FRANCE: Eurostar opened its relocated Business Premier lounge at Paris-Nord on February 4. Accessed after passengers pass through an expanded security and passport control area, the lounge is intended to offer a ‘stylish, comfortable environment for both working and relaxing’. The facility on the top floor of the original 19th century station building features high ceilings, marble fireplaces and intimate snugs designed to ‘capture the spirit of a Parisian apartment’.
Relocating the lounge ‘enabled us to transform the traveller’s journey’, according to Christopher Bagot, director of London-based architects Softroom. ‘We've re-imagined the striking architecture of the original building, and created a series of different spaces to suit all occasions. From the light-filled working area, to the relaxing cocktail bar, the lounge offers a flexible environment to suit all needs.’
Moving of the lounge also creates more space in the rest of the Eurostar terminal, which is being upgraded as part of an eight-year remodelling of Paris-Nord being managed by SNCF Gares & Connexions.
Free wi-fi, USB sockets and wireless chargers are provided for passengers wanting to work, while for those looking to relax there is a circular black and gold bar offering cocktails designed by London Cocktail Club.
Passengers can help themselves to canapés, salad, juices and hot and cold snacks chosen by Michelin star chef and Eurostar Business Premier Culinary Director Raymond Blanc, while a ‘bespoke tea’ is supplied by British producer Tregothnan.
‘The opening of the new business lounge in Paris is part of a wide-reaching programme of investment in our stations and our service’, said Eurostar CEO Nicolas Petrovic. ‘With its elegant design, calm environment and digital connectivity, the lounge will provide an unrivalled level of style and comfort for our business customers.’
- An interview with Patrick Ropert, CEO of SNCF Gares & Connexions, will appear in the March issue of Railway Gazette International magazine.
