The Orient Express launches a Paris to Monaco sleeper route from $5,450 per person
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is adding the French Riviera to its schedule. On May 10, 2027, the legendary Belmond train will depart Paris for its first-ever overnight journey to Monaco, winding along the Côte d'Azur before pulling into Monte Carlo.
Passengers board the train's midnight blue carriages at Paris and settle into one of three cabin types: Historic Cabins, Suites, or Grand Suites, each drawing on the train's Art Deco heritage. For a real splurge there is L'Observatoire, an exclusive carriage collaborated on with French artist JR, with a bedroom, en-suite bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, living area, library and a secret tearoom.
Evening aboard means dinner in one of two restaurant cars, Étoile du Nord or L'Oriental, followed by cocktails and live piano in the famous Bar Car 3674. The payoff comes the next morning, when breakfast is served in cabins and passengers wake to sweeping Mediterranean views.
A route with history
The morning run passes the red cliffs of the Massif de l'Estérel, travels through Saint-Raphaël towards Cannes and Nice, then continues to Monaco-Monte-Carlo station. Monte Carlo already holds a place in the train's lore: in 1977, two original carriages were bought at auction in the principality, launching the project that became the luxury line passengers 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," said Pascal Deyrolle, Belmond's Europe area managing director for trains. "There's also something rather special about coming back to Monte Carlo, given the role it played in the train's history."
The fare starts from €4,870 (about $5,450) per person, based on two sharing a Historic Cabin, and includes the overnight journey, all meals with sommelier-selected wines, unlimited soft drinks, transfers and 24-hour steward service. The route becomes a regular addition to the train's annual schedule.