Le Train Bleu

I truly credit Vicky Archer (of the divine French Essence) for making me aware of Le Train Bleu. She had written about it as one of her favorite places in Paris, and it was certainly one of the highlights of our trip. None of us spoke very much - silenced by the most luxuriously decadent hot chocolate and staggering Belle Epoque backdrop. Described as being overly 'exuberant' for some tastes (not mine!), one can't help but wonder at the gem tucked away in the Gare de Lyon - which was part of the initiative accompanying L'Exposition Universelle in 1900. The details are astounding and one is truly transported to another era. Coming back down to earth after the experience is nothing short of traumatic...

All photographs from here