Star Alliance Lounge at Charles de Gaulle Airport

As airports modernize and expand, the opportunity to reimagine lounges has never been greater. To meet travelers’ needs, airport lounges are becoming social hubs that reflect their location’s unique culture and character. Designing a world-class lounge at Charles de Gaulle Airport demanded an authentic Parisian identity aligned with Star Alliance’s brand and a vision for future travel. The challenge: create an intimate, layered experience by maximizing natural light, creating distinct destinations within an open footprint, and selecting local, sustainable materials.

Gensler’s design blends Parisian heritage with modernity throughout the 14,000-square-foot space. An all-glass façade floods interiors with natural light. Four distinct destinations — the Champagne Bar, Wine Room, Winter Garden, and Tea Salon — each offer unique seating and amenities. Custom fabrics, French-designed lighting, and sustainably sourced materials reinforce local authenticity and brand identity. Private work cabins and shower suites address the full spectrum of leisure and business traveler needs.

The lounge evokes a Parisian spirit and sets a new benchmark for place-based hospitality design — 40% of the materials are French-origin, 70% of the furniture is French-designed, and 100% of the accessories are sourced from French artisans. Since opening, the lounge has recorded a 70% increase in guest ratings and a 15% rise in visitors. Named Skytrax World’s Best Airline Alliance Lounge in 2024 and 2025, back-to-back recognition affirms design as a driver of lasting commercial and experiential impact.