Logo Musée du Patrimoine

All French heritage classified by regions, departments and cities

  2. Patrimoine
  3. Paris
  4. Paris 12ème
  5. 75012 Paris

  6. The Blue Train in Paris

 The Blue Train in Paris

Patrimoine classé
Restaurant classé MH

The Blue Train in Paris

    Gare de Lyon
    75012 Paris
Museums of France
All houses and villas classified in France Restaurant classified MH
Photo de The Blue Train in Paris

Timeline

XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1900
2000
1900
Construction for the Universal Exhibition
7 avril 1901
Official Inauguration
1963
Renamed the Blue Train
1966
Saved from demolition
1972
Partial classification for historical monuments
2014
Major renovation
2018
New gastronomic menu
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Key figures

Marius Toudoire - Architect Designer of the restaurant for the Universal Exhibition.
Émile Loubet - President of the Republic Inaugurated the Buffet in 1901.
André Malraux - Minister of Culture Saved the restaurant from demolition in 1966.
Albert Chazal - Director then owner The Blue Train was renamed in 1963.
François Flameng - Painter Author of the fresco representing Paris.
Michel Rostang - Star Chef Collaborate to the gastronomic map since 2018.
Samir Balia - Current chef Directs kitchens since 2019.

Origin and history

The Blue Train, originally named "Buffet de la Gare de Lyon", was designed by architect Marius Toudoire for the Universal Exhibition of 1900. Inaugurated on 7 April 1901 by President Émile Loubet, it was operated by the Compagnie du chemin de fer Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée (PLM). This iconic place, located on the 1st floor of the Paris-Gare station in Lyon, symbolized the luxury and innovation of the time, with kitchens in the attic and electric elevators.

The restaurant was renamed "Le Train bleu" in 1963 by Albert Chazal, in homage to the legendary Paris-Ventimille express train of 1868. Saved from the demolition in 1966 by André Malraux, it was partially classified as historical monuments in 1972. Its rooms, decorated with 41 murals by renowned artists such as François Flameng or Henri Gervex, illustrate the destinations served by the PLM and the landmark events of 1900.

The interiors of the Blue Train, of neo-baroque style, are loaded with gilding, sculptures, and upholstery furniture, reflecting the opulence of the Belle Époque. His regulars include such personalities as Coco Chanel, Jean Cocteau, or Salvador Dalí. The restaurant, renovated in 2014, retains its original decor, although some of the unprotected furniture has been replaced. Since 2018, Rostang House has been offering gourmet cuisine inspired by regional products from the PLM line.

The Blue Train has also marked popular culture, serving as a stage for films such as Luc Besson's Nikita (1990) or Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Micmacs à tire-larigot (2009). He also appeared in documentaries, such as Le Train Bleu, buffet des rois (2012), and remained one of the best preserved places in Paris in the 1900s. Despite mixed criticism of his cuisine, he retains a prestige linked to his history and exceptional architecture.

The leaders who marked his history include Jean Thauvin (1963-1992), Michel Comby (1992-2000), and Samir Balia (since 2019), working with Michel Rostang. The restaurant, with its 250 cutlery, offers traditional dishes such as lamb's leg or steak tartare, in a setting where art, history and gastronomy mix together.

Future

Saved from the demolition by André Malraux in 1966, some of his rooms were classified as historical monuments in 1972.

External links

Page Wikipedia
Official website