The Gare de Lyon, is one of the seven large mainline railway stations in Paris, France. It handles about 148.1 million passengers annually making it the second-busiest station of France after the Gare du Nord and one of the busiest in Europe.
Gare de Lyon, one of Paris’ busiest and most iconic railway stations, is more than just a transit hub—it’s a masterpiece of architecture and a portal to countless stories. Located on the northern bank of the Seine in the 12th arrondissement, this bustling station blends Belle Époque elegance with modern efficiency.
Its grand clock tower, reminiscent of London’s Big Ben, and the ornate frescoes inside the historic Le Train Bleu restaurant make it a destination in itself. Serving as a key link to southern France and beyond, Gare de Lyon hums with the energy of travelers embarking on journeys of all kinds.
I first discovered this place back in the summer of 2003, when I stepped off a TGV bound for Marseille. That trip was no ordinary vacation—I was on my way to briefly join the French Foreign Legion, a decision that marked a turning point in my life.
The station’s chaotic beauty left an impression on me amid the whirlwind of that adventure. Years later, I returned to Gare de Lyon, this time with my family in tow. We were headed to Marseille again, but for a very different reason: a summer vacation in the sun-soaked landscapes of Provence. Standing under that same clock tower, I felt the weight of time and the joy of new memories unfolding.
Whether it’s a launching pad for life-changing decisions or a stop on a family holiday, Gare de Lyon remains a place where stories begin. For me, it’s a symbol of both the past and the present—a Parisian gem I’ll always associate with journeys worth taking.