Getting to Paris best part of romantic city

Novotel Paris Tour Eiffel (left photo) is located in the heart of Paris, opposite the Seine River and a short distance from the Eiffel Tower while at the mouth-savoring.

Air France-KLM offers premium experience on night flight to Western Europe

By Lim Mee-young

I was in a business-class seat onboard a KLM airplane, bound for Amsterdam in early hours of Dec. 1, as a sort of long transit to Paris.

Since it was my first time to travel in business class, I had no way to tell how different the accommodation on the KLM’s Boeing 747 plane is from that of other carriers.

But one thing I can say for sure is I had such a great time during the 10-hour flight from Incheon to the capital city of the Netherlands.

I was amazed by how comfortable plane seats are and how delicious in-flight meals can be. In addition to the up-to-date, innovative products and services, I was well taken care of by cabin crew who did their best to serve me and other passengers with all their hearts.

This latest trip to Paris was going to be something special since I was assured that I would be well rested and ready when I got to Paris after spending quality time in Amsterdam.

Ciel de Paris restaurant on the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower, it’s always show time.

Ambiance, comfort, more

The anticipation and experience began as I walked into the cabin on the night flight which was launched on Oct. 29 by Air France-KLM to European destinations from Incheon, becoming the first European airline to do so.

As soon as I got onboard, I entered into a light-filled, sober and elegant cabin. Each seat discretely featured delicate red overstitching symbolic of the company’s colors.

New cushions in an original design underscore the cabin’s color scheme and add a contemporary touch.

These cushions are randomly placed on all the seats and are conducive to relaxation and well-being. A fleece blanket, headphones, refreshing towelette and eye-mask also contribute to the customers’ well-being.

I was told by the flight attendant that the meal service has also been upgraded, with a second hot dish and new gourmet offer such as candies and ice-cream to make the trip even more pleasant and enjoyable.

Available on board since Sept. 1, 2013, the new dining menu is presented in eco-concept tableware created by the Catalan designer Eugeni Quitllet.

Meals like no other

On long-haul flights, Air France’s meal service combines quality, balanced and original dishes. During the aperitif, champagne, wine, fruit juice and many other beverages (alcoholic or not) are available for passengers, accompanied by savory biscuits.

A little bit of champagne, some movie-catching and a couple of games amid on-and-off naps took me safely to Amsterdam and beyond to Paris.

The naps came on and off mainly because of the cinema, games, music, TV series and many other programs make the trip a genuine moment of pleasure.

With over 1,000 hours of programs available on demand, the contents of this new in-flight entertainment system simply let time fly.

There was an extensive movie selection. Apparently, the programs are modified each, paying particular attention to its young passengers, who can select from a wide selection specially designed for them.

Since this autumn, I was told, Air France passengers have been able to enjoy their films as well as the entire in-flight entertainment offer from the moment they board until they arrive at their destination.

Finally, in Paris

Once I landed in the city of romance, I moved quickly to Novotel Paris Tour Eiffel which is a located in the heart of Paris, opposite the Seine River and a short distance from the Eiffel Tower.

It is ideal for business travel, meetings and seminars, as well as for weekends in Paris as a couple or with family or quite alone with anticipation, in my case.

The hotel is situated in the center of Paris close to the Champs Elysees, the Louvre and Notre-Dame. It has two restaurants, a bar, indoor pool and fitness room. Free WIFI and secure parking.

The hotel offers rooms with views of Paris and the Seine River which are perfect for families. It has a Japanese restaurant with a sushi bar overlooking the Seine.

But on the first night in Paris, I opted to head for the Ciel de Paris restaurant on the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower where it’s always show time, and every day and every night is different.

The secret is Paris on the big screen, when the golden colors of the City of Light bounce off the rounded lines and sensual materials of the newly refurbished restaurant, designed as a soft, deep bubble of amber light.

Waiting for next trip

From the picture windows to the central bar, a succession of faceted mirrors picks up the reflections, sometimes dark, sometimes dazzling, that transform the views.

Eyes take in the space which, in turn, reveals its many secrets. Then Paris sparkles at its most alluring, giving a unique and often magical moment, always warm and festive, of pleasures shared between the senses of sigh and taste and conviviality.

While it was a short trip, it reminded me of how Paris has a tendency of drawing people back with all of its beauty, history and romance. It would have been nicer if I could have spent a little more time walking around Montparnasse and Champs Elysees and taking in more of the cool winter air, but there will always be a next time.

The good part of it was that I still had that flight back home which I knew I would take advantage of more than the first time.