The Business of Bubbly
The Business of Bubbly
When Champagne house president Cécile Bonnefond talks travel, she keeps nothing bottled up.
First trip — I was born in Paris by mistake, so I was about 15 days old when I traveled back home to Évian, France, with my parents.
Best travel tip — When I was a little girl, I was told that the only word you need to know when you travel is “No,” to keep safe. Now that I’m older, I think the only word you need to know is “Yes,” to take advantage of opportunities.
Jet-lag remedy — I don’t get jet lag, but I’d recommend a glass of good red wine and some sleep for anyone who does.
When traveling, I wear — Something relaxed. But I’m still French, so that’s French-relaxed. No Crocs!
Best way to get to know a destination — Walk, walk, walk. I love architecture, so I like to look at doors, gates and buildings.
Plane, train or automobile? — I love short trips on the train and long trips on the plane. Twelve hours on a plane is just lovely because there’s no phone reception.
Fondest travel memory — Hiking on my own around the mountains in Banff and Jasper [in Canada] for a week. I didn’t tell anyone that I was going. I was warned about the bears, so I kept making loud sounds to keep them away.
Favorite city — If I say Paris, that would be boring, right? I also love Florence, Italy. It’s got Old Italian charm and an enormous amount of beautiful art, architecture and food.
Live the experience
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Cécile Bonnefond
With a sparkling track record in the bubbly business, Cécile Bonnefond now works her magic as head of the Charles Heidsieck and Piper-Heidsieck Champagne houses. Renée Morrison