Private Barge Cruise in the South of France via Lufthansa First Class
Jun 14, 2015, 9:53 pm
#1
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Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Private Barge Cruise in the South of France via Lufthansa First Class
Mrs. SFO and I are off today to the south of France and a small barge cruise from Béziers to Carcassonne. Plus a day in Paris tomorrow and dinner at one of our Paris faves, Le 114 Faubourg at the Hotel Bristol. But best of all, we are back on our favorite airline, Lufthansa. Since LH has pulled First Class from DEN, we are forced to connect, today via Chicago on United. Miserable rainy weather continues to plague Denver and we are happy to "get out of Dodge".
United First Class Denver-Chicago
United Global First Lounge at ORD
Lufthansa First Class Chicago-Frankfurt
Lufthansa First Class Terminal
Lufthansa Businss Class Frankfurt-Paris
Hotel Esprit St-Germain
Paris and dinner at Le 114 Faubourg
TGV First Class Paris Gare Lyon to Béziers
Belmond Alouette Barge
South of France
Lufthansa Business Class Toulouse-Munich
Lufthansa First Class Munich-Chicago
American Admirals Club ORD
United First Class Chicago-Denver
PreCheck was amazing this morning with only real PreCheck qualified pax today. Despite the gloomy Denver weather, everything was on time at DIA, or at least with our flight.
Denver-Chicago
United 1698
737-800
8:55A-12:15P
June 12, 2015
Seats 3DF
Every now and then, you encounter a real jack*** and today was that day. Guy cuts the Group 1 line right in front of us. Okeedokee.
I'm thinking that Mr. DYKWIA just got his free upgrade and he's now a legend in his own mind. Yeah, that's you fatso in the white jacket.
LOL, Indeed, PLA, I. was upgraded and is sitting in 2A. One of the great things about UA.com and the UA app is that you can see which upgraders are sitting where.
Another United flight, another excellent crew especially First Class FA David. OK, these seats are not the most comfortable but it was only two hours. Wifi worked great today as did personal entertainment system letting you watch movies on your tablets, smartphones etc
Choice of oatmeal or scrambled eggs. The scrambled eggs look like a big improvement from previous United breakfasts. Oatmeal tray was pretty substantial with a nice fruit plate, yogurt and biscuit.
Although there was no milk for the oatmeal until I asked for it. Not sure what anyone else used or perhaps they just ate their oatmeal without milk.
On time arrival in ORD meant we had 3 hours to kill before our Lufthansa flight.
First stop is the United Global First Lounge. Better than the United Club but definitely not even close to the size and comfort of the SFO lounge.
With a surprisingly good selection of alcohol offerings.
And as during our last visit, impressive Far Niente as the house chard.
But pretty pathetic food options, both serve yourself and "made to order".
I had a shrimp cocktail.
And we ordered the prime beef and quiche options both of which were clearly prepared by graduates of the Doug Parker Culinary Academy.
A couple of bites and we headed out to explore Terminal 1 in search of real food.
America's Dog looks like a possibility if all else fails.
And this year's winner of the Biggest Lie contest. Yeah, that looks Economy Plus.
Nothing but garbage in the C concourse, so we headed over to B.
And Rick Bayless' Frontera.
OK, now that was good.
And then back to C and the Global First Lounge.
Where Mrs. SFO eyed dessert.
United First Class Denver-Chicago
United Global First Lounge at ORD
Lufthansa First Class Chicago-Frankfurt
Lufthansa First Class Terminal
Lufthansa Businss Class Frankfurt-Paris
Hotel Esprit St-Germain
Paris and dinner at Le 114 Faubourg
TGV First Class Paris Gare Lyon to Béziers
Belmond Alouette Barge
South of France
Lufthansa Business Class Toulouse-Munich
Lufthansa First Class Munich-Chicago
American Admirals Club ORD
United First Class Chicago-Denver
PreCheck was amazing this morning with only real PreCheck qualified pax today. Despite the gloomy Denver weather, everything was on time at DIA, or at least with our flight.
Denver-Chicago
United 1698
737-800
8:55A-12:15P
June 12, 2015
Seats 3DF
Every now and then, you encounter a real jack*** and today was that day. Guy cuts the Group 1 line right in front of us. Okeedokee.
I'm thinking that Mr. DYKWIA just got his free upgrade and he's now a legend in his own mind. Yeah, that's you fatso in the white jacket.
LOL, Indeed, PLA, I. was upgraded and is sitting in 2A. One of the great things about UA.com and the UA app is that you can see which upgraders are sitting where.
Another United flight, another excellent crew especially First Class FA David. OK, these seats are not the most comfortable but it was only two hours. Wifi worked great today as did personal entertainment system letting you watch movies on your tablets, smartphones etc
Choice of oatmeal or scrambled eggs. The scrambled eggs look like a big improvement from previous United breakfasts. Oatmeal tray was pretty substantial with a nice fruit plate, yogurt and biscuit.
Although there was no milk for the oatmeal until I asked for it. Not sure what anyone else used or perhaps they just ate their oatmeal without milk.
On time arrival in ORD meant we had 3 hours to kill before our Lufthansa flight.
First stop is the United Global First Lounge. Better than the United Club but definitely not even close to the size and comfort of the SFO lounge.
With a surprisingly good selection of alcohol offerings.
And as during our last visit, impressive Far Niente as the house chard.
But pretty pathetic food options, both serve yourself and "made to order".
I had a shrimp cocktail.
And we ordered the prime beef and quiche options both of which were clearly prepared by graduates of the Doug Parker Culinary Academy.
A couple of bites and we headed out to explore Terminal 1 in search of real food.
America's Dog looks like a possibility if all else fails.
And this year's winner of the Biggest Lie contest. Yeah, that looks Economy Plus.
Nothing but garbage in the C concourse, so we headed over to B.
And Rick Bayless' Frontera.
OK, now that was good.
And then back to C and the Global First Lounge.
Where Mrs. SFO eyed dessert.
Jun 14, 2015, 9:54 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Chicago-Frankurt
Lufthansa 431
747-8
3:55P-7:45A +1
June 12, 2015
Departed 6/8
Seats 1A and 1K
At around T-40, a Lufthansa rep came to escort us and one other F pax to the B concourse and our flight.
And a packed Gate B17.
We were escorted by the masses to the front of the line, where we were pre-boarded began less than a minute later.
And our first time in the new 747-8 with First Class in the nose of the main deck. But the nicest surprise was our flight crew including wonderful Mauro, one of LH's best First Class flight attendants and indeed one of their First Class trainers.
Each seat had mac nuts and water and Mauro offered champagne. At the gate today was Pommery. Quite nice and in a substantial and proper champagne glass.
As opposed to American's international "First Class" product. LOL.
Taxiing out to join the line await our turn.
The meh amenity kit although an Escada bag that one could use an a iPad bag if you were really desperate.
After take-off, our amuse bouche.
And a glass of the 2007 Vintage Louis Roederer, much better than April's featured offering. And a much better IFE quality with many more movies than the challenged 744 IFE system.
Today's menu.
And wine list.
Showtime.
Caviar.
The starter cart, today including Seared Scallops and Artichoke Salad, Bresaola wrapped Quince and Manchego seasoned Cole Slaw, Marinated Feta Cheese with Sweet Peppers.
And the start of today's impressive wine tasting experience including the 2013 Anura Stellenbosch Chardonnay and the 2012 Magré Alto Adige Chard.
And Seasonal Fresh Salad with shaved Fennel, Pine Nuts, roasted Red Tomato and Parmesan Cheese.
And the red tasting including the 2007 Ricasoli Casalferro, the 2009 Louis Felipe Edwards LFE900 and the 2008 Chateau Durfort-Vivens Margaux.
Mrs. SFO enjoyed the Poached Lobster, seared Scallops and Shrimp in Puffed Pastry with Lemon Beurre Blanc.
For my main, the heavenly Filet and Lump Crap with Béarnaise Sauce, Asparagus, Baby Carrots and Whipped Potatoes.
Perfectly prepared.
The cheese and dessert cart.
Why not?
And finishing with the Hazelnut Pot de Creme.
Nap time.
Off to the lav to change for a few hours sleep.
With a short 7:35 flight time tonight and our wonderful 90 minute dinner experience, I passed on breakfast and slept until about 45 minutes from landing.
What an absolutely delightful Lufthansa flight with exceptional service, again confirming that, despite the maze that is FRA, Lufthansa is our favorite airline.
Lufthansa 431
747-8
3:55P-7:45A +1
June 12, 2015
Departed 6/8
Seats 1A and 1K
At around T-40, a Lufthansa rep came to escort us and one other F pax to the B concourse and our flight.
And a packed Gate B17.
We were escorted by the masses to the front of the line, where we were pre-boarded began less than a minute later.
And our first time in the new 747-8 with First Class in the nose of the main deck. But the nicest surprise was our flight crew including wonderful Mauro, one of LH's best First Class flight attendants and indeed one of their First Class trainers.
Each seat had mac nuts and water and Mauro offered champagne. At the gate today was Pommery. Quite nice and in a substantial and proper champagne glass.
As opposed to American's international "First Class" product. LOL.
Taxiing out to join the line await our turn.
The meh amenity kit although an Escada bag that one could use an a iPad bag if you were really desperate.
After take-off, our amuse bouche.
And a glass of the 2007 Vintage Louis Roederer, much better than April's featured offering. And a much better IFE quality with many more movies than the challenged 744 IFE system.
Today's menu.
And wine list.
Showtime.
Caviar.
The starter cart, today including Seared Scallops and Artichoke Salad, Bresaola wrapped Quince and Manchego seasoned Cole Slaw, Marinated Feta Cheese with Sweet Peppers.
And the start of today's impressive wine tasting experience including the 2013 Anura Stellenbosch Chardonnay and the 2012 Magré Alto Adige Chard.
And Seasonal Fresh Salad with shaved Fennel, Pine Nuts, roasted Red Tomato and Parmesan Cheese.
And the red tasting including the 2007 Ricasoli Casalferro, the 2009 Louis Felipe Edwards LFE900 and the 2008 Chateau Durfort-Vivens Margaux.
Mrs. SFO enjoyed the Poached Lobster, seared Scallops and Shrimp in Puffed Pastry with Lemon Beurre Blanc.
For my main, the heavenly Filet and Lump Crap with Béarnaise Sauce, Asparagus, Baby Carrots and Whipped Potatoes.
Perfectly prepared.
The cheese and dessert cart.
Why not?
And finishing with the Hazelnut Pot de Creme.
Nap time.
Off to the lav to change for a few hours sleep.
With a short 7:35 flight time tonight and our wonderful 90 minute dinner experience, I passed on breakfast and slept until about 45 minutes from landing.
What an absolutely delightful Lufthansa flight with exceptional service, again confirming that, despite the maze that is FRA, Lufthansa is our favorite airline.
Last edited by SFO777; Jun 16, 2015 at 11:52 pm
Jun 15, 2015, 5:05 am
#5
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,578
Jun 15, 2015, 7:13 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Dubai
Posts: 3,301
Another great start to a very cool SFO777 trip report!
Some amazing food and must be great to sit together in the front of the plane.
Good to see you made full use of the proper glassware and the fine beverages on offer too.
!Some amazing food and must be great to sit together in the front of the plane.
Good to see you made full use of the proper glassware and the fine beverages on offer too
.
Jun 15, 2015, 9:26 am
#9
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA Plat
Posts: 439
Here we go! As always making me jealous, particularly because this trip is combining two of my favorite things...LH F and France. Especially Paris and the south of France! I still need a trip to the various French wine regions. Definitely look forward to the adventure as always. Safe travels! The barge sounds great!
Glad to see you had an excellent crew on this segment!
Glad to see you had an excellent crew on this segment!
