The Orient Express is launching a new route to the French Riviera

As someone who travels a lot for work, I have developed a particular dislike for short-haul flights. When budget airlines first started making an appearance, I thought being able to fly to another country in a couple of hours for the price of a London coffee was the best thing ever. Now, I would give anything to swap a flight for a train – even if that means spending eight hours on the rails.

Thankfully, we are incredibly spoiled on this side of the world since Europe offers some of the best train holidays in the world. And although I am a big fan of a high-speed Italian train, there's no better way to travel than aboard one of Belmond's gorgeously luxurious trains.

The company already offers rail journeys ranging from the Peruvian Andes and Southeast Asia to the Amalfi Coast and the Scottish Highlands, but it has just announced a glamorous new addition to its already impressive collection of journeys.

From 10 May 2027, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will travel to Monte Carlo for the first time in its history, introducing a new route from Paris to Monaco. The journey, which will become an annual addition to the train's schedule, will take passengers through some of the most spectacular scenery along the French Riviera before arriving in the glamorous principality, which will become a new stop on the train's onward journey to Venice.

The experience begins in Paris, where passengers will board the train's distinctive midnight-blue carriages before settling into their accommodation for the night. There are several options to choose from, including the classic Historic Cabins, Suites and Grand Suites, each drawing inspiration from the train's Art Deco heritage.

For those looking to really splash out, there's also L'Observatoire, an exclusive carriage created in collaboration with French artist JR. Designed as a private sanctuary on the rails, it comes complete with a bedroom, an en-suite bathroom featuring a freestanding bathtub, a spacious living area, a library and even a secret tearoom.

As evening approaches, guests can enjoy dinner in one of the train's two restaurant cars, Étoile du Nord and L'Oriental, before heading to the famous Bar Car 3674 for cocktails and live piano music.

But perhaps the most exciting part of the new journey comes the following morning. After waking up to breakfast served in their cabins, passengers will be treated to sweeping views of the Mediterranean as the train makes its way along the Côte d'Azur. The route passes the red cliffs of the Massif de l'Estérel and travels through Saint-Raphaël towards Cannes and Nice. The train will then continue towards Monaco before arriving at Monaco-Monte-Carlo station.

Monte Carlo also has a surprising connection to the train's history. In 1977, two original train carriages were purchased at an auction in the principality, helping set in motion the project that would eventually become the luxury train we know today.

"Introducing the destination feels like a natural continuation for the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, bringing the romance of luxury rail travel to a locale that has always understood the art of arrival. There's also something rather special about coming back to Monte Carlo, given the role it played in the train's history," said Pascal Deyrolle, Belmond's Europe area managing director for trains.

The new journey is part of Belmond's expanding collection of European rail experiences, alongside the second year of its Villeggiatura by Train series, which connects the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with Belmond hotels in Italy.

Of course, a journey this luxurious comes with a price tag to match. Tickets for the new Paris-to-Monte-Carlo route start from €4,870 per person, based on two people sharing a Historic Cabin. The fare includes the overnight journey, all meals with sommelier-selected wines, unlimited soft drinks, transfers and 24-hour steward service.

Bookings are available through Belmond