Gare de Lyon is one of the six major railway stations in Paris, and as such, it is a key part of the city’s public transportation infrastructure. Gare de Lyon serves trains from the south of France but also destinations like Spain, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. The station is also linked to the Paris Metro system, so if you’re traveling around Paris or coming to the city from elsewhere, this station can be hard to avoid.
Located in the 12th arrondissement north of the river Seine, the station has been a major part of Paris since it was opened in 1849. It serves an astonishing 148 million passengers a year, making it one of the busiest railway stations in all of Europe.
If you find yourself in Gare de Lyon waiting for a train, don’t feel like you have to stay put. Thanks to excellent transportation connections, it’s not hard to get just about any point in the city from this sprawling railway station. And even if you prefer to stay close, there are lots of places well worth visiting within a short walk from the station itself.
Drop off your bags at a Gare de Lyon luggage storage, and you’ll be able to take advantage of everything there is to do in the area. You can get a taste of Paris even between trains if you know where to look.
Le Train Bleu
Ordinarily, options for dining within or close to train stations tend to occupy the less exalted end of the culinary spectrum. But this is Paris. The Gare de Lyon is home to one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city, Le Train Bleu.
The building that houses Le Train Bleu was built specifically for the Paris World’s Fair of 1900, and it shows. The restaurant occupies a space that’s all high ceilings, stained glass, and glittering chandeliers. The menu is classic French fare done right, so if you’re looking for an elegant meal before or after your train ride, this is definitely the place to go.
Le Marais
Just a short walk from Gare de Lyon is one of Paris’s most historic and vibrant neighborhoods, Le Marais. This lively area is full of great shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as some of the city’s best art galleries.
There’s plenty to do in Le Marais, but one of the best things to do is simply wander the streets and take in the atmosphere. This is one of the most charming parts of Paris, and it’s well worth taking some time to explore.
The Catacombs of Paris
If you’re looking for something a little bit more offbeat, consider visiting the Catacombs of Paris. These eerie underground tunnels were once used as stone quarries, but they were converted into a burial ground in the 18th century.
Nowadays, the Catacombs are open to visitors, and they make for a fascinating (if slightly macabre) attraction. The tunnels are maze-like, and they’re filled with the bones of some six million Parisians.
This is definitely not a place for everyone, but if you’re interested in history or you’re looking for something a little bit different, the Catacombs are worth a visit.
You’ll need to take the Metro from the station to the catacombs, with the journey taking around 20 minutes. Otherwise, it’s a 45-minute walk. But it’s well worth the journey to see one of the most unusual attractions in this celebrated city.
Paris Botanical Garden
For something a little bit more lighthearted, consider a visit to the Paris Botanical Garden. This beautiful garden is located just a short walk from the station, and it’s the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The garden is home to more than 10,000 different plant species, as well as a respected research center. But even if you’re not interested in botany, this is still a great place to come for a peaceful stroll or a picnic lunch.
In addition to its many plant species, the garden is also home to several sculptures by renowned artists like Auguste Rodin. So even if you’re not particularly interested in plants, there’s still plenty to see and do here.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
If you’re looking for something a little bit more unusual, consider a visit to Père Lachaise Cemetery. This is the largest cemetery in Paris, and it’s home to the graves of some of the most famous people in French history.
But Pere Lachaise is more than just a collection of graves. It’s also a beautiful park, with winding paths and leafy trees. It’s a nice place to come for a peaceful stroll, and it’s well worth taking some time to explore.
You’ll find the cemetery a short walk from Gare de Lyon, or you can take the Metro (Line 3) from the station. Either way, it’s well worth a visit.
Montmartre
Montmartre is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris, and it’s easy to see why. This historic neighborhood is home to some of the most iconic sights in the city, including the Sacre Coeur Basilica and the Moulin Rouge.
But even if you’re not interested in visiting the sights, Montmartre is still a great place to explore. The streets are lined with charming cafes and shops, and there’s a real village feel to the area.
It’s easy to spend a whole day wandering around Montmartre, so if you’re looking for something to do, this is definitely the place to go.
You can reach Montmartre by taking the Metro (Line 4) from Gare de Lyon. Otherwise, it’s a 20-minute walk from the station.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many great day trips you can take from Gare de Lyon. So whether you’re interested in history or art or just want to explore a different part of Paris, there’s plenty to see and do near the station. Bon voyage!
Citations
https://www.le-train-bleu.com/en/
https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71470/Cimetiere-du-Pere-Lachaise
