Air France is holding a show in the heart of Paris during the Olympic Games. Is it to remind us that, on 9 August 2021, it was an Air France plane that brought the flag with the five rings from the Japanese capital to Paris, or rather because of the ideal location of the Palais de Tokyo, close to numerous Olympic sites? In any case, Air France has chosen this major Parisian cultural venue to showcase its world, in over 850 m² of space open to all, free of charge, from 27 July to 11 August 2024, from 10.30am to 6pm.
Greeted at the top of the stairs by the long red dress designed by Rabih Kayrouz and featured in the company's film, avgeeks and visitors from all over the world can discover the comfort of the new Business cabinwith sliding door for added privacy. Or take the controls of an Airbus A350, the flagship of the long-haul fleet, through a fun virtual reality experience. Or, for those who aren't familiar with them, discover Air France's commitments to sustainable development and decarbonisation through an educational trail.
But this immersion would not be complete without highlighting one of Air France's key points, its gastronomic offer, with an 80-seat restaurant open for lunch. This is an opportunity to enjoy the menu created for passengers in the long-haul Business cabin by chef Arnaud Lallement, who has three Michelin stars at the Assiette champenoise in Tinqueux. An experience "just like on a plane", served on the same meal tray as in Business, with the same tableware created for Air France by designer Jean-Marie Massaud.
Mise en bouche, starter, main course and cheeses, dessert by Nina Métayer, recently voted best pastry chef in the world, a selection of wines, champagnes and other beverages concocted by Xavier Thuizat, the airline's new head sommelier who works at the Crillon every day: business travellers used to travelling the world in the Business cabin will find their habits on the ground, while those who have not had the chance to frequent the cabin will be able to discover the quality on offer. All this for 85 euros including drinks and on reservation.
On your way out, do a bit of shopping around the new collection of Air France branded itemsThe brand's new website, shopping.airfrance.com, went on sale at the end of July. Collectable items for fans of the airline, including mugs, luggage tags, posters and tote bags, as well as limited-edition creations offered exclusively at the Palais de Tokyo, such as these trainers "I used to be a plane seat. Or how to recycle what was intended for the Airbus A380s, abandoned by the company like many others at the start of the pandemic. In the airline's colours, they are made from new fabrics, originally intended for the renewal of the seat covers on the giant aircraft.
After this experience at the Palais de Tokyo, Air France will continue to exhibit its products and services during the Paralympic Games at SPOT24, the visitor centre of Paris je t'aime, the city of Paris' tourist office, located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
