The L’Observatoire, a lavish new carriage for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, merges art and travel, featuring exclusive amenities and unparalleled service for discerning passengers.
In March 2025, the world of luxury rail travel is set to reach unprecedented heights with the inauguration of the L’Observatoire, the priciest train carriage ever conceived. This remarkable addition to the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the brainchild of the celebrated artist JR, renowned for his boundary-pushing works that merge art with everyday life.
Presented for the first time in September 2024, L’Observatoire was unveiled during an illustrious event in Paris, coinciding with the prestigious Art Basel fair. Among the distinguished attendees granted an exclusive first look were art enthusiasts, critics, and high-profile guests who had the privilege of experiencing the carriage’s opulence and originality firsthand. JR himself conducted a tour of the carriage, enlightening visitors with insights into the intricate design elements and concealed features that lay within this artistic marvel.
Spanning a lavish 31 square metres, L’Observatoire stands as the most spacious and extravagant suite aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. It boasts a luxuriously appointed bedroom complete with a double bed and a sumptuous marble bathroom featuring both a shower and a freestanding bathtub. The suite also offers a plush living area with a comfortable sofa and a vintage vinyl record player, alongside an extensive library filled with literary treasures from the esteemed French publisher Gallimard.
A notable attraction within this extraordinary carriage is a concealed tea room, enhanced by the warmth of a fireplace, offering a secluded retreat for guests. The interior serves as a canvas brimming with artworks, photographs, and mosaics that intertwine the talents of historical and contemporary artists.
JR’s vision for L’Observatoire transforms it into a mobile “art observatory”. This unique concept enables passengers to indulge in the scenic vistas outside, while an oculus hatch cleverly integrated into the ceiling allows for stargazing, enhancing the journey with a celestial dimension.
Besides the artistry and design, L’Observatoire promises an unparalleled level of service. Passengers receive 24-hour attention from a personal steward, enjoy private in-room dining experiences, and have access to a selection of beverages, including top-tier wines and champagne. Each guest also receives specially curated gifts from JR, adding a personalised touch to the exclusive experience. Transfers to and from the train are included within a 300-kilometre radius, underscoring the dedication to customer convenience and exclusivity.
As part of its expansion, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is also rolling out new routes. Travellers can explore the Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice line, and from June onward, an eagerly anticipated route from Paris to the picturesque Italian town of Portofino will be available.
With its launch, L’Observatoire is poised to set new benchmarks in luxury train travel, combining unparalleled artistic allure with the tradition and mystique of one of the world’s most famous rail journeys. This new addition promises to captivate and inspire those fortunate enough to embark on this extraordinary voyage.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Image: ©Ludovic Balay