unforgettable experiences.
