Paris was one of the world’s wealthiest and most important cities when railway travel was first introduced to Europe. As the capital of France and the biggest city in the country, Paris operates as the central hub of France’s impressive rail network and is home to no fewer than six major railway stations, along with dozens of smaller local stations.
Gare de Lyon is one of those six major stations and is second only to Gare du Nord when it comes to the busiest stations in the French capital. In fact, with more than 63 million passengers traveling through the station every year, it’s one of the busiest stations anywhere in Europe.
The station gets its name from the fact that it connects Paris to cities in the south of France, including Lyon. Ever since it was first opened in 1849, Gare de Lyon has been an important part of France’s public transport infrastructure.
It can be hard to see the charm of a railway station when you’re rushing to make a tight connection or navigating the busy crowds you’ll inevitably encounter here. But thanks in part to its age and in part due to the fact that, after all, this is Paris, Gare de Lyon and the surrounding area have more charm than you might expect from a major transportation hub. Drop off your unneeded bags at a Paris luggage storage facility, and you can make the most of your time in the station and perhaps uncover its lesser-known fun side.
Train Bleu
Like any major modern transportation hub, Gare de Lyon has plenty of options for anyone looking for a quick meal between trains or to take on the journey with them. But, this being Paris, it also has a truly exceptional restaurant right inside the station itself.
Le Train Bleu has been operating since 1901, when it served as the main buffet of the station. No expense was spared on the Baroque decor of the dining room, with lavish murals of the cities served by the train network decorating every corner. The food is just as exquisite as the surroundings, too. You can order à la carte or put yourself in the hands of the exceptionally skilled chef with a lavish tasting menu that celebrates the best produce of the season.
Dining here doesn’t come cheap, and during busy times, it’s a smart idea to make a reservation. Still, it’s an undeniably charming way to kill some time in the train station and one of the most iconic experiences you can have as you travel through the French capital. It certainly beats a hastily-cooked hamburger from a fast food outlet while you obsessively stare at the departures board, waiting for your train.
Clock Tower
One of the most notable features of Gare de Lyon is the 64-meter tall clock tower that resembles the famous Big Ben at London’s Houses of Parliament. The tower was built at the very start of the 20th century during the station’s renovation, and it was designed to be visible all the way from Place de la Bastille.
For well over 100 years, the clock has been an icon of this part of the city, forming a landmark for lovers to meet one another between trains or for protesters to rally around. Now, it provides a great photo opportunity as well as a way to keep an eye on the time while waiting for a train.
Coulee Verte
One of the best things about Gare de Lyon as a public transportation hub is that it’s close to some of the main attractions in Paris. And if you just got off a long train journey, there’s no better way to explore the City of Light than by stretching your legs on a long walk and soaking up the fabled charm of this beloved city.
It would be hard to imagine a better place to do that than the Coulee Verte. Created in 1988, this park runs along what was once a rail line connecting Gare de Lyon to Place de la Bastille. Now, it makes a great place to take a walk and enjoy the sights of the city.
All in all, the path runs for 4.5 km and is decorated with carefully-planted vegetation, both native and exotic. Part of the trail also leads through an interesting shopping district, so you’ll get a good taste of what makes Paris special without having to go far from the station at all.
Josephine Baker swimming pool
Taking a swim in the Seine River is not recommended. However, you can get the next best thing with a 25-minute walk across the river from Gare de Lyon to this unusual swimming pool.
The facility is constructed on a barge that floats in the river, and the water level is close to that of the river itself, so it makes you feel like you’re swimming in the famous river without actually being in it. Instead, you’ll get chlorinated clean water to bathe in, and it makes for a very invigorating experience after a long train ride or before setting out on your journey. However, note that French swimming pools have strict rules when it comes to hygiene. Men are required to wear Speedos, not bathing shorts, and you also need to wear a swimming cap to help keep the water clean.
Around Gare de Lyon
Every area of Paris has its own unique charm. That’s as true of the 12th arrondissement, where Gare de Lyon is, as it is of Montmartre or the Latin Quarter.
If you have some time to kill between trains or you just can’t wait to begin your exploration of Paris, you can enjoy a good portion of what makes the city so special in and around the train station itself. Leave your bags behind and begin exploring the French capital from this historic station.
