When I got off the train at Gare de Lyon, I could feel the buzz of excitement in the air, along with the smell of freshly baked goods coming from the busy station. I had been longing for this trip for weeks and it made me so happy to think about how I would get to meet one of the picturesque neighborhoods in Paris. I had no idea how that area would turn out to be so lively and filled with lovely narrow streets, cafes, and amusing exchanges with people within the area. In this blog I will talk about best things to do around Gare de Lyon.
My First Impressions
The decorations that adorned the building were what greeted me when I set foot inside Gare de Lyon. The station in itself is a work of art that combines the best of eras – the grace of the past with the functionality of the present. I made my way across the great hall where everyone was speaking French and I was amused by the atmosphere of life, almost as if I was a postcard sent to another world. There was so much energy in that environment and all I wanted was to get started on the adventure straight away.
Hidden Gems Around Gare de Lyon
Although visitors are likely to visit popular attractions, I found pleasure in looking for the best things to do around Gare de Lyon that most tend to ignore.
Quaint Cafés and Boutiques
Another childhood remembrance is the presence of a small adorable cafe snuggled at a narrow cobble street. The place’s name was Caf -Barjot. It was a comfortable place, filled with mismatched chairs and a nice terrace outside. I could not help but order a copious amount of buttery croissants; however, I went for a cafe au lait instead and proceeded to enjoy my croissants whilst observing everyone around me. “Thank you,” I said to the owner of the store, who was an old lady with an inviting look and a huge smile. She took the time to tell me about the area and how bakers operate in it.
Just a short walk away, I happened upon Les Petits Fringues, a nice boutique that offered fashionable clothing and Trs handmade accessories. To my enthuse is a designer who is convinced by her passion and she hosted me from the moment I arrived, and I came out with a wonderful scarf that would forever serve as an aide memoire of my stay in Paris.
Local Exhibits
The setting in Gare de Lyon showcases a strong cultural diversity. During my walks in the streets, I could see how the natives maintained the best of the past as well as the present. There were street musicians and there were artists displaying their art in the lograts. It was a lovely shamble of creativity and industriousness.
Memorable Local Interaction
Moving on to the market, I can recall an incident where a man was selling flowers at a market stall, he single-handedly made it interesting. As I struggled to take my camera from my bag, he incentivized me to take pictures of the flowers on his stall. This wasn’t the only thing he did; He went on to give me city viewing experiences on the best spots that I had never dreamed of. His excitement was contagious and when I walked away from the market, it felt too surreal because I also got to buy a bouquet and experience first hand the rich warm feeling of the Parisian spirit.
Kinds of Cuisines
Food is what I want to talk about because Paris is famous for its cuisine and this is where Gare de Lyon scores a goal.
Great Meals
I was attracted to a particular place called Le Train Bleu which is a beautiful restaurant that is part of the station. And so began a huge meal in the train-cab style Whitman’s ‘American best chic decor’. I practically devoured coq au vin, a version of a local chicken dish, together with a glass of wine, while slathering magnificently-sized portions all over my tongue. The warmth of the flavors stimulated my palate and took me further and further into the delicacy that is French cuisine.
While I was eating, I noticed the minute, thorough, minute particulars of the restaurant and implementation of each one with the care it deserved—from the way the staff served diners to the way the food items were plated. That was a meal I’d remember.
My Senses of Touch, Taste and Smell
As I made my way through Gare de Lyon, I was totally immersed in a whirl of different senses. The kindly voices of residents reminded me to look where I was walking, and the lovely golden sunset made every corner of the city glisten in its charm which was simply out of this world. All of this, added to the ambience set by the mouth watering aroma of freshly baked bread from the bakeries scattered around.
General Information for Future Travelers
In case you are planning to visit Gare de Lyon, below are practical tips that will help you to optimize your trip while there:
Low-Cost Sightseeing
It will be a surprise to many, but Gare de Lyon is quite affordable for the average tourist. Quite a number of the cafes and bistros offer cheap meals while some nice yummy pastries cost few euros. Also, do not forget the local markets because you are able to buy your fresh out produce and snacks for a good price.
Transport
Getting around turned out to be easy because the area is serviced by a well-run Paris Metro. In my opinion, Metro Gare de Lyon is a good stop, where it allows plenty of finds and comings to check out other places in the city. And if you want to go by foot, the area will not disappoint as it is pretty small and there are plenty of surprises waiting for you in the corners.
Most Ideal Season to Visit
I went for a trip during the early autumn in September, and the weather was nice. The nice airy wind along with the leaves of different colors which decorated Gare de Lyon was lovely. I recommend this season to go for a warm and snuggly feeling, or spring for when the bloom and outdoor cafes open.
Strategies for Avoiding Crowds
If you’re looking to escape the masses, we recommend heading to relevant landmarks at dawn or dusk. Also, try to look for narrower passages and other relatively less traveled locations to minimize the chances of meeting fellow tourists.
What to Expect at Gare de Lyon
Let’s put it this way: my entire excursion to Gare de Lyon was an amalgamation of discovery and thrill. The cordial locals, the great food that I tasted and most importantly the wonderful buildings and structures were awe inspiring. If you are asking where can I get the spirit of Paris perfectly rolled into one brief moment, Gare de Lyon is the answer to your questions.
Additional Last Minute Tips
- Don’t be afraid to bother locals; they give the most reliable advice.
- Go to the nearby French bakeries and cafes for authentic dishes.
- Walk around every corner and explore the hidden details.
I hope my trip encourages you to think of Gare de Lyon during your next vacation in Paris. Go ahead, pack your bags and go on to make your own scintillating memories in the city!
FAQs
What are some best activities in the vicinity of Gare de Lyon?
Among the best things to do around Gare de Lyon, having dinner at Le Train Bleu, going to the local boutiques Les Petits Fringues or enjoying markets in the area are some of the best options.
How do I get from Gare de Lyon to other parts of Paris?
Other areas of Paris can be reached through the Metro system, of which Metro Gare de Lyon is one of the intersections of some of the busiest train lines.
Is the cantine at Gare de Lyon worth a budget trip?
Without a doubt, Gare de Lyon has many restaurants which can be exploited by the budget and the local markets have several snacks and meals that can be bought for cheap.
What are the ideal months to travel to Gare de Lyon ?
Early autumn and spring are the best seasons to travel to Gare de Lyon as the weather is nice and the place is not too busy.
Which local food can you advise not to miss out on?
Among other recommendations, I always urge you to take the chance to try coq au vin at Le Train Bleu and also, fresh pastries from nearby bun-places.
