This Russian Train’s Not Rushing
There’s a new once-a-week rail service linking Moscow and the French Riviera … but it’s only for those with money and time.
In an age of bullet trains and air travel, this luxury hotel on wheels goes at a sedate 40 miles an hour, taking 53 hours to arrive in Nice from the Russian capital.
Only one of the 12 carriages is second-class, while six are reserved for first class and three are defined as ‘luxury class’. The train also boasts two dining cars. One-way fares range from 306 euros (£260/$412) standard to 1,200 euros (£1,021/$1,618) for a luxury compartment with shower, TV and mini-bar. The train stops at 22 stations, cutting across Europe via Minsk, Warsaw, the Czech Republic, Vienna and Milan.
As the first train left Moscow’s Belorussky Station, an orchestra played French and Russian songs. “Today is a day of celebration,” said Mikhail Akulov, Russian Railways’ Vice-President. “It’s a new stage in our partnership with the French railways.”
Nice became an established resort for Russian high society after the Imperial family built a holiday home there in 1856. The city has one of the largest Russian Orthodox cathedrals outside Russia as well as a Russian cemetery.
by Andy Moreton
For when you finally get there … Luxique offers the best rates at six luxury hotels in Nice.
