A Veuve Clicquot Solaire journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express

Motivated by its intrepid creator, Veuve Clicquot partners with high-end travel agency Belmond to bring champagne-filled rumors to locations around the world with Solaire Journey.

I’m sitting in the sumptuous bar car aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond train, in Southeast Asia. Decorated with polished wood, plush brocade upholstery and brass accents, the bar car exudes an irresistible old-world charm. Through the large windows, dense foliage unfolds, giving passengers a panoramic view of the wilderness outside.

It’s day two of the Solar Journey and I have about 10 minutes left before my scheduled interview with Jean-Marc Gallot, CEO of Veuve Clicquot. I’m taking advantage of this pocket of free time to savor everything – with a glass of La Grande Dame 2015 in hand of course. It’s my first time aboard the legendary train, and as it passes through the Malaysian rainforest, I find myself mesmerized by the soothing symphony of the gentle hum of the engine and the rhythmic clicking of the wheels on the tracks. The afternoon sun begins to set and the bar car is bathed in a soft, warm glow, bringing to life that magical quality of the Eastern & Oriental Express that once existed only in my imagination.

A fellow journalist calls out to me and I come out of my stupor. As I gather my notes and set down my glass of champagne in preparation for my interview, a jovial Gallot, who has graciously invited me to join the house for this unique experience, greets me with a warm “Hello! He is energetic and full of joie de vivre, like everyone I met on board. He goes on to describe his hope for guests on the train: “I want it to be a unique experience. If everyone has a wonderful time in the Clicquot spirit, where you have the impression that everything is possible, I’m happy.

This expression of optimism seems to be the driving force behind this Solar Journey since every detail is designed to enhance the customer experience like never before, all in the bold and proactive spirit of Madame Clicquot. An accidental businesswoman, Madame Clicquot inherited her husband’s wine business at just 27 years old after his death in the early 1800s. “It was a time in France when women were generally not allowed to lead companies,” explains Gallot, “so the level of audacity and determination she demonstrated continues to inspire us every day.”

This motivation led the Veuve Clicquot team to imagine the extraordinary Solar Voyages – a series of three luxurious adventures throughout 2024, which will pass through destinations such as Singapore, Malaysia, Vienna, Reims (birthplace of Veuve Clicquot), Paris and Peru. “We were looking for a strong way to reinforce our message that we are a solar brand, as represented by the yellow Veuve Clicquot label,” shares Gallot. “Madame Clicquot’s audacity is always to push the limits, to go further, so we thought it would be perfect to follow the sun from the East, where it rises, to the West, where he lies down,” he explains.

As the bar car staff arrives with exquisite bites and refills of Veuve Clicquot, I ask Gallot what his favorite way to enjoy champagne is. “With my children, when they come for lunch on Sunday,” he says with a wink. “We have a bottle, we spend time together, we share our lives and I am the happiest man in the world!”

A refreshing and banal answer, knowing that champagne is frequently associated with celebrations or special occasions, but not with Gallot. “It’s not just about celebrating, it’s about sharing and experiencing something with people. It should be part of every moment of your life. It’s no wonder that champagne flows freely 24 hours a day on the train, whether it’s breakfast in bed, afternoon tea or dinner, because as Gallot passionately believes, champagne can make part of the simplest moments of life.

During this four-day, three-night stay, I will have unforgettable experiences, including a hike in Taman Negara National Park, a hands-on Peranakan cooking class atop Penang Hill, and even a Veuve Clicquot quiz session. . And perhaps the most indelible of all: a glamorous gala dinner with a tailor-made menu created by chef André Chiang and rare Veuve Clicquot vintages carefully selected by cellar master Didier Mariotti. Needless to say, every sip of Veuve Clicquot helped cement these foundational memories.

And as I step off the train, I take with me not only memories of a magical journey (and champagne), but also a renewed appreciation for the spirit of Madame Clicquot, whose legacy continues to inspire and inspire us. challenge yourself to embrace life with the same boldness and courage. I’m not a wide-eyed optimist, but the next time I find myself in a difficult situation, I will be sure to pour myself a glass of champagne, ponder “What would Madame Clicquot do?” » and continue to persevere.

For more information on the two remaining journeys of the Solaire Journey – through Vienna, Austria, to Reims, France, aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and through Peru aboard the Hiram Bingham & Andean Explore, click here.

(Images: Veuve Clicquot)

This article was first published in Prestige Singapore