History

The Pullman Orient Express, the mythical train of Compagnie des Wagons-Lits, is made up of 7 carriages including 4 that are classified as “Historical Monuments”. Built at the end of the 1920s, they come from different trains that circulated on the 4 main lines in Western and Eastern Europe: the Côte d'Azur Pullman Express, the Riviera Express, the Flèche d'Or, the Étoile du Nord and the Oiseau Bleu. In 2002-2003, with the exception of technical aspects, all the materials and objects were restored or reproduced according to the plans for the originals.

The “Côte d’Azur” Lounge-Bar Car - No. 4148was built in 1929 by the Enterprises Industrielles des Charentaises in Aytré, France, based on the plans produced by Compagnie des Wagons-Lits. Until 1954 it circulated as a Lounge car on the main international trains: the Flèche d'Or (Paris - London), the Étoile du Nord and the Oiseau Bleu (Paris - Brussels - Amsterdam) and the Sud-Express (Paris - Lisbon - Madrid). From 1954 to1975 the car circulated in Italy (Milan - Rome - Naples). In 1975 it was transformed into a bar car. From1975 to 1985 it circulated on the main cruising trains that crossed Europe to Istanbul. In 1988 the car was restored and transformed by Compagnie des Wagons-Lit workshops in Ostende, Belgium. In 2003 it was completely restored with reproductions of the carpeting, “Art Deco” baggage racks in white metal and table lamps in polished bronze. The interior was refitted to ensure outstanding comfort for travellers.