Monaco Joins France in Expanding Luxury Rail Tourism as Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Adds Monte Carlo in 2027

Monaco joins France in expanding luxury rail tourism as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express adds Monte Carlo to its European travel network in 2027, with fares starting from €4,870. Operated by Belmond, the premium railway service will connect Paris with Monaco through the scenic French Riviera, offering historic accommodation, fine dining and exclusive onboard experiences. The expansion strengthens cross-border travel connectivity and enhances Monaco’s position in Europe’s luxury tourism market. For global tourism, the new route introduces another premium rail travel option, connecting internationally recognised destinations while supporting interest in heritage railway journeys and high-end European holiday experiences.

Monaco’s Monte Carlo Becomes a New Luxury Rail Destination for European Travellers

Monaco will become a scheduled destination for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express when the new Paris–Monte Carlo journey begins on 10 May 2027. Belmond has confirmed that the service will become an annual part of its European programme. The train will arrive at Monaco–Monte-Carlo station after travelling along the Mediterranean coast. The development gives the principality an additional high-end travel product within its established tourism industry. Monte Carlo already attracts visitors through its cultural attractions, luxury hotels, leisure facilities and international sporting reputation. The railway extension introduces a different way of experiencing Monaco, making the journey itself a substantial part of the holiday.

• New destination: Monte Carlo joins the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express itinerary for the first time.
• Confirmed launch: The inaugural Paris–Monaco journey is scheduled for 10 May 2027.
• Luxury positioning: The service targets travellers interested in heritage accommodation and premium railway experiences.
• Tourism connectivity: Monaco becomes directly associated with another internationally recognised luxury travel brand.
• Rail heritage: The destination has historical links with the restoration of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Monaco Tourism Performance: Latest Official Statistics Available in 2026

Monaco’s tourism industry provides important context for the route expansion. Figures published in 2026 by Monaco’s official statistics institute, IMSEE, and the Directorate of Tourism and Congresses show that the principality recorded approximately 6.7 million visits in 2025. Day visitors accounted for 92.5% of visits, while overnight tourists represented 7.5%.

The research also estimated almost €1.4 billion in direct visitor spending. These figures demonstrate the substantial economic role of tourism in Monaco, although they cannot establish how much additional spending the new railway service will generate.

France Strengthens Its Role as the Starting Point of a Premium Riviera Railway Journey

France forms the geographical foundation of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Monaco 2027 itinerary. The journey begins in Paris before moving south towards the Côte d’Azur. Travellers will cross landscapes that distinguish the French Riviera, including the red cliffs of the Massif de l’Estérel and the coastal areas around Saint-Raphaël, Cannes and Nice. Rather than concentrating exclusively on the arrival destination, the service incorporates France’s railway scenery into the luxury travel experience. This creates an itinerary combining the capital’s international visitor appeal with the Mediterranean coast’s established tourism infrastructure. The published route identifies scenic locations, not guaranteed excursions in each city.

• Paris departure: Travellers begin the premium journey in the French capital.
• Côte d’Azur route: The train follows the Mediterranean railway corridor towards Monaco.
• Massif de l’Estérel: Red coastal rock formations create a distinctive scenic backdrop.
• Cannes and Nice: The route travels through two internationally recognised Riviera destinations.
• Cross-border connection: The train continues from French territory into Monaco.

France Tourism Data Highlights the Strength of International Visitor Demand

Official figures released by France’s National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, INSEE, in July 2026 show that hotels and campsites recorded 128.6 million overnight stays by foreign visitors in 2025, compared with 119.7 million in 2024. This represents a reported increase of 6.9%.

The figures underline the importance of international tourism in France, particularly as European destinations compete for visitors interested in culture, heritage and premium travel. However, the national statistics do not measure demand specifically for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or identify a direct impact from the new Monaco itinerary.

Italy Remains a Vital Part of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express European Luxury Network

Italy continues to hold an important position in the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express railway programme. Belmond has confirmed that Monte Carlo will also feature as a stop on the train’s onward journey towards Venice. This connects Monaco’s new destination status with the railway’s established Italian identity. Venice remains closely associated with luxury rail holidays, heritage tourism, architecture and cultural exploration. The operator is also continuing its Villeggiatura by Train programme, which combines railway journeys with stays at selected Belmond hotels in Italy. These arrangements broaden the range of holiday experiences available to travellers combining railway accommodation with destination-based luxury hospitality.

• Venice connection: Monte Carlo becomes part of the train’s wider itinerary towards Venice.
• Multi-country travel: France, Monaco and Italy form part of the expanded luxury railway programme.
• Hotel integration: Belmond continues its Villeggiatura by Train offering.
• Cultural tourism: Venice remains a major destination for architecture, heritage and leisure travel.
• Premium itineraries: Travellers can explore railway journeys alongside separate hotel-based travel products.

Italy’s 2026 Tourism Figures Show Continued International Travel Strength

The Italian National Institute of Statistics, ISTAT, published its second-quarter 2026 tourism figures on 14 September 2026. Accommodation establishments recorded almost 47 million arrivals and 148 million overnight stays during April–June 2026.

Compared with the same period in 2025, arrivals declined by 0.8%, while overnight stays increased by 3.9%. International visitors accounted for 61.6% of total overnight stays.

Inside the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Historic Cabins, Private Suites and Fine Dining

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a distinctive accommodation experience based on restored railway interiors and traditional hospitality. Passengers travelling from Paris towards Monaco can select Historic Cabins, Suites or Grand Suites, with different levels of space and comfort. The train also features L’Observatoire, an exclusive carriage developed with French artist JR. Dining takes place in dedicated restaurant cars, while a separate bar carriage provides evening entertainment. Breakfast is served as the train approaches the Mediterranean coastline. The experience combines transport, accommodation and hospitality into a single travel product, distinguishing it from conventional intercity or high-speed rail services.

• Historic Cabins: Vintage accommodation that forms the basis of the published entry fare.
• Suites and Grand Suites: Higher-category accommodation with more elaborate facilities.
• L’Observatoire: An exclusive carriage incorporating a bedroom, private bathroom, living area, library and hidden tearoom.
• Restaurant cars: Étoile du Nord and L’Oriental provide the train’s principal dining settings.
• Bar Car 3674: A dedicated evening space featuring cocktails and live piano entertainment.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Monaco 2027 Ticket Prices, Inclusions and Booking Information

The Paris–Monte Carlo luxury railway journey starts at €4,870 per person, based on two passengers sharing a Historic Cabin. The advertised package includes overnight accommodation, steward service, onboard meals, sommelier-selected wines, unlimited soft drinks and transfers. These inclusions establish the train as a comprehensive luxury travel experience rather than a conventional transport-only service. Travellers should nevertheless distinguish the advertised starting price from the total cost of an extended holiday. Accommodation upgrades, extra hotel nights, separate flights and personal purchases may require additional spending. The official operator’s booking information remains the authoritative reference for individual departure availability and final travel conditions.

• Starting fare: €4,870 per passenger for two people sharing a Historic Cabin.
• Included hospitality: Meals, selected wines, soft drinks and overnight steward service.
• Accommodation upgrades: Premium cabin categories may carry different prices.
• Additional transport: Flights to or from the railway itinerary are not expressly listed among the standard inclusions.
• Booking confirmation: Travellers should verify departure availability, transfers and cancellation conditions directly with Belmond.

How the Monaco–France–Italy Luxury Rail Connection Could Influence European Travel and Tourism

The expanded Venice Simplon-Orient-Express programme brings three established European destinations into a broader luxury travel proposition. France provides the departure point and scenic coastal journey. Monaco becomes an additional destination, while Italy remains integral to the train’s wider route network. The most immediate commercial effect is a new travel product that can be sold to passengers interested in historic trains and premium accommodation. Wider tourism gains remain possible rather than confirmed. Additional hotel bookings, longer visits and increased local expenditure would depend on passenger behaviour, itinerary choices and booking volumes, none of which has yet been established for the new service.

• Luxury rail diversification: Travellers gain another alternative to conventional premium travel arrangements between destinations.
• Destination visibility: Monte Carlo receives additional exposure through an established international railway brand.
• Cross-border tourism: The programme supports holiday planning involving France, Monaco and Italy.
• Travel industry opportunities: Travel advisers can incorporate rail journeys into tailor-made European itineraries.
• Rail and air integration: International visitors may combine flights to European gateways with the luxury train experience.

Air Travel and International Passenger Connectivity

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is primarily a railway and hospitality product. However, passengers arriving in Europe from other continents may use air travel before boarding in Paris or after completing their journey in Monaco or Italy.

This creates a potential air-and-rail travel opportunity, particularly for long-haul holidaymakers who want to combine major European cities within one itinerary.

France’s INSEE reported 5.41 million arrivals by non-resident guests at hotels in July 2026, illustrating the scale of international accommodation demand in the country. This figure does not identify how those travellers arrived or whether they used luxury trains.

Conclusion

Monaco’s inclusion alongside France in the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express luxury rail travel programme strengthens the connection between European heritage tourism and premium railway experiences. The addition of Monte Carlo creates a distinctive journey from Paris through the French Riviera, combining historic accommodation, fine dining and Mediterranean scenery. With the 2027 route offering fares from €4,870, the service provides travellers with another exclusive way to explore Monaco and France. This expansion highlights the growing importance of luxury rail tourism in European travel, while creating opportunities for destination visibility, cross-border itineraries and premium tourism experiences across the region.