Veuve Clicquot Solaire Journeys. Belmond train is leaving soon!

To continue the celebrations of its 250th anniversary, which took place in 2022, Veuve Clicquot is offering, from April 22, three unforgettable experiences at exceptional locations on the planet with the Eastern & Oriental Express trains (Southeast Asia), the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe), the Hiram Bingham and the Andean Explorer, all owned by the Belmond Group. We spoke to Mrs. Carole Bildé, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Veuve Clicquot to find out more. Find out more with us about the Veuve Clicquot Solaire Journeys.

The Veuve Clicquot Solaire Journeys experience

To persuade you to book a journey, we ask a few questions about the Veuve Clicquot Voyage Solaire to Mrs. Carole Bildé, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Veuve Clicquot.

Why these different routes?

Our Solaire Journeys will go from East to West, to follow the route of the Sun. We worked hand in hand with Belmond (EDITOR’S NOTE. Belmond is owned by the LVMH group [Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy] since 2019, as is Veuve Clicquot, since the mid-80s) to design the most exclusive experiences onboard the trains with a requirement: offer unique and joyful experiences under the sun. For this reason, we chose to start the first journey in Asia, onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. Then, we will go eastbound with the second journey early July from Vienna to Reims onboard the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The west side of the world (Peru) will be our final destination in October onboard the Hiram Bingham and the Andean Explorer.

How will the experiences differ from one trip to another for passengers?

Each Solaire Journey will be unique to offer a “once in a lifetime” experience to the passengers. In Asia, the journey will start at the spectacular CÉ LA VI rooftop and will follow with 3 days onboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, travelling through the wonders of Malaysia with the fantastic cuisine of Chef André Chiang.

In Europe, we will welcome our guests at the Liechtenstein Palace for a Gala Dinner and continue together onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to arrive in Reims, Veuve Clicquot’s homeland. Jean Imbert (VSOE Chef attending the journey) will be joined in Reims by Mory Sacko, starred Chef for a 4-hand lunch in the Crayères, Gallo-Roman chalk cellars—a UNESCO heritage site in Reims. Finally, the third journey will happen in Peru in October from Machu Picchu, the Temple of the Sun, and through the beautiful Peruvian landscapes including Lake Titicaca onboard the Hiram Bingham and the Andean Explorer.

But, of course, there will be common yellow threads in the 3 journeys:

• First, the magical moments under the sun, be it when it rises or when it sets in the incredible landscapes the trains will take us through. The Sun is fundamental for Veuve Clicquot, as it symbolizes the profound joy and optimism of the brand. Our iconic and solar yellow which has been apposed on our labels in 1877 is the best ambassador of our connection to the sun.
• Second yellow thread will be the discovery of our most exclusive champagne cuvées presented by our wine experts. From La Grande Dame to Cave Privée, guests will have a chance to enjoy the best of Veuve Clicquot, paired with the finest gastronomy. Veuve Clicquot’s motto is “Only one quality, the finest” and we will make sure each journey stays true to it!
• Finally, the gastronomic experiences will be like no other as we have asked starred chefs such as Jean Imbert, André Chiang or Mory Sacko, to imagine bespoke high gastronomy menus to pair with our champagnes.

What can travellers expect in terms of food and wine pairings?

Each menu is customized and created by the Chefs on board the trains, to pair with Veuve Clicquot’s finest vintages:

• Extra Brut Extra Old 3
• Vintage 2015, 2012, 2008 and 2002
• La Grande Dame 2015, 2012, 2008 and 2002
• Cave Privée 1996, 1995, 1990 and 1989
• And of course, our iconic Carte Jaune and Rosé.

Three routes, three continents for the Veuve Clicquot Solaire Journeys

This is the history that the different journeys will cover. From Asia to the Andes, via Europe. “We are delighted to introduce Veuve Clicquot Solaire Journeys, extending the legacy of Veuve Clicquot into the realm of luxury travel,” says Magalie Harvey, Moët Hennessy, national communications and influence manager. “These journeys embody the pioneering spirit, sophistication and Solaire culture that have defined Veuve Clicquot throughout its storied history.” Find out more about these different escapes.

 Malaysia’s Jungle Line: Southeast Asia Aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express
April 22-25, 2024 

To celebrate the historic link between Veuve Clicquot and Singapore, where bottles of the famous yellow cardboard brand were first shipped in 1859, you are invited (it may be a little late to join in) to a remarkable three-night escapade aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express.

This unique expedition from Singapore to Penang and Kuala Lumpur traverses the pristine landscapes of Teman Negara National Park along the breathtaking “Jungle Railway.”

On board, discover a seamless immersion between opulent luxury, culinary excellence and artistic indulgence with a hint of adventure. Passengers can bask in the tranquility of cherry-panelled staterooms, relax with entertainment in the Piano Bar car, and revel in refined gastronomic experiences from Chef André Chiang, designed to accompany the finest Veuve Clicquot vintages.

Champagne Sunrise: Vienna to Reims Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
July 4-6, 2024

Here, you will travel in the classic Belmond train. It was even the star of an Agatha Christie novel. This second Veuve Clicquot Solar Voyage, which will end in the pre-Olympic atmosphere of France, will begin with a gala dinner in one of Vienna’s historic jewels, the legendary Liechtenstein Palace in Vienna by chef Andreas Döllerer, destination of Veuve Clicquot champagnes since 1777, when the House’s prestigious bottles were transported from Reims to the Austrian capital, and we were lucky enough to spend a few hours in Vienna just after our trip to the Czech Republic in 2023, along the Danube.

After a day exploring Vienna’s rich heritage, board the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a symbol of timeless elegance and adventure for over four decades. Seated in Art Deco cabins, you will meet in the bar car “3674” for an aperitif and gala dinner hosted by Veuve Clicquot Ambassador Jean Imbert, the celebrated chef of the Plaza Athénée and several other restaurants.

At dawn, you can watch a brilliant sunrise from your cabin before finally setting foot in Reims, the heart of the Champagne region and home to Veuve Clicquot since its beginnings in 1772. From here, you will embark on a journey through the House’s historic vineyards, before exploring the bucolic kitchen garden and descending into the Crayères, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for an unprecedented gastronomic experience orchestrated by chefs Jean Imbert and Mory Sacko.

Then, to round off the experience, you will be back in the City of Light, Paris, aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

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Andean Adventure: Cusco to Arequipa and Machu Picchu Aboard Belmond Trains, the Hiram Bigham and Andean Explorer
October 21-26, 2024

The beauty of Peru’s sunsets inspired this final and ultimate journey, which will take you aboard two of Belmond’s luxury trains, the Hiram Bingham and the Andean Explorer.

The first evening begins with an exquisite dinner in the Monasterio chapel with one of Peru’s top 50 chefs, followed by a majestic overnight stay at the Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco. The adventure continues aboard the iconic Hiram Bingham train as it winds its way through the Sacred Valley towards the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.

Revel in the opulence of Pullman-style carriages, indulge in gourmet meals and soak up the breathtaking panoramas on your way to Machu Picchu.

After exploring Cusco, you will continue on board the Andean Explorer, South America’s best sleeper train, passing through ancient towns and the enchanting Peruvian Andes to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, where a breathtaking sunrise awaits you.

On board, you will be invited to taste the finest champagnes, guided by the Veuve Clicquot cellar master Didier Mariotti, transforming this voyage into an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

All aboard! To find out more and reserve Veuve Clicquot Solaire Journeys, click here.

Fans of the brand should know that a Veuve Clicquot Arrow Rosé personalization experience will take place this spring at the SAQ Sélection Quartier DIX30 store in Brossard, in the greater Montréal area, from April 26 to May 12, 2024. A perfect moment for a Mother’s Day gift.