Air France L'Espace 180 was the first in the new wave of first classes with its L'Espace 180. The cabin has three rows of seats in a 2-2 configuration and doesn't look that spacious because there are dividers between each set of seats and the seat backs are very high. When upright, the seats are so straight as to actually be a little uncomfortable, but they aren't made to be sat in stiffly. They are meant to be stretched out in. Small pillows and comfortable navy wool blankets are on the seats when you arrive. A welcome glass of champagne was followed by a slew of little presents, including a toiletry bag of goodies and a very comfortable cotton sleep suit that could pass for daywear at a pinch. On one side of the seat is the phone and on the other is the controls for the in-flight entertainment system. The enormous headphones are permanently wired into the seat, so there is no need to fiddle endlessly with the plug in order to get sound in both ears. The atmosphere was so refined and quiet that I began to feel a little intimidated, but the flight attendants quickly figured out that my French was non-existent, and so spoke flawless English with a comforting smile. Dinner began with an appetiser of trout roe and smoked salmon with horseradish cream and a green salad, and from the four main courses offered I chose the dish of the day - chicken breast with a generous quantity of roquefort sauce as well as chicory and mushrooms. A few glasses of Meursault l'Or Blanc 1991 Louis Max aided the digestion nicely. After that I had cheese and a sorbet. Then I got ready to test the chair. The flight attendants brought out a huge pillow and a long narrow duvet and I made myself comfortable. The speed of recline is very controlled, so it is easy to get the seat back to just the right angle, but this time I was going all the way back. First I brought the legrest up until it stuck out in front of me like a diving board, then I leaned into the seat back and pressed the button. Down and down I went. When the seat would go no further, I found myself lying flat out. There was only a slight dip near the small of my back where the back section connected to the seat, but I was able to get comfortable by putting a small pillow under my back. Then I tuned the headphones to the noise reduction channel and slept until the lights were turned on for breakfast. By CH (The Business Traveler).

Travel in a separate cabin at the front of the aircraft.

Your seat reclines 180° to form a genuine bed.

Mobile screens protect your privacy when sleeping.

State-of-the-art amenities: telephone, in-seat video, noise reducing headset, silent, electronic seat controls, swivel tray.

A duvet and pillow, sleep-suit and slippers are provided free of charge, together with wake-up and amenity kits.

"A la carte" meals include hors d'oeuvres, appetizers, a choice of four hot dishes, cheeses and dessert cart.

Enjoy French regional dishes on flights from Paris.

The exclusive l'Espace 180 wine list changes every three months. Two bars are open throughout the flight, one a smoker's bar on Clean Air Cabin flights.

Exclusive list of mineral waters and teas.

Breakfast provided when you wake up.

Two bars are open throughout the flight, one a smoker's bar on Clean Air Cabin flights.

Your seat reclines 127° for maximum relaxation. According to NASA research, this is the natural angle the body assumes in a state of weightlessness.

State-of-the-art amenities: telephone, in-seat video, noise reducing headset, silent electronic seat controls.

A blanket, pillow and comfort kit are provided.

Fine food: drinks and appetizers, a choice of four hot dishes, a selection of cheeses and desserts.

Enjoy French regional dishes on flights from Paris.

The exclusive l'Espace 127 wine list changes every three months.

Two bars are open throughout the flight, one a smoker's bar on Clean Air Cabin flights.

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