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Air France L'espace Affaires Business Class
 Sophisticated, stylish, efficient and comfortable are all adjectives that come to mind when crossing the Atlantic onboard an Air France Boeing 777 in "l'espace affaires" Business Class. With four daily flights from JFK alone and departures from a variety of US cities, this historic airline continues to offer high service standards and the most flights from North America to France.
With an enormous hub at CDG airport near Paris, Air France offers business travelers extensive connections throughout Europe. Be advised, the shear size of the CDG operation, not unlike Heathrow, does not always make for quick connections. I had a very long walk from my arrivals gate in terminal 2F to the Air France international arrivals lounge in terminal 2C. With private shower facilities, comfortable waiting area, a complimentary back massage provided by Clarins and a selection of French pastries, ultimately the walk was well worth it. I was refreshed, rested and ready for my Air France connection to Lisbon later that day.
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| Air France Fashion |
Be advised, I noticed several homeless people inhabiting the airport terminals, so be alert, protect your belongings (even in the Air France Lounges) and don't let your guard down while connecting at any major airport!
In-flight, Air France "l'espace affaires" service was attentive, efficient and relaxing. Big comfy business class seats with lots of legroom made traveling in the spacious Boeing aircraft very comfortable. The Air France in-flight magazine seemed more a French fashion journal than a typical airline magazine with far more copy devoted to life style than travel information. Flight attendants wear chic uniforms and on my flight, all of them looked like fashion models.
Dinner started with Snow crab salad served with a generous portion of chilled smoked salmon. The breads and baguettes were very French and delicious. The main course included a choice of Pan-seared beef with potatoes and sugar snap peas or a fillet of sole rolled together with salmon, flavored with saffron and poached in white wine, served with risotto and steamed spinach. Meals are simple, flavorful and just right.
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| Air France Supper |
Salmon and Sole |
As one would expect from the French airline, the wine offerings were superior with more space in the menu devoted to the wine list and descriptions of each wine than to the food. On our flight no less than four offerings were available:
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| France Wine Cellar |
French Cheeses |
Champagne
De Venoge Brut Select Cordon Bleu... a sparkling wine with a classic blend of grapes including Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay
White Burgundy
Chalonnais Rully 2003 Domaine Jaffellin... produced from Chardonnay grapes this white wine is the ideal companion to Baltic salads, fish terrines and goat cheese.
Southwestern Red
Madiran Chateau de Bouscasse 2000 Alain Brumont... Driven from the Tannat grape, this historic domaine is located in the heart of the appellation, the village of Maumusson. It goes well with lamb amd beef as well as game.
Red Bordeaux
Medoc Chateau La Clare 2002 Cru Bourgeois Jean Guyon... A strong Merlot presence gives a nicely aged texture that harmonizes well with veal and roasted poultry.
All were excellent and reflect the quality of the Air France Business Class experience... crossing oceans and continents in style!
For more information about Air France "l'espace affaires" log onto www.AirFrance.com.
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| Smoked Salmon |
Steak with Snap Peas |
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