The French are renowned for style – chic – and its national airline - Air France – has not disappointed with its new Business Class lounge. Now open in Terminal 2F at Charles de Gaulle Airport, the new lounge is 3000 square metres in area – nearly half a soccer field – and boasts 570 seats spread over two levels. This is one of Air France’s largest lounges. It is dedicated to Business Class customers and Flying Blue Elite Plus members travelling on Air France's short and medium-haul Schengen services. However, passengers flying economy are allowed in for a fee and subject to space availability. The lounge is available for passengers starting their journeys in Paris or in transit.
The lounge was co-designed by a team including Air France and the Jouin Manku Agency – which also had a hand in the refurbishment of arguably Africa’s finest city hotel – La Mamounia in Marrakesh (see review here). Patrick Jouin and architect partner Sanjit Tanku designed the entire space and most of the furniture – offering passengers total relaxation, peace, and comfort before they board their flights.
Materials used by the designers include terrazzo, lava stone, wood, and leather. The furniture is solid and functional but designed to provide maximum comfort. The Air France signature colours - shades of blue, a strong presence of white and a hint of red - are highlighted, as well as the accent, the Air France brand symbol, and the winged seahorse, the company's historical symbol.
On the ground floor, passengers enter the lounge by scanning their boarding pass. They then pass by a sizeable art instillation – inspired by the wings of an aircraft. It reinforces the "cocoon" spirit that dominates the lounge.
In the middle of the lounge, there is a huge, curved window – that reveals stunning vistas of the sky and airport runways.
The lounge offers all its guests complimentary Wi-Fi and there is a plethora of charging points for devices.
Both the ground floor and upper-level offer gourmet kiosks. French cuisine is at the fore, and catering is provided throughout the day. Guests can enjoy hot quiches, salads, and sandwiches at all times. At breakfast and lunch, an inhouse chef prepares pancakes and “dishes of the day”. There is a full wine list – that has been put together by a master sommelier and an extensive range of teas & coffees available.
Upstairs, guests will find relaxation areas – complete with loungers and subdued lighting.
Finally, the lounge offers a Clarins treatment area that focuses on its Traveller Spa concept. 20-minte facials are available – pre-flight – using Clarins to rejuvenate and revitalise. A wellness area has ten showers and a changing room. This is an excellent facility for those in transit.
Air France is rolling out new lounges internationally and if Terminal 2F is anything to go by, the airline will keep its loyal passengers très content.
Read the BusinessClass.com expert review of Air France Business Class
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