Is this the ultimate luxury train journey from Paris to the Alps?
A Magical and Mystique Journey
Embarking on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, I was captivated by the magic and mystique of the world’s most celebrated train. Little did I know that I would have the pleasure of meeting Shay Stafford, a former can-can dancer at the Moulin Rouge and the Lido de Paris.
She and her husband, Bryce, were among the first passengers on a new departure from Paris to the French Alps, passing through the vineyards of Burgundy and offering easy access to top ski resorts such as Megève.
A Sumptuous Home on Wheels
Upon boarding the train, my friend Simon and I settled into the Vienna Grand Suite, one of the six luxurious suites added to the train in recent years. With wood paneling, plush fabrics, comfortable twin beds, and an ensuite bathroom, it was truly a sumptuous home for the next 19 hours.
An Exquisite Dining Experience
We enjoyed cocktails in the piano bar and indulged in delicately flavored dishes in the Côte d’Azur dining car. The atmosphere was enhanced by live piano renditions of classic tunes. The night ended with a Choo Choo Train martini, guaranteeing a peaceful sleep as the train made its way through the French countryside.
Arriving in the Winter Wonderland
As dawn approached, we eagerly anticipated catching a glimpse of snow-covered peaks. Although the view was not exactly what we had imagined, the hills and mist rising above Lac du Bourget created a magical atmosphere. The journey took us deeper into the Rhône-Alpes region, and we were treated to breathtaking views of a white mountain top.
Gateway to Luxury Ski Resorts
The new route incorporated stops in Albertville, Moûtiers, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, offering easy access to the luxurious ski resorts of Megève, Courchevel, and the Three Valleys. We chose to disembark at Albertville, a quaint village that once attracted the rich and famous of France as a winter holiday hotspot.
Meg̬ve РWhere History Meets Luxury
Megève, chosen by Baroness Noémie de Rothschild in the early 20th century as a rival to Switzerland’s St Moritz, exudes a charming combination of historical charm and luxury. French aristocrats and celebrities like Brigitte Bardot and Sacha Distel have made Megève their winter retreat.
From horse-drawn carriages to chocolateries, Megève offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. The village square, adorned with a Swarovski crystal Christmas tree, and the mountainside restaurant partnered with Giorgio Armani add to the town’s opulence.
The Epitome of Style
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journey from Paris to the Alps may not be the fastest or cheapest way to reach the slopes, but it is undeniably the epitome of style. With its luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining experiences, and breathtaking scenery, this journey appeals to travelers seeking an unforgettable luxury train adventure.
Whether you’re a ski enthusiast or simply appreciate the allure of glamorous travel, the Paris to Alps luxury train journey offers the perfect blend of indulgence and adventure.
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