Brunch - à la française

What better way to start your trip to Provence then by having a bite to eat at the elegant landmark restaurant Le Train Bleu  located inside the Gare de Lyon in Paris. The restaurant was built in 1900 for the World Exhibition by PLM (Paris-Lyon-Marseille) which has since become the SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer). It’s a grandiose restaurant serving 500 meals a day. The décor is quite literally breathtaking. The massive rooms are covered in gilt and giant painting by famous French artists envelop the walls and ceiling. Scenes depicting south eastern destinations like Marseilles, Monaco, Villefranche and Arles are literally everywhere.

All of French film and literary society used to frequent this establishment according to the website: www.le-train-bleu.com  Although it certainly isn’t trendy, this restaurant still serves up some excellent classic French cuisine. Every Sunday from 11:30am until 2:30 pm they offer Brunch “French style” in the bar lounge so don’t expect bacon, pancakes and eggs over-easy because you’ll be choosing between things like taboulé with fresh mint and grilled chicken, penne with lobster sauce mushrooms and shrimps, courgettes and tuna au gratin. Reservations: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Telephone 01 43 43 09 06

Travelling on the TGV (rapid train) between Paris-Avignon-Aix-Marseille is the most reliable and efficient way to travel south. You can buy your tickets on line at www.voyages-sncf.com or for discounted fares at www.idtgv.com

Bon appétit et bon voyage.