Now that many restrictions are lifted and international travel is rapidly picking up, Air France has very timely inaugurated its new lounge at Charles de Gaulle Airport, the flag carrier’s main hub northeast of Paris. Situated in between two piers at Terminal 2F, the Air France Lounge occupies no less than 3,000 sqm. (32,292 sq.ft.) spread across two levels, and features an interior design by Paris-based architecture and design practice Jouin Manku. Flooded in daylight, thanks to the building’s curved, glass-and-steel casing, the spacious ground floor sees sleek elongated sofas and leather chairs ideally positioned to take in the swathes of tarmac and endless numbers of airplanes coming and going. At the centre, booths for food and refreshments are situated, alongside ample seating. On the edges, set back from the flow of circulation, more private areas for relaxation can be found.

A simple and intuitive colour coding system using the Air France colours, subtly guides passengers around the premises. Very aptly, red is for areas of movement and refreshments, and blue for calm, with hushed spaces and subdued lighting. An elegant stairway, featuring wide steps underlined by discrete lighting, leads to the upper level of the Air France Lounge where a similar configuration with a central island for food and refreshments, and side spaces for relaxing awaits. On either side of the central island semi-circular banquettes form lounge areas that are conducive to relaxation but also to conversation, and they’re separated by diaphanous screens in fabric of a slightly irregular weave, lending the space a subtle visual rhythm. Meanwhile, smaller alcoves create a more pronounced break between the social area and the more private spaces.

The wool-covered banquettes provide a deep seat and generous backrest. The leather armchairs offer passengers a warm embrace in their enveloping frame, while their legs, drawn in a single line, accentuate the idea of floating. Connected side tables provide for recharging electronic devices by means of an induction system. And speaking of technology and other amenities, there’s a lot of it that makes any passage through here most enjoyable, including free WiFi, both French and international newspapers, showers, a Clarins treatment area, and of course, a good selection of bubbly. The revamped Air France Lounge is accessible to Air France and KLM business class passengers and Flying Blue Elite Plus members travelling on short haul and medium haul flights within the so-called Schengen Area.