Nicolas Garreau, the man behind the ApoteoSurprise events agency, aims to offer a gastronomic experience 35 kilometers above Earth for €750,000. Dream or achievable feat?
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Space marriage proposals? This is the dream that Nicolas Garreau, the man behind the ApoteoSurprise events agency, wants to make a reality. His idea? Offering a gastronomic experience 35 kilometers above Earth for €750,000, as reported by 20Minutes. Achievable feat or mere fantasy? Nicolas Garreau has revealed the behind-the-scenes of his project, which could materialize in 2025.
"This adventure would unfold over seven hours, with about three spent 35 kilometers above Earth, with an hour and a half dedicated to ascent and descent," he explains. In negotiations with various space companies whose names he won't disclose, he envisions an excursion not aboard a space shuttle but a helium-inflated stratospheric balloon. Already used for weather forecasts, the balloons he mentions are subject to continuous evolution to be adapted for space tourism. A project developing internationally, including in France with space companies like Zephalto or Stratoflight.
"Onboard, you have the sensation of moving in space, even though, according to specialists, the space limit is set at 100 kilometers in altitude. The balloon will ensure a smooth experience and reduce risks," says Nicolas Garreau. His goal is clear: to create a romantic and gastronomic environment to complement the space excursion, with a fully privatized gondola, a French chef on board, and an autonomous robot with artificial intelligence at the service of the couple.
"In the pressurized capsule, the lighting will adapt to the flight phase," we read on the website. "The ascent will take place in a blue and tranquil atmosphere, while the robot will bring you glasses of champagne, orange juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and freshly baked croissants. The AI StellarEmbrace will be at your disposal whenever you wish to converse, answer your questions, and even sing or dance. Equipped with an artificial intelligence system, it will adjust its body language through an emotion recognition mechanism based on detecting your facial expressions, tone, and lexicon. Attention, this robot is a real mischief-maker! You will reach the cruising altitude of 35 kilometers just as the sun rises, and you will now be above 99% of the Earth's atmosphere. At this moment, the beauty of our planet stretching beneath your feet will be simply enchanting, a sight of unimaginable splendor."
However, it's currently a dream that's challenging to realize due to the inaccessibility of stratospheric balloons for tourist purposes. "It's an ultramodern, futuristic service in line with the current ecological trend. The balloon rises using helium, so it causes no pollution at the time of takeoff," emphasizes the ApoteoSurprise founder. Despite the high cost and the still nonexistent demand for such a service, the organizer remains optimistic. "I have already worked for heads of state, players from the French football team, or even American actors, for example." For marriage proposal events that generally did not exceed €10,000, while this time, it would involve even higher figures.
Passionate about space, Nicolas Garreau is already thinking about the next challenge: a trip to the Moon. Inspired by the Artemis program, he announced last September a forthcoming event costing €125,000,000 that will launch in 2027. Even if you have the means, the wild adventures planned by ApoteoSurprise cannot be booked on the website yet: stay tuned.
Photo by ApoteoSurprise
