Veuve Clicquot ‘Run to Goodwood’ Paris > Reims > Sussex

I was over the moon to once again join the Veuve Clicquot ‘Run to Goodwood’ from Paris via Reims to West Sussex, England for one of the most glorious weekends of the year.

By invitation only, 8 classic cars, including an Aston Martin DB6 Vantage 1968, two Ferrari 275 GTB’s, a Jaguar E Type, an AC Aceca Bristol, two Jaguar XK120s and the Veuve Clicquot Bentley Continental S2 make their way from Paris to Reims for a magical night at Hôtel du Marc before crossing the channel at Dieppe to Newhaven, England for The Goodwood Revival 2016. 

A highly special weekend to me for two reasons. Although now my third Goodwood, I met my Frenchman along the way during my first adventure. As I eyed his Jaguar XK120 leading the rally down rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, who was that man I wondered? By the time we’d completed the 4 hour ferry from Dieppe to Newhaven on day two, I think we both knew our fate. Two years later, and and many Eurostar trips back and forth, we’re now living in Paris together and I’m the only one allowed in his passenger seat. 

The second reason being that I have recently completed a design project at Hôtel du Marc. I was invited to design the ‘British Bedroom’ at the six bedroom former home of Madame Clicquot in Reims, and was thrilled to return for it’s completion and first guests that weekend. 

Hotel du Marc is a magical place. The house hosts special guests of Maison Veuve Clicquot, clients of the brand, VIPs and celebrities wanting to visit. Interior designed by Bruno Moinard, the house is filled with one-off commissions and contemporary artworks by world famous artists and artisans.

Depending on your luck you may be offered access to the basement cellars after dinner. An experience no other champagne house in the region could offer in such style. 

Champagne cocktails on the terrace at 8pm, and dinner is paired with various vintage champagnes, before taking the party next door to the bar whilst our host accompanies those who wish to see the cellar in the basement. Every year, a wild night.

 The bar and dining room below. 

Following a 9am breakfast in the dining room, we arrive at Ancien Circuit de Reims Gueux for the annual Goodwood Run photo.

We follow D roads for the scenic route to lunch in Ailly-Sur-Noye before arriving at Dieppe for the 4pm (4 hour!!!) ferry crossing. As we arrive (following strict French advertising rules on alcohol) we can finally get sticker happy with branding our cars as being on the ‘Clicquot Run to Goodwood 2016’.

Once the cars are safely parked on the ferry we make a Clicquot picnic on the roof of the ferry and see how long we can last until we really are at sea! Others retreat to the cabins for a siesta after a long drive. 

We arrive in the UK late evening, and once we’ve all passed customs and been reminded what side of the road to drive on, make our way to our home for the weekend, the Sir Edward Lutyens built Little Thakeham in West Sussex. 

It’s another early start the following morning, with a 30km drive to the Revival. We park up in the Pre-66 field, and the ladies head straight to the salon to be transformed back in time. Beehives or 50’s up-do’s, it’s only then do you really feel the part….

Part 2 coming soon.

With thanks as always to the run organisers, ProFirst & Veuve Clicquot

LWSY – September 2016