The Orient Express is arguably the most famous and luxurious train service in the world. Developed in 1883 and made famous by Agatha Christie in her 1930s novel Murder on the Orient Express, the Orient Express can still be experienced today. And, starting in 2026, a new Orient Express train will be able to offer more passengers the chance to ride the most iconic rail route in the world: Paris to Istanbul.
Photos: Maxime D'angeac and Martin Darzacq
The Dreamy New Orient Express Train Is Straight Out of the 1920s
What is the Orient Express?
The Orient Express never was a single train, it was rail service that ran multiple routes around Europe, including the legendary journey from Paris to Istanbul. The service was discontinued in 1977.
The Orient Express was relaunched in 1982 under the name of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express which today is owned by Belmond, a travel company that operates multiple luxury trains, cruises, hotels, and more.
Photo: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express/Facebook
Photo: Roberto Sorin/Shutterstock
Photo: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express/Facebook
The Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express consists of one train made of meticulously restored and redecorated 1920s and 1930s blue carriages. The Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express operates throughout mainland Europe and occasionally runs the legendary route from Paris to Istanbul.
But there is another Orient Express. This one is a luxury travel brand made up of trains, hotels, and sailing yachts that is owned by hospitality company Accor. There are two luxury trains run by the Orient Express brand: La Dolce Vita Orient Express which only operates in Italy, and The Orient Express train currently being redesigned for a launch in 2026.
The redesign of the Orient Express
Photos: Maxime D’angeac and Martin Darzacq
The Orient Express (part of Accor), currently being revamped by French architect Maxime d’Angeac, will consist of 18 blue carriages, 17 of which are original Orient Express cars from the 1920s and 1930s.
Within those 18 cars, there will be 32 suites, one presidential suite, one restaurant, and one bar, all of which are being reimagined by d’Angeac who is drawing inspiration from the 1920s and the original design.
The restaurant, a suite, and a suite bathroom on board the new Orient Express train. Photos: Maxime D’angeac and Martin Darzacq
“For this mythical train whose name raises only dreams and fantasies, it was not a question of copying and pasting the original Orient-Express, but rather to recreate the atmosphere of an exceptional train that would convey the same spirit, in a 21st century version,” d’Angeac’s website explains.
In order to keep the spirit of the 1920s alive and to honor the work of the original artists who decorated the carriages with their exceptional woodwork, glassware, marquetry, and more, d’Angeac is using noble materials (mahogany, crystal, velvet, silk, etc.) and fine craftsmanship.
From the corridors to the bar car to the suites and the restaurant, every details has been thought out to make this new Orient Express train a modern one perfectly disguised as an original.
The bar car reimagined by Maxime d’Angeac. Photo: Maxime D’angeac and Martin Darzacq
The bar car will be one of the most atmospheric spaces on the train. The gorgeous green velvet scalloped seat will bring comfort to the passengers while they enjoy a nightcap under unique flower-like ceiling lamps designed by French luxury glassmaker Lalique, whose work also appeared in the original carriages.
The Presidential Suite will also feature decorative glasswork by Lalique, as well as magnificent woodwork, stained-glass windows, textured walls and ceiling, and a fireplace to create a cozy yet sumptuous space.
The Presidential Suite. Photo: Maxime D'angeac and Martin Darzacq
The Presidential Suite. Photo: Maxime D'angeac and Martin Darzacq
The Presidential Suite. Photo: Maxime D'angeac and Martin Darzacq
One the many technical challenges of redesigning a luxury sleeper train is to make the most of the tight space. On his Instagram, d’Angeac explains how he worked at creating a suite that can easily be transformed from a comfortable sitting room during the day into an opulent bedroom at night in just 2.5 minutes by one person only.
The reimagined Orient Express was scheduled to be launched in 2025 but is now delayed to 2026. If the renderings are accurate, however, it will be very much worth the wait.
The first trip that the newly resigned Orient Express is scheduled to take is no other than the legendary Paris to Istanbul route. The nostalgic journey is bound to transport passengers through both space and time in one of the most luxurious trains in the world. 