The golden era of train travel: Orient Express vs Train Bleu

At the mention of luxury trains from the beginning of the 20th century, two names immediately come to mind: theOrient Express and the Blue Train. These two trains marked the history of rail travel, propelling the sleeping trains and the luxury cars among symbols of elegance and adventure. By inviting you on a journey through time, this article will explore the essence of these legendary convoys which connected the great European capitals, offering travelers an unparalleled service to board of wagons extremely comfortable and refined. Embark with us on a memorable journey through the history and charm of these icons of railway.

The orient express: the train of European capitals

The name Orient Express evokes images of glamour, mystery and faraway journeys. This express train, designed by Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (CIWL), began service in 1883, connecting Paris has Istanbul, originally called Constantinople. This legendary train has captured the collective imagination, notably thanks to the novel byAgatha Christie, “The crime of the Orient Express”.

A luxury service on rails

With its sleeping cars sophisticated and its restaurant cars offering fine gastronomy, the Orient Express embodied the pinnacle of luxury travel. Passengers could fall asleep Paris and wake up crossing the varied landscapes of Europe, on the way to the Orient. Each wagons was decorated with refined marquetry, thick velvet and bed linen of impeccable quality, ensuring comfort and an atmosphere worthy of the greatest hotels.

The legendary routes

Besides its original route, the Orient Express has seen several variations such as the Simplon Orient Express, taking the road to Simplon to reach Italy and Greece. This alternative route became a preferred choice for travelers wishing to explore Southern Europe and its wonders.

From Paris to Istanbul: an odyssey on rails

The Orient Express passed through several countries, providing a window into diverse cultures and landscapes. Travelers could thus admire the Swiss Alps, the Hungarian plains or the banks of the Bosphorus. Each step of the travel was an invitation to discover a new world, while enjoying the comfort of its compartment.

The blue train: elegance on the French Riviera

If the Orient Express is synonymous with adventure and exoticism, the Blue Train is the epitome of chic and elegance in the heart of the French Riviera. Launched in 1922 by the CIWL, the Blue Train connected London to the French Riviera, taking the rich and famous to the sun and sea.

The journey of celebrities and the jet set

The Blue Train was particularly popular with the aristocracy, film stars and personalities of the time. His journey included a segment in train ferry between Dover and Calais, before continuing its route towards the south of the France.

An immersion in luxury and comfort

The midnight blue and gold carriages of the Blue Train were synonymous with sumptuousness. The cabins were equipped with soft beds, private bathrooms and services worthy of large hotels. Travelers could delight in French cuisine while contemplating the landscapes picturesque French countryside.

A journey between city and countryside

From the gentle way of life of Provence to the excitement of the Riviera, the Blue Train offered a unique experience combining relaxation and refinement. Passengers on the Train Bleu arrived rested and ready to immerse themselves in the glamor of Saint-Tropez, Nice or Monte-Carlo.

Comparison of orient express and blue train experiences

Comparing the Orient Express and the Train Bleu is highlighting two travel philosophies distinct. One promises an adventure crossing nations and cultures, while the other offers a beautiful escape to the pleasures and luxury of the Mediterranean.

Two atmospheres, the same spirit of luxury

Although different in their destinations and atmospheres, these two luxury trains share the same commitment to excellence and exclusivity. Both offered unrivaled quality services and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a journey unforgettable.

World-famous railway epics

These two trains enjoy an international reputation, attracting world travelers entire. Whether for a business trip or the pleasure of idleness, everyone found something aboard these institutions of the train journey.

Legacy and rebirth

Although the original services are no longer operating, the legacy of the Orient Express and Train Bleu lives on through initiatives such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a train travel experience capturing the essence of the legendary journey with restored carriages from the era.

An endless journey

Ultimately, the Orient Express and the Train Bleu remain engraved in the collective memory as the jewels of the international sleeping car company. These luxury trains have redefined the experience of train travel, offering not just a means of transportation, but an adventure where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination.

The Orient Express and the Blue Train marked a golden age of rail travel, where traveling was an art and each journey a work. These trains are not just means of transportation, but timeless icons that continue to fascinate and inspire. Today, as the world looks to new technologies for travel, the appeal of the train and its timeless charm remains powerful, reminding us that certain experiences, such as a trip aboard the Orient Express or the Blue Train, are irreplaceable.