Gare de Lyon

You can find just about everything you need for getting around Paris here, though it gets very busy. Hall 3 has luggage storage and a cloakroom. The station is wheelchair-friendly, with escalators, elevators, and emergency exits. TGV trains also run from Hall 2.

The staff were kind and helpful, and the train was fast, which saved me a lot of time on my trip from Valence to Paris. The station is large and right in the city, with plenty of shops and restaurants, so finding food while waiting wasn't a worry. I also remember enjoying the wait while a stranger played piano. It was a lovely moment.

Even though it's a big, busy station where it's easy to lose your way, there are enough signs to help you get around. There's also a clearly marked water-filling point for bottles before you travel. It's a major Paris station, so crowds are to be expected, but I found it manageable.

I spent about five hours on the train from Paris to Cannes. The trains are older, but clean and looked after, so the ride was comfortable. I got some work done while watching the French countryside go by. At Gare de Lyon, I found the station organized and easy enough to travel through. There are small shops, a grocery store, and a bakery for snacks or last-minute items. The coffee shops are nice too, especially Le Train Bleu, with its elegant historic feel and delicious menu. A great place to eat and take in the station's history.