Grand railway stations ARE destinations

Train travel’s rapid development from the early C19th-early C20th changed the world, including through the construction of many railway stations with their stunning architecture, interior design and art. Read Maunder for St Pancras London gothic revival masterpiece; busy Grand Central New York; Helsinki Central Station Norway and the imposing Antwerpen-Centraal Station Belgium. I focused on the Paris treasure. 

Gare de Lyon front entrance

and clock tower

Inside the station's Hall 1

Wiki

Hall 2 

ShowMeTheJourney

Gare de Lyon is one of Paris’ biggest railway stations, with Gare du Nord & Gare Saint Lazare. The station was named after the French city of Lyon, an important stop for many trains departing from Gare de Lyon. And this railway station was also a departure station for many high speed trains going to Southern France, Italy, Switzerland and Spain. Built in 1849, the first station was a relatively simple building designed by François-Alexis Cendrier, important mainline railway termini in Paris. The Second Station handled increased traffic and managed by Compagnie des chemins de fer de Paris à Lyon et à la Méditerranée.

Sadly Gare de Lyon was completely burnt in the Paris Commune 1871. The first station was completely rebuilt in 1899 in time for the World Exposition of 1900, with 13 platforms. The station was built in the highly decorative Belle Epoque style, with sculptural reliefs & iron lacework. Toulon architect Marius Toudoire redesigned this landmark building, designed to showcase the power of rail travel. He used a French Belle Epoque style with allegorical carvings decorating the façade and a 67 ms tower-clock. The clock was a classic example of the architecture then, by architect Charles Garnier that offered a panoramic view of the capital. The new 13-track Gare de Lyon was ready on time, launched in 1901 by Pres Émile Loubet of the Third Republic.

Le Train Bleu restaurant

including Big Ben Bar

First called Buffet de la Gare de Lyon, Le Train Bleu was reinaugurated in 1901 and decorated with Belle Époque frescoes and gilded details, honouring the famous Venice Simplon Orient Express train. It was a place with the most representative restaurant in the City of Lights, a palatial restaurant had several dining rooms, each decorated by the art representing different cities & regions in France, made by famous artists. Drink coffee & see opulent chandeliers, gilded plaster mouldings, polished brass & 40+ travel themed art on walls & ceilings. The buffet restaurant also had gilded ceilings, chandeliers & wall murals of railways

The station is divided into three main halls. Hall 1 is the station's historic hall, dominated by the iconic restaurant Le Train Bleu, a true Parisian institution that is worth a visit in itself. Its large forecourt is pleasant in the summer with outdoor terraces & shops. Hall 2, modern and bright, welcomes passengers for the TGV highspeed trains and offers a wide range of dining options. Hall 3 underground provides access to OuiGo trains and fast food options. These 3 halls are connected by two shopping arcades.

The station underwent huge renovation in the 1980s to contain high speed TGV trains, while preserving its historical façade. This restaurant was renamed Le Train Bleu in honour of a luxury French night express train which operated from 1886-2003 connecting Calais and the French Riviera. In 1980 the creation of 11 new images and the renovation of the old ones were done by Jean-Paul Letellier. The Train Blue was listed as a French Historical Monument in 1972. In Dec 1984 the facade, roof of the main building and large frescoed hall were listed as French Historical Monuments.

shopping arcade

Wiki Commons

So Gare de Lyon was an architectural gem that stood as a witness to Parisian elegance, not just a transportation hub but a cultural landmark. A 100m long mural in Marseille artist Jean-Baptiste Olive’s ticket-office shows the main destinations from this Paris terminus.

Linking domestic & international destinations, it hosts TGV & Intercity Express trains. Its historical significance, coupled with the bustling atmosphere of the neighbouring suburb, makes it a quintessential Parisian experience for both travellers and locals. Whether boarding a train or simply admiring the station, Gare de Lyon offers a captivating blend of history, architecture and urban life. The station's interior exudes an old-world charm with its ornate details, glimpsing into the city's rich history. Gare de Lyon boasts fine dining options, making it perfect to dine before alighting.

Summary In the 12th arrondissement, Gare de Lyon welcomes millions of visitors each year with trains serving E and S.E France. But stations are not merely points of departure and arrival; they are doors to history, culture and special architecture over time. Instead of just waiting for a train, appreciate the architectural and historic gems that remain, proof of enduring train travel romance. Then climb aboard, and admire the luxury inside the train.

The train journey from Paris features fine dining from a Michelin-starred chef.

Read Grand Railway Stations That Are Themselves Destinations, by Patricia Maunder.