Le Wagon Bleu in Paris: a culinary Orient-Express in the heart of the 17th arrondissement
At the crossroads of immobile travel and authentic taste, Le Wagon Bleu achieves a singular feat. Nestled in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, this restaurant transports guests aboard a carefully restored 1925 Orient-Express carriage. A unique setting, where retro charm blends with the warmth of contemporary Corsican cuisine.
A mythical setting restored with panache
The history of the place alone is worth the detour. In the 1950s, its founders decided to save a wagon destined for the scrap heap, had it transported from the railroad tracks and set it up on the site of their former pétanque court. Redeveloped a decade later, the space became a popular movie set and, above all, an extraordinary restaurant. The setting instantly evokes the romantic journeys of the Orient-Express, with its varnished woodwork, velvet seating and subdued lighting.
Tasty, sincere Corsican cuisine
When it comes to food, Le Wagon Bleu doesn’t just seduce with its ambience. It boasts generous, contemporary Corsican cuisine. Starters set the tone with recipes such as goat’s cheese fritters or mayo eggs with bottarga twist. The main courses confirm this island generosity: pork effiloché with fig, duck breast, stuffed pumpkin or pasta carbonara revisited with Corsican tomme and pig’s cheek. The menu also caters for vegetarians and lovers of fresh fish, served with seasonal vegetables.
The selection of island wines – small but well thought-out – underlines the strong identity of the place. The menu concludes with homemade desserts as typical as pastizzu or peasant French toast, recalling the taste of childhood sweets, Mediterranean version.
A must-try address for a truly timeless dinner
Le Wagon Bleu offers much more than a meal: it’s an experience. Its unique decor and sincere cuisine make it one of the capital’s finest atypical restaurants. A rare address, for those who love it when gastronomy tells a story.
Also read: La Toile à Versailles: a gastronomic springtime of nuances
