Add the vegetable juice, add a little salt, bring to a boil and then simmer over medium heat until the vegetables are well tender.
Grind very well in a blender (without the thyme sprig) until the vegetables are pureed and add the cream and grind again.
Transfer the veloute soup back to the pot and over very low heat to prevent the cream from cutting, bring to 2-3 boils.
Meanwhile, in a non-stick frying pan and once well heated, add the bacon, cut into small fat-free slices and brown until crispy. When ready, transfer to a plate with paper towels to absorb the fat until needed.
Serve the veloute soup immediately and sprinkle the surface with croutons, bacon, and a little fresh thyme.