After five years living in CDG, it was finally time to reposition back to EZE. Naturally, I wanted it to be a special journey home. So, like any rational traveler, I booked AF412 (a direct flight in Business Class).
Obviously, I did not.

I bought the tickets back in March for the (future) Mrs. P. and myself. At the time, we weren’t even sure whether our final months would be spent in Zurich or Paris (for Work reasons). Since the fare ex-ZRH was about 25% cheaper, it seemed like a no-brainer. In hindsight, “no-brainer” describes it well .. because what sane person chooses ZRH–CDG–GRU–AEP as a way home after five years abroad, ten checked bags, and a container full of belongings shipped the day before?

In the end, we stayed in Paris. Which meant our routing became CDG–ZRH–CDG–GRU–AEP. Yes, really.

But this being AF La Premičre, everything was handled perfectly. A few weeks out, I contacted the LP service team to confirm we’d have sufficient layover time between ZRH–CDG and CDG–GRU. They arranged two cars: one to take us home upon arrival in Paris, and another to pick us (and the ten pieces of luggage) up later that afternoon.

CDG–ZRH was uneventful; a short hop on the A220, a delay, and a night at the Hyatt Regency The Circle.

ZRH–CDG began with an airport escort who whisked us through security to the Aspire Lounge, into a roped-off corner. They offered champagne, which we politely declined. It was 9 a.m., after all. Naturally, they brought it anyway. My mother always taught me never to be rude, so we did the only polite thing and finished the bottle.

The flight departed slightly late, but not enough to affect the day’s plans. On arrival, we were met by an LP escort in a Cayenne and taken to the Arrivals Lounge. Lunch was mandatory at that point (it was 12:45) and the Coquiette Jambon, Comté et Truffe was, as always, perfect. I asked what champagne they were pouring (just out of curiosity) and, upon hearing it was Femme de Champagne 2002, found myself with “just a glass.” Which somehow evolved into the full bottle. I really must work on saying no (though politeness remains important).

Our LP-arranged S-Class took us back to our apartment, where we faced nine bags, a half-packed flat, a few last-minute errands, and about three hours until the AF car returned to collect us. After a small marathon of packing, goodbyes, and one emergency suitcase purchase (yes, I promise), we were on our way back to CDG.

CDG–GRU started in proper La Premičre style with a pre-arranged visit to Maison Sisley. Mrs. P. wisely chose a one-hour recovery massage, while I opted for a 30-minute facial (also, let’s be honest, an excuse to visit the lounge early).

The main lounge was in fine form, featuring two excellent champagnes: Laurent-Perrier Grand Sičcle and Duval-Leroy Femme de Champagne 2002. While waiting for Madame, I performed a small comparative tasting (purely for scientific reasons) accompanied by some Jamón de Bellota and Comté.

After my spa session, we had dinner together; our “last meal in Paris.” The Boeuf sauce au poivre with purée de pommes de terre was exceptional, as was the Margaux that accompanied it, it was much better than last time I was there in March. For dessert, our superb LP server offered a Baba au Armagnac, finished tableside with Domaine Boingnčres Cépages Nobles 1976 (almost as good as Armagnac Armin). A masterpiece.

She then mentioned they had Hennessy Paradis available and asked if I’d like to compare. I’ve had it before -- and may have a bottle or two at home (well, crossing the Atlantic ocean as we speak)-- but in the name of scientific consistency, I agreed. I assumed she meant a tasting pour. She did not. Two half glasses appeared. Out of respect for both producers, I finished them.

Before long, it was time to board. Our LP host drove us directly to the aircraft, where the best inflight LP experience I’ve had (so far) awaited. The crew already knew this was a special flight for us and immediately offered champagne. I didn’t even ask which one, it was good enough.

Dinner began soon after takeoff. I skipped the soup and salad to stay healthy, moving straight to caviar, paired with Piper-Heidsieck Rare 2006. Before I was halfway through the caviar, Marion, our outstanding FA, announced we were already on the second bottle. “Don’t worry, Mr. P., we have enough stock for the entire flight.” I trusted her.

Next came a Vol-au-Vent de Langoustines, beautifully complemented by both the champagne and a crisp Meursault. Marion suggested I try both and so I obliged. The Meursault won.

The main course, Raviolis de Boeuf ŕ la Cannelle, paired well with a Châteauneuf-du-Pape (and, of course, a little more champagne, just in case). I skipped dessert, settling instead for one of the “new” L’Alchimiste mocktails. It was fine but not memorable. Marion, ever thoughtful, suggested a cognac “to cleanse the palate.” I didn’t argue.

I slept for eight solid hours, to me, La Premičre’s bed remains the best in the skies. Mrs. P. woke me 90 minutes before landing for breakfast. Normally, I just take coffee, and I initially declined food. Then I remembered AR (for GRU–AEP) doesn’t really serve anything substantial, so I asked if any caviar remained from dinner. “Of course,” Marion smiled, “but it should be served with champagne.” And so the fourth bottle was opened.

A double caviar service and another round of bubbles later, we began circling due to storms in Săo Paulo. The purser came by to inform us we’d be diverting to Rio. I did my best to look disappointed, though inside I was quietly delighted at the prospect of a few extra hours of LP. Sadly, twenty minutes later, the diversion was canceled, and we resumed course to GRU.

As we began our descent, Marion returned with the bottle, pouring the last drops. “I’m glad we didn’t go to Rio, Mr. P.,” she said. “We just ran out of champagne for you.”

GRU–AEP began smoothly with AF LP’s ground team waiting at the gate, escorting us through security and to the GOL Lounge in Terminal 2. Only three hours to kill, during which Mrs. P. managed some last-minute shopping — apparently five years in France hadn’t been enough. They even Whatsapped me to let me know that our 10 bags had been loaded on the AR flight, this is LP at its finest.

The AR flight was, well, AR. Decent recliner seat in regional J, supermarket sandwich, no alcohol. I abstained. Besides, there was a welcome asado and some rare Malbecs waiting that evening.

After five years, it feels good to be home.

Merci, Paris, for everything.



Arrival at CDG

Beautiful Arrivals Lounge and Coquiette

Lugagge

delightful FdC

Not Armin, but pas mal

why not?

The best is yet to come

Raviolis de Boeuf

Morning Caviar service

2nd serve

Au revoir!