Located in Terminal 2F at Paris CDG, the Air France Lounge is the airline’s busiest lounge across its network. Boasting an impressive area of 3,000 m2 and 570 seats spread over two levels, the lounge warmly welcomes around 3000 passengers daily travelling to European and French destinations.
The lounge operates from 0530 to 2200 daily, providing free access to passengers flying in Business, La Premiere, and Economy holding Flying Blue Platinum, Gold, and SkyTeam Elite Plus. Purchasing entry to the lounge is possible if you aren’t flying business class or don’t hold status in the airline’s frequent flyer program. The cost is EUR60 or 12,000 miles and is subject to availability.
Each lounge has a unique style, and this space was designed by the Jouin Manku agency, founded by Canadian architect Sanjit Manku and French designer Patrick Jouin. The ground floor area is designed for passengers with a short connection and offers more express food options. There are also detox and zen areas with herbal teas, fresh fruit, and a rest area for those looking to relax between flights.
Upstairs
Upon ascending the grand staircase to the upper level, the space provides passengers with more substantial dining options, as well as a Clarins Day Spa and free 20-minute face treatments.
Executive Area
The Executive Area, accessible only to Ultimate Flying Blue members, is a more intimate space for the airline’s top frequent flyers. This exclusive area offers different food options, including items not available in the main areas of the lounge, a private office, and a dedicated conference room.
The Bistro
However, the highlight of the lounge is the Le Comptoir “Bistro,” a place to eat like you’re in downtown Paris. Located on the ground floor, the bistro features the famous sea horse logo from the 1930s. In July, the airline partnered with Servair corporate chef François Adamski, who won the Bocuse d’Or and Meilleur Ouvrier de France, and chef Chloé Charles, winner of Top Chef. The two chefs created a range of hot dishes, including a vegetarian option, which are featured every three months.
As a lucky invitee, I had the opportunity to experience the September 2022 menu firsthand, and it did not disappoint. The menu featured a range of mouth-watering dishes, including smoked shrimp with tangy sauce and seasonal vegetables by François Adamski, shoulder of lamb with spices, reduced juice, and semolina with candied vegetables by François Adamski, and Camargue rice sautéed and flavored with West Indian spices and spring vegetable brunoise by Chloé Charles.
The desserts served in the lounge are typically French, with a variety of sweet and savory options, such as tarts, madeleine, baked goods, and chocolate mousse served in tasty edible cups. To provide customers with more face-to-face service, the Champagne cart is handled daily by Air France lounge staff.
Paolo Basso, the celebrated sommelier who earned the title of the world’s best in 2013, has carefully handpicked a stunning collection of wine and champagne to delight the discerning palates of Air France business class passengers.
Sustainability
As part of the airline’s commitment to minimizing food waste, the chefs at the lounge have ingeniously repurposed specific food products to create new, delicious dishes. For instance, leftover croissants from the breakfast service are artfully transformed into mouthwatering Croque monsieur croissants for lunch, topped with ham and cheese that ooze with flavor.
The Air France lounge also takes a proactive stance in its efforts to encourage sustainable practices by providing water fountains that limit the use of single-use plastics. With 3 million small bottles of water used annually, this move is an excellent step towards preserving the environment. And that’s not all, food containers are made from eco-friendly cellulose and bagasse (sugar cane residue), while the lounge sources all meat, dairy, eggs, bread, and pastries from local French suppliers, ensuring that you experience the rich flavors and textures of authentic French cuisine.
Ducasse Paris
In addition to the sumptuous dining options, the long-haul lounges in Terminal 2E (halls K, L, and M) feature signature dishes from the renowned Ducasse Paris, including their mouthwatering plant-based burger, Burgal. You’ll be spoiled for choice with an extensive range of delectable dining options to savor and enjoy.
Experience the epitome of sophistication and luxury, from the curated wine list to the carefully crafted dishes and sustainable practices.
Thanks to Air France for inviting me to their lounge in Paris.
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