When flying Business Class on Air India out of Terminal 2C at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, lounge access is provided at the Paul Maxence Lounge. This is a contract lounge, and while it’s nothing luxurious or over the top, it offers a quiet, comfortable space to relax before your flight.
Getting to the lounge is relatively straightforward, though not overly obvious. After clearing security in Terminal 2C, you’ll pass through the main duty-free shopping area. Keep to the left and look for a sign indicating lounge access — it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. The lounge is located one level up, accessible via a discreet elevator or escalator near the cosmetics section of duty-free. Once upstairs, a short corridor leads you directly to the lounge entrance.
Upon entering, the first impression is that it’s a modest space—clean, functional, and clearly geared toward providing a peaceful environment rather than a showcase of luxury or extravagance. During my winter visit, the lounge was almost empty, which made for a very calm and serene experience. It was a welcome contrast to the usually hectic terminal outside, and the silence was a standout feature.
The seating is well laid out, with a good mix of options including comfortable lounge chairs, café-style tables, and armchairs. There was plenty of space between seating areas, and many seats were positioned near power outlets, which made it easy to charge devices without having to move around. The lounge was well-maintained and felt tidy throughout.
A unique feature of this lounge is the outdoor patio. It’s a rare addition in airport lounges and gives travelers a chance to get some fresh air before a long flight. It would be an ideal spot to spend time in the warmer months with a little bit of open sky. Unfortunately, during my visit in the dead of winter, it was far too cold to enjoy.
Food and beverage offerings were limited. The buffet consisted of a small selection of cold snacks—some cheese, cold cuts, bread, and pastries. There were also a few hot dishes to choose from. For drinks, there was coffee from a machine, a few juices and soft drinks, and a modest selection of wine and spirits. It was enough to tide you over, but not the kind of offering you’d count on if you arrived especially hungry.
Amenities were basic. The Wi-Fi was free and worked well. Restrooms were located within the lounge and were clean. There were no showers or additional services like nap areas or business facilities, but for a short stay of an hour or two before departure, the essentials were covered. Staff interaction was minimal but courteous. Check-in was quick, and the attendants were helpful when needed.
Overall, the Paul Maxence Lounge doesn’t pretend to be anything extravagant. It’s a quiet, functional space that does the job, especially if your main goal is simply to rest and recharge in peace before your flight. The atmosphere was by far the most pleasant aspect—calm, uncrowded, and comfortable. While the food and amenities were limited, the nice seating and rare bonus of an outdoor terrace added a bit of character to the experience.
If you’re flying Business Class on Air India from Terminal 2C, this lounge is your designated option. It may not leave a lasting impression, but it provides a clean and quiet place to wait for your flight, which is sometimes all you really need.
