Air France has unveiled an exclusive summer pop-up restaurant atop Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, offering travelers a ground-based taste of its acclaimed long-haul business class dining experience. The eighth-floor venue pairs panoramic Parisian views with culinary creations by Michelin-starred chefs, recreating the airline’s signature in-flight gastronomy for land-bound patrons.
Michelin-Starred Meets Mile-High Dining
Three-Michelin-starred chef Régis Marcon and celebrated pastry chef Nina Metayer have curated menus identical to those served in Air France’s premium cabins. Their collaboration with airline caterer Servair ensures authentic reproduction of business class dishes, from Camargue lemon risotto with carrot-orange sauce to chicken with morel mushroom sauce, all plated on Jean-Marie Massaud-designed tableware matching the airline’s sophisticated inflight presentation.
Designed for Discerning Travelers
The 20-seat establishment channels Air France’s aviation aesthetic through its navy, white and red color scheme, mirroring the carrier’s airport lounges. Two intimate lunch services daily provide an oasis above Paris’ bustle, complemented by an outdoor terrace with sun loungers framing vistas from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre. This follows the airline’s successful 2024 Olympic Games pop-up at Palais de Tokyo, further blending aviation hospitality with Parisian cultural landmarks.
Elevating Ground-Based Service Standards
Servair’s culinary team executes precise “cloud-like” service protocols matching airline operations, including sequenced multi-course presentation and sommelier-curated beverage pairings. The experience demonstrates how premium airline catering translates to terrestrial fine dining, with cheese selections and desserts like Métayer’s signature pastries completing the journey from takeoff to dessert course.
Strategic Brand Extension
The pop-up represents Air France’s innovative approach to:
- Showcasing inflight dining investments to potential premium travelers
- Strengthening association between French gastronomy and national carrier identity
- Creating shareable moments that enhance digital engagement
By offering ground access to typically air-exclusive experiences, the airline builds aspiration while demonstrating the quality justifying business class fares.
Future of Hybrid Travel Experiences
Industry analysts note such initiatives may preview broader convergence between airline and luxury hospitality sectors. As carriers compete beyond seat hardware, Air France’s culinary pop-ups establish its dining as a destination-worthy attraction, potentially influencing how premium travel brands leverage physical spaces for customer engagement beyond traditional touchpoints. The Galeries Lafayette collaboration runs through summer 2024, with future locations under consideration.
