I awoke at dawn with an abundance of excitement, as my favorite mode of transportation is riding the train and not only was I about to board the TGV (France’s high speed rail service), but my final destination was Provence! I cannot recall when my love affair with train travel began, since the United States lacks an efficient rail system. However, whenever I do happen to find myself on a train I always go into a meditative, peaceful state insuring that I arrive at my stop in the perfect mindset for my next adventure.
My number one goal once I arrived at Gare de Lyon station was to find a coffee, as it was still quite early in the morning and my jetlag had not worn off yet. However, caffeine quickly became insignificant upon arrival into the spectacular Art Nouveau decorated building. Jonathan, our Trafalgar Tours Travel Director, recommended that I head straight to the station’s restaurant, Le Train Bleu for photographs and an espresso.
Le Train Bleu is one of those places that I hope everyone gets to experience once in their lifetime. The history, the ambiance, the artwork all combine to create a legendary establishment. The forty one brightly colored paintings on the wall all deserve to be featured in a major museum.
As I sipped my espresso, I imagined that I was sitting in the exact same spot that Coco Chanel had once sat sketching her new collection or where Salvador Dali had once sat dreaming of his next painting (and possibly flirting with the waiters). There was inspiration all around me, all I had to do was breathe it in.
I could have sat there all day, alas the clock reminded me that I had a train to catch!
Which track your train will be on is not announced until twenty minutes before departure, so I waited on the main platform until the announcement — admiring the giant clocks that stood watch over all of the travelers passing through.
When you travel with Trafalgar Tours it is nothing but the ultimate in luxury. As I settled into my first class seat, I felt the familiar wave of tranquility wash over me; I was about to be whisked away, in less than three hours to Avignon, the heart of Provence. . .
I am not sure why I know this or what this says about me, but…while you were sitting and imagining yourself as Coco Chanel or Salvador Dali, I looked at the pictures and immediately thought of Mr. Bean – I’m pretty sure one of his skits (or something from his movie) was shot there. See? You’re first class all the way, Andi, and I’m a bit more low-brow! 😉
Haha who the heck is Mr. Bean!?! You’re not low-brow darling!
You don’t know who Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson) is?!?! :O
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5SzD0hDzjM
(The trailer for the movie – this has the part I was thinking of)
Hahaha okay now I know, but I haven’t ever seen any of his movies, just the ads on TV!
Beyond stunning!
Thanks Isabel!
Stunning pics!
Thanks!!!
Andi you look gorgeous and now I want to go on a Trafalgar trip!!!
Awww thank you and I hope you do!!!
Wow bravo on the pics, really incredible!!!!!!
Thank you soooo much!
Such an exciting journey my friend…And magnificent pics of Le Train Bleu. You’ve really captured its essence and stunning beauty.
Thank you X a million — you always say the kindest things about my photos!!! 🙂
What a stylish place – suits you perfectly! 🙂
You are SO sweet!!! XOXO
I find train travel really relaxing and fun too! I’m not sure what it is, the motion of the train? The ease of seeing the scenery go by. I have no idea, but I love it!
I think it’s both of those and the fact that you have a sense of freedom, unlike air or car travel, where you can get up and wander around the train and stand as long as you like.
Love love love your hair! The last photo is stunning.
Thanks gorgeous, you’re too kind!!!
Love how cute your smile is. You were so excited haha
Hahaha that I was! 🙂
Oh, beautiful images!!
I have never been in Provence but I am sure that is stunning. I love France.
Thank you so much! Provence was indescribably beautiful!!! I can’t wait to return one day SOON.
The chandelier is simply divine I wish we had such interior masterpieces where I am from. Your photos are amazing, including the beautiful YOU on the last one!
I’m blushing, thank you so much!!! Yeah, the chandeliers in there were breathtaking!!!
That cafe looks so beautiful! I definitely would have almost missed the train
If I hadn’t had been working, there is no way I would have gotten on the next train. I wanted to stay sooo badly!!!
Thanks for your thoughts. It’s helped me a lot.
Wonderful to hear!
You look stunning in that final photo!
Awww you are WAY too kind, thank you! 🙂
That’s the cafe in the train station?!?! WOW
I know riiiiiiiiiiight???
Beautiful photos, Andi! Le Train Bleu sounds amazing!
Thank you darling, it truly is!!!
I love how your writing takes me there, I love that feeling! That train station is beyond amazing:-) I am looking forward to reading all your posts about this beautiful trip:-) oxox
That is the BEST compliment you could ever give me. THANK YOU!!! I thought about you when I wrote this post actually. XOXO
Your blog is so enthralling!
Awww thank you kindly!
That train station looks absolutely superb. You can really soak in the atmosphere by just reading the post.
How excited you must have been with that trip to Provence ahead of you and to look forward to!
It was breathtakingly beautiful! Totally took me off guard too, as I wasn’t expecting such a work of art in a train station. I’m absolutely returning one day!!!
I love the TGV! You’re making me seriously miss France with these posts.
It’s a shame you can’t get there on your upcoming trip. Oh how I wish train travel was better in the States.
Surely a perfect piece of writing!
Haha surely thank you!!!
You are a master with the camera!
Why thank you kind sir!
Beautifuuuuuuuuuuuuuuul!
Thank youuuuuuuuuuu!
I have to go on this trip now!
You should you would love it!
Wow, I’m hooked on going on a Trafalgar trip now!
You should be, they are AWESOME!
Andi you are dazzling me with your talent!
Awww thank you so so so much!
I like the valuable info you provide in your post. I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I’m quite sure I will learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next adventure!
Thanks Mark!
I literally jupmed out of my chair and danced after reading this!
Hahaha too cute!
At last, a superb blogger!
Wow thanks!!!
Gare de Lyon is such a beautiful place. A great place to start your journey off on. 🙂
Agree completely! 🙂
These are incredible photos as always and you look gorgeous. This post would make anyone want to visit France!
Thank you x a million sweetheart!