142 years ago today, the Orient Express began its inaugural departure from Paris en route to Istanbul. The long-distance passenger train service created in 1883 by the Belgian company Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (CIWL) operated until 2009, though by then it had ceased service to Turkey, and even Bucharest. By 2007 it was simply a service from Paris to Vienna. READ about its legacy and even its restaurant menu… (1883)

The route outlasted several wars beyond the two World Wars, and traveled to Budapest, Bucharest, Athens, and Istanbul with three different services. It was known for its luxury. Permanent sleeper and restaurant cars teemed with diplomats, aristocrats, patronized artists, royalty, and businessmen.

The first menu to debut on the train was oysters, soup with

See Full Page