Belmond, the LVMH group’s hotel and experiential business, is strengthening its partnership with Veuve Clicquot with three new “Solaire Journey” train journeys. Between now and July, passengers on the Venice Simplon Orient Express will be able to travel from Vienna to Reims, the Champagne House’s historic stronghold, to discover the vineyards and its finest vintages.
Belmond, the group which (along with Cheval Blanc) is part of LVMH’s hospitality division, is strengthening its ties with the Veuve Clicquot champagne house, also owned by the number one luxury goods group.
Until now, the “Solaire Journey” by Veuve Clicquot aboard its legendary steam train, the Venice Simplon Orient Express (VSOE), has been limited to the Venice to Reims route. From next April, it will be offering three new journeys, crossing not only Alpine meadows but also the Andes mountain range, from Machu Picchu to Arequipa in Peru, and the equatorial forest from Singapore to Malaysia.
The name “Solaire Journey” by Veuve Clicquot is as much a nod to the golden color of its champagne as it is to the desire to “follow the sun”.
Behind these new tours in the colors of Veuve Clicquot, the Belmond group intends to maintain its status as leader in luxury travel, a sector in full expansion at a time when the younger generation intends to favor modes of transport that are more virtuous for the planet.
Three new destinations for Veuve Clicquot Solaire Journey
The Belmond group, acquired by LVMH in 2019, continues its partnership with Veuve Clicquot. The group has no fewer than 47 properties in its portfolio, including iconic hotels (the Cipriani in Venice, Copacabana Palace in Rio, Maroma on the Riviera Maya in Mexico, etc.) as well as trains, cruises and safaris.
These include the Venice Simplon Orient Express, the luxury steam train twin of the historic Orient Express, which is operated by the SNCF with the help of the Accor Group. This Venice Simplon Orient Express – named after the tunnel linking the Italian and French Alps – is made up of carriages bought by the Belmond group in the 1980s from businessman James Sherwood, ex-owner of the Hotel Cipriani in Venice. The idea was to turn it into a palace on rails, with a sumptuous Art Deco decor.
In keeping with this excellence in craftsmanship and on-board service, the train is extending its partnership with Veuve Clicquot, initiated between Venice and Reims in 2023, the year of the vineyard’s 250th anniversary.
A truly exclusive sensory experience, the “Solaire Journey” includes personalized aperitifs and tasting sessions of the Champagne House’s finest cuvées, as well as exceptional meals served both on board and outdoors in unusual settings.
For example, the European itinerary, following the route from Vienna to Reims, includes a visit to Veuve Clicquot’s Champagne vineyards, followed by lunch at the UNESCO-listed Les Crayères and a gala dinner concocted by chef Jean Imbert, who usually works at the Parisian palace Plaza Athénée.
This series of gastronomic journeys from East to West will take place from April 22 to 25, starting in Singapore, where Veuve Clicquot bottles were first delivered in 1859 aboard Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express. The European route of the Venice Simplon Orient Express – between Vienna and Reims – will follow, from July 4 to 6. Finally, travellers will be able to take part in the ultimate Solaire Journey of the year, with a spectacular tour of Peru from October 21 to 26. This memorable journey in the footsteps of the Inca city of Macchu Picchu will be aboard the Hira Bingham, another luxury train, and the Andean Explorer, both also owned by the hotel group.
Refocusing on special experiences
Discover our plans Subscribe for 1€ Become an active member of the community of luxury leaders.
To continue reading this article, subscribe or log in to your account
Read also > [LUXUS+ MAGAZINE] TRAVEL ABOARD THE BELMOND TRAIN: TWO NEW SEASONAL TRIPS TO DISCOVER MALAYSIA
Featured Photo: Venice Simplon Orient Express © Belmond/Veuve Clicquot Solaire Journey
