BELMOND

L’OBSERVATOIRE,

THE ULTIMATE IN LUXURY

RAIL TRAVEL

Marking the start of a new chapter in its history, the

legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond

Train, revealed its most spacious, exceptional accom-

modation yet in Venice during La Biennale dell’Arte

2024. L’Observatoire – an exclusive private sleeper

carriage designed by visionary French artist JR, which

raises the bar for craftsmanship and onboard innova-

tion – made its appearance on the Venice lagoon

aboard a barge moored in front of Hotel Cipriani. The

installation was designed as a tribute to the spectac-

ular inauguration staged by Belmond’s founder James

B. Sherwood for the train’s launch in 1982.

Later, in Paris, ahead of the Art Basel Paris art fair,

Belmond and JR hosted a red-carpet VIP dinner on the

VSOE, where attendees could explore L’Observatoire.

Redefining the contemporary luxury rail experience,

the sleeper carriage is a work of art on wheels, setting

a new milestone and legacy for the future of the indus-

try. With design inspired by astronomical observatories

and Renaissance Europe’s cabinets of curiosity, along

with unique features like a bathtub and fireplace,

L’Observatoire will be open for reservations starting

March 2025.