Gare de Lyon

There are six large railway terminuses that serve as main departure and arrival points in the city. One of these six railway terminuses is the Gare de Lyon railway station. Located on 20, Boulevard Diderot, the Gare de Lyon has been named after the city of Lyon that is a major stop for most of the long-route trains that depart from here for destinations in South of France such as Alps, Italy, Greece, and Switzerland. If you wish to travel to south or east of France, then you’ll probably have to catch a train from this huge latticed building.

Built around the turn of the last century, the Gare de Lyon station was constructed for the World Exposition of 1900. The Gare de Lyon is an exemplary symbol of technique, design, and implementation on various levels and it won’t be wrong to suggest that it is a classic architectural example of its time. Built from 1895 to 1902, the Gare de Lyon was the brainchild of architect Marius Toudorie and was born out of a need to replace the old landing stage of the Lyon. One of the most striking features that add solid personality to the Gare de Lyon has got to be the large clock tower and its four clocks that resemble the clock tower of the UK Houses of Parliament or the Big Ben in style.

Not only is Gare de Lyon known for the many long-distance trains it hosts with efficient functionality, but it is also known for the famous ‘Le Train Bleu’ restaurant that is situated right above the main entry to the building and serves drinks and food to travelers in glorious ornate interiors, which had been decorated by Toudorie along with 30 other artists. The station building has been listed as a monument of historic importance since the 1970’s for the wonderful "Belle Epoque" interiors that have not been changed since the time it was opened for public in 1901.