Kévin Bodnar founded Allo VTC Reims in 2020. He shares with us his passion for his city and for his job as a private driver, which includes wine tourism tours in Champagne.
LUXUS MAGAZINE : You are originally from Champagne-Ardenne, a region for which you have a real passion. Is that why you chose to become a luxury private driver ?
When I was 10, I was forced to leave my hometown to follow my mother to the south. My adventure as a private driver began in 2014 in Toulouse when I decided to become a professional by obtaining my chauffeur’s license. I seized the opportunity to return to Reims, my hometown, to start over in 2020. I rediscovered my region through adult eyes, and I quickly realized that tourism here was very different from that of the French Riviera, just as high-end but focused on wine tourism, discovering the Champagne region, and French history. This allowed me to combine my experience as a private driver with my love of history, particularly that of my region, which, as you know, is very rich. Key moments in the history of France took place in the Champagne region !
LUXUS MAGAZINE : What types of tours do you offer your clients ?
I have been offering Champagne Tours and sightseeing tours for five years now. Thanks to my experience, I am able to put together a tailor-made program adapted to my clients’ wishes, combining large or medium-sized houses and small producers, or even a mix of both. The offer usually includes a meal, and in this area, we are privileged, as Reims has several renowned Michelin-starred restaurants ! Newcomers, visiting the Champagne region for the first time, will mainly be interested in the big brands, but customers who have already been here like to discover something different. There’s something for everyone !
LUXUS MAGAZINE : What are the advantages of shuttle tours with a private driver ?
As a local driver, you build up a network over time and through the people you meet. This allows me to adapt to demand, my strength being of course my interpersonal skills. I am often compared to a guide. I know the best places to eat, the best spots for incredible souvenir photos, and I also know the region, the different Champagne Houses, the small producers, and the winegrowers. All of this allows me to best respond to what customers like and are looking for. Of course, I travel between Champagne and Paris or elsewhere. I regularly travel throughout France and abroad (Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands) to serve the needs of my clients. I work mainly on a reservation basis, either directly with clients or with their local, national, or international travel agency.
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Featured photo : © Luxus Plus
