A new ultra-luxurious train named Grand Tour, designed by the French entertainment and tourism company Puy du Fou, is moving closer to its launch despite encountering delays. Originally announced in 2021, the train was set to begin operations in 2023 but has faced setbacks due to regulatory and operational challenges. The train will offer a 6-day, 5-night journey across France, starting from Paris and traveling through notable destinations like Reims, Annecy, Avignon, and Puy du Fou itself. The route will cover approximately 4,000 kilometers over 11 stages, offering travelers a unique blend of scenic landscapes and cultural landmarks. The Grand Tour will make stops at iconic sites, including the vineyards of the classified grand cru Saint-Estèphe Cos d'Estournel, the lavender fields near Lake Annecy, and the Popes' Castle in Avignon. It will also provide access to places that are usually closed to the public, enhancing the exclusivity of the experience. The train will feature 15 cabins, each equipped with private bathrooms, showers, and toilets. Cabin sizes range from 10 to 30 square meters, ensuring a comfortable and private stay. Tickets will start at 4,900 euros, and the train will carry only 30 passengers per trip to provide a personalized and immersive journey, according to Nicolas De Villiers, director of Puy du Fou. Puy du Fou will operate the Grand Tour entirely, marking a new venture for the company as it enters the railway sector. Delays in the commercial launch have been attributed to homologation issues—processes required to ensure the train meets safety and regulatory standards. These challenges are compounded by the fact that the project involves a unique regulatory framework in the railway industry, which has not been previously explored by private operators. A spokesperson for Puy du Fou noted that railway authorities have been supporting the project throughout its development to ensure the custom-designed train cars meet innovative specifications. The project has also been affected by changes in the industrialist responsible for renovating the train cars, which were originally recovered from DB, the German state railway company SNCF. These logistical challenges have contributed to the delays, but Puy du Fou remains committed to launching the Grand Tour as a flagship luxury travel experience. Despite the setbacks, the company is working to finalize preparations and bring the train to life as planned.