Passengers departing on an international flight from Terminal 1 at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport have a new lounge to visit.
As of October 13, 2023, the new Star Alliance Lounge Paris is open to the public.
I had the opportunity to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new lounge, and I’d like to share my initial impressions before writing an organic review at some point in the near future.
The New Star Alliance Lounge Paris
Paris Charles de Gaulles Airport has a brand new Star Alliance Lounge that’s now open to the public.
The new Star Alliance Lounge Paris is located after security in Terminal 1 of Paris Charles de Gaulles Airport. Eligible passengers departing on international flights from gates 10–38 will enjoy access to the lounge.
Passengers who can enjoy complimentary access to the lounge are as follows:
- Guests travelling in First Class on a Star Alliance airline
- Guests travelling in business class on a Star Alliance airline
- Guests with Star Alliance Gold status travelling in any class of service on a Star Alliance airline
- Guests with an eligible United Club membership
Designed by architecture firm Gensler, who was also responsible for the Star Alliance Lounge Los Angeles, the lounge can accommodate over 300 guests across 1,300 square metres.
The Star Alliance Lounge Paris was inspired by Parisian aesthetics, which is reflected in its many arched doorways and wall mouldings, as well as local artwork and photographs of Paris.
Guests at the lounge can enjoy plenty of natural light and runway views, with a glass façade that spans the entirety of the lounge.
Some of the standout features of the lounge include the Wine Bar, which features Gerard Bertrand wines from the south of France, the Tea Salon, which offers teas sourced from around the world, private work cabins, and spacious shower suites.
This lounge becomes the seventh Star Alliance Lounge worldwide, and the second in Paris. The other Star Alliance Lounge is located prior to security, and serves guests departing on intra-Schengen flights from gates 50–78.
As it stands, 20 Star Alliance airlines service Paris Charles de Gaulle, with 464 weekly flights to 34 destinations across 22 countries.
Inside the New Star Alliance Lounge Paris
To access the Star Alliance Lounge Paris, take an elevator up from the concourse area. You’ll then pass through a long hallway that runs past an outdoor smoking area, and arrive at the entrance to the lounge.
For entry, simply scan your boarding pass at the electronic gates, or speak with the staff member at the check-in desk.
Seating
Upon entering the lounge, you’re greeted by the Welcome Bar, which has seating areas on either side.
To its left is an area with couches, chairs, and low-lying tables. This area has a direct view of the tarmac, as with most other rooms in the lounge.
To the right of the Welcome Bar are pairs of seats and high-top seating overlooking the runway.
Moving further to the right, you’ll pass by a long black-and-white photograph of Paris and the entrance to the VIP area, before turning a corner to find the Wine Bar and another seating area. At the corner, a pair of TVs display flight departure information.
Just opposite from the Wine Bar, there are four booths set into the wall, as well as an open seating area which leads to the main dining area.
Moving back to the lounge’s entrance and heading to the left, you’ll find a large seating area on the right-hand side, with pairs of seats facing each other. A row of recliners face the windows, with an ottoman for resting your feet.
Directly opposite from here is an elevated seating area, which has a large table and pairs of cafeteria-style seats. Walking through this area, you’ll eventually get through to the outdoor terrace.
The centrepiece on the outdoor terrace is one of two opal sculptures by Gabriel Sobin, a sculptor from the south of France.
On the terrace, you can take a seat at one of the seats in the middle, or along benches that line the exterior of the space.
Heading back inside, the Tea Salon is located to the left, just before the shower and restroom area.
On the inside and outside of the curved area surrounding the Tea Salon, you’ll find banquettes with colourful stools and coffee tables. On the exterior side, there’s another small seating area, with Parisian artwork hanging above.
On the opposite side of the Tea Salon, you’ll find booths with fixed tables available for placing a drink or a device. Another set of high-top seating faces against the Tea Salon.
It’s worth noting that there are USB-A, USB-C, and power outlets at nearly every seat, and wireless charging is also available on some surfaces throughout the lounge.
Overall, I thought the design of the lounge’s seating to be elegant, functional, and very pleasing to the eye. I particularly enjoy the use of colour in the lounge, as well as the ample natural light and runway views.
Dining
The main dining area is set up at the far right of the lounge. Here, you’ll find a row of high-top seats facing the tarmac, as well as tables set up for smaller groups.
In the middle of the dining area, there’s an island, which also has wireless charging available nearby.
The buffet area features hot and cold buffet options that span the length of the wall.
Closer to the entrance to the dining area, you’ll find a nook with an automatic coffee maker, as well as a fridge stocked with beer and soft drinks.
Bars
There are two bars at the Star Alliance Lounge Paris: the Welcome Bar, and the Wine Bar.
Immediately upon entry, you’re greeting by the Welcome Bar. Here, you can have a cocktail whipped up by a bartender, or enjoy a glass of wine or beer.
The Wine Bar is housed in a separate glass enclosure just next to the main dining area.
Here, you can enjoy some Gerard Bertrand wines from the south of France. Inside the Wine Bar are cozy wingtip chairs, as well as a pairing menu which suggests options to enjoy with your food.
Other Facilities
In the seating area just behind the Tea Salon, you’ll find a handful of enclosed work spaces available to use.
As you open the door, a light automatically comes on, and you can get set up to work in the comfort and privacy of your own space. These are great spots to take phone calls, so as to not disturb other guests in the lounge.
The restrooms are located next to the Tea Salon, to the left and right of a stunning opal sculpture.
The men’s room has floor-to-ceiling windows that face the tarmac, and it’s a very beautiful space.
There are four shower suites located in a separate hallway, including one accessible shower room. Inside, you’ll find a spacious shower, bath amenities by Sothy’s, a toilet, and a vanity.
Lastly, close to the shower suites is a Wellness Space. Inside, there’s just a chair and a desk, and I wasn’t quite sure what its use is intended for.
Conclusion
Overall, I found the Star Alliance Lounge Paris to be an absolutely gorgeous space, and I can’t wait to return here for an organic visit at some point in the future.
The lounge has plenty of functional seating areas to cater to all guests, as well as thoughtfully designed work areas and ample natural light. I also appreciate the lounge’s unique features, such as the Wine Bar, Tea Salon, and outdoor terrace, which make it more of an experience, rather than just a place to sit.
If you have an international flight departing from Terminal 1 at Paris Charles de Gaulle, be sure to pop by the Star Alliance Lounge – you’re in for a real treat.
