This summer, Paris’ Palais de Tokyo is as busy as ever with the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As the host of several hospitality events this summer, the contemporary art center has been transformed for Paris’ Olympic programming. Among the institution’s events is the world of Air France, an official partner of the Olympics, blending culinary excellence, sustainable fashion, cultural experiences, and travel.
Enhancing the Olympic Experience
Installation view of Air France at Palais de Tokyo, © Air France.
From July 27–August 11, Air France welcomes visitors to their Palais de Tokyo pop-up location, offering a restaurant, exhibition space, and a collection of new items. The French airline celebrates its home country’s position in the global spotlight as this year’s Olympics host, an event that has made Paris a hotspot for both global sports and French tourism this summer. As the Palais is located in close proximity to several sporting events this season, the pop-up space serves as a worthy pit stop for visitors in between Olympic events.
Renowned Chefs Uplift French Savoir-Faire with Air France
Air France Restaurant at Palais de Tokyo, © Air France.
With a menu curated by three Michelin-starred French chef Arnaud Lallement, the pop-up’s cuisine includes chicken, fish, and vegetarian options for all guests to enjoy. The dessert menu also includes contributions from celebrated pastry chef Nina Métayer, who was most recently voted “World’s Best Pastry Chef 2024” in World’s 50 Best Restaurants Ranking. With their creative contributions, both Lallement and Métayer nod to France’s culinary patrimony, providing visitors with unique tastes of French savoir-faire.
Air France Restaurant at Palais de Tokyo, © Air France.
The Air France restaurant seats up to 80 guests in its Palais de Tokyo space and proposes a memorable dining experience reminiscent of an Air France flight in the sky. The restaurant serves meals in the traditional French order, including an appetizer, starter, main course, cheese and a dessert. The aviation-style tableware, created by French designer Jean-Marie Massaud, presents servings in Air France’s classic format and further invokes the spirit of travel.
An Air France Exhibition Space
Installation view of Air France at Palais de Tokyo, © Air France.
In addition to their restaurant experience, the 850 square meter pop-up also features an exhibition space dedicated to Air France’s legacy and goals for the future. The Palais de Tokyo exhibition celebrates the airline’s newest business cabin design, debuting the newest structural updates that enhance an Air France travel experience. The show also displays the billowing red dress with an “endless train,” designed by Rabih Kayrouz and featured in the French airline’s brand video.
Visitors can also enter the airline’s iconic long-haul Airbus A350 for a virtual reality simulation that mimics an aviation cockpit. This immersive experience deepens their appreciation of Air France’s commitment to aviation excellence.
Complete with a Souvenir Shop
Installation view of Air France at Palais de Tokyo, © Air France.
To top off their celebration, Air France presents “Welcome to all Fans,” a new collection of branded items on sale at their Palais de Tokyo location and online. In collaboration with French textile recovery and recycling company Weturn and sustainable fashion specialist Lynx Studios, the airline presents a new pair of “I used to be an airplane seat” sneakers in the airline’s signature navy color. The shoes, made in Portugal, feature renewed fabrics that match the seat covers of the Airbus A380s that Air France piloted until 2020.
Other products in Air France’s new “Welcome to All Fans” array include collectible upcycled items, designer objects, travel accessories, luggage, toys, model aircrafts, notebooks, and more.
