A French cyclist named Pascal Coconnier has embarked on a long-distance journey, retracing the historic route of the legendary Orient Express train from Sablé-sur-Sarthe in France to Istanbul, Turkey. The original Orient Express service, which began in 1883, connected Paris to Constantinople (now Istanbul) and became synonymous with luxury travel and intrigue.
Coconnier's cycling expedition aims to follow the approximate path of the famous train line, traversing multiple European countries. The journey covers a significant distance, requiring the cyclist to navigate varied terrain and climates. Such modern adventures retracing historic routes have gained popularity as a way to experience travel history and cultural connections firsthand.
The original Orient Express route was established by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits. While the direct service to Istanbul ceased in 1977, the name lives on in popular culture and through other rail services. Coconnier's trip highlights a sustainable, human-powered alternative to the opulent train travel of the past, focusing on the landscapes and regions that the historic line connected.
