Drift along the Seine on a Paris river cruise, raise a glass in the vineyards of Champagne, or lose yourself along the sun-kissed Mediterranean coast. It’s no wonder France features on so many Australians’ bucket lists.
Even better? The expanded partnership between Qantas and Air France now opens the door to even more French destinations across the Qantas network. More destinations mean more ways for Qantas Frequent Flyers to turn their Points into an unforgettable French escape.
I’ve been invited as a guest of Qantas, Air France, Atout France, Choose Paris regional tourism board and the Tourist Office of Montpellier on a journey through two of France’s most captivating cities — the sun-soaked charm of Montpellier and the timeless allure of Paris.
A More Comfortable Way to Fly from Perth to Paris
I previously touched on the Business Class experience flying from Perth to Paris in an earlier article, but this time I’m taking a different seat — Premium Economy. It may not be the pointy end of the plane, but on an ultra-long-haul journey like this, comfort still matters. So how does Qantas’ Premium Economy stack up on one of its longest routes? I was keen to find out.
Qantas segments its cabins incredibly well. The Premium Economy offering is ‘premium’ enough to be visibly and practically more comfortable than Economy. But not too premium that it cannibalises the Business Class offering. Just take a look at the images below comparing the Economy and Premium Economy cabins to see the extra space Premium Economy offers.
Beyond the seats, the dining experience is a clear step up from Economy. Specifically, the more generous main course and thoughtfully paired side dishes. I opt for the slow-braised lamb in white wine, and it does not disappoint. Rich, tender and full of flavour, it’s served alongside creamy polenta and crisp green beans. I am not left wanting.
A smooth onward connection
I manage seven restful hours of sleep, and before long, the breakfast service is cleared, and we’re descending into Charles de Gaulle Airport. But Paris isn’t our final destination today. Instead, we’re continuing to the Mediterranean city of Montpellier, one of the newest French destinations added to the Qantas codeshare network.
The airport is quiet when we land, and we breeze through passport control. With my bags tagged through to Montpellier, it should be a simple walk to the gate for our onward Air France flight.
In theory, at least.
A few of my media companions only had their bags tagged to Paris. As such, this necessitated a detour to collect luggage and re-check it at the domestic terminal. If you’re flying on an Air France codeshare booked through Qantas, always double-check that your bags are tagged through to your final destination.
Montpellier, a Mediterranean paradise
For an early November arrival, the weather is unexpectedly warm. I wear a light jumper in the morning, but shed it by midday as I start to break into a sweat. As we arrive, I can already feel the relaxing vibes of Montpellier, especially as we step into the main foyer of Domaine de Verchant, our home for the next few days.
The hotel is instantly captivating. A sleek, modern foyer showcases the contrast between the relaxed, beach feel and the rolling French vineyards that surround it. Set within a sprawling 50-hectare estate, Domaine de Verchant is home to the acclaimed Marcelle restaurant, an indulgent 2,000-square-metre spa, and beautifully appointed rooms.
If you seek to combine sightseeing with a relaxing break, the Merchante de Verchant is an ideal base. Located near the centre of Montpellier, it also offers many amenities to help you feel worlds away from the bustle of everyday life.
A captivating city
Montpellier is a quintessential French city. Historical French architecture is plentiful, and I take in many of the city’s landmarks in our scheduled walking tour. I especially love the narrow French streets and alleyways, and, of course, the Vespas.
We visit the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montpellier, which is renowned as the world’s oldest continuously practising medical school, established in the 12th century. The architecture and history inside are impressive and well worth a visit.
Also worth visiting is one of the city’s many boulangeries. We were fortunate to be taken to one of the city’s popular Des Reves et du Pain, and we also received an excellent back-of-house tour. I now understand why French pastries are among the best in the world! We watch as bread is prepared in an old coal-fired oven, which takes around 15 minutes. We go down three levels and watch the different prep stations at work, from pastries to breads and cakes. This boulangerie is a very professional outfit.
A must-see attraction
But the true highlight for me is The Mikvé, otherwise known as the medieval mikvah. Dating back to the 13th century, this ceremonial Jewish pool is steeped in history.
What I really love about this site is its story. The entrance was sealed off centuries ago and only rediscovered by chance in recent years. As such, it stands as not only one of the oldest Jewish ritual pools in existence but also one of the best-preserved anywhere in the world.
Fed by an underground water table, the Mikvé is deeply symbolic, reflecting the Jewish community’s enduring historical ties to Montpellier. Stepping inside genuinely feels like travelling back through centuries. And it’s an absolute must-visit for anyone exploring the city.
A visit to Montpellier is not complete without visiting the famous L’Abre restaurant. It is located in a building with distinctive architecture, to say the least. The building looks like it’s part of a Jenga game, except with white blocks instead of wooden ones. The restaurant is two stories tall and offers the best of French cuisine, so I take the opportunity to try some. In particular, the escargo. It takes me a while to get the courage to down some, but once I do, I’m not disappointed. The taste? It tasted like garlic chicken, to be honest. If you can get past the mental block of eating snails, these are actually delicious. But I have to admit that I didn’t fully get past the block in this sitting.
Picturesque Paris always impresses
With Qantas flying directly from Perth to Paris, this iconic metropolis should earn a place on any travel itinerary, and for good reason. From a romantic cruise along the Seine, to the unmistakable silhouette of the Eiffel Tower, or simply the endlessly entertaining ritual of people-watching from a Parisian café, the city offers something for every kind of traveller.
As evening falls, I set out on foot to visit Paris’s most celebrated landmarks. Naturally, I begin with the Eiffel Tower. Against a clear night sky, it glows like a luminous beacon, clearly showcasing the city’s grandeur. Then, at the hour, the tower comes alive in a sea of sparkling lights. It’s a simple addition to the Eiffel Tower’s attraction, yet utterly captivating.
But if I had to choose a favourite landmark, it’s definitely the Arc de Triomphe. Beyond its striking architectural presence, the real entertainment unfolds from the top, where you can watch the traffic drama play out below.
Calling it organised chaos is an understatement. Cars surge in every direction, horns blare, and lane markings seem more like polite suggestions than rules. This is especially daunting for cars in the inner lanes trying to cross five streams of traffic. The mayhem is so legendary that French insurers reportedly operate under an unofficial 50/50 fault rule to avoid endless disputes. It’s mesmerising, mildly terrifying, and utterly unforgettable — a uniquely Parisian experience.
Hotel Le Belmont is a great accommodation option
My Paris stay is at Hotel Le Belmont, ideally positioned just a short stroll from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées. The rooms strike a great mix between classic French elegance and contemporary touches, giving the space a distinctly premium feel.
The rooms are on the smaller side, but for a hotel in the very heart of Paris, they’re actually more generous than many inner-city European stays I’ve experienced.
My favourite detail is the petite balcony overlooking a Parisian street below. Standing there, I feel like I’ve stepped straight into a movie scene. Inside, the bed is firm and comfortable, while the bathroom is modern and surprisingly spacious, with enough room to move around and store toiletries without juggling.
Overall, Hotel Le Belmont is a stylish, well-located base and a genuinely excellent choice for a stay in Paris.
One day in Paris is devoted to two iconic experiences: Hôtel de la Marine and Le Cordon Bleu.
The former is a magnificent 18th-century palace set in the very heart of Paris. From the moment I step inside, the grandeur is unmistakable. Wandering through the palace on a self-guided audio tour is nothing short of captivating. Each room showcases the palace’s royal furnishings, which once housed the Al Thani Collection, one of the world’s most prestigious private collections. A visit here is both immersive and truly special.
Masterclass at the world’s best culinary school
But if you’re a foodie at heart, then there is Le Cordon Bleu. Founded in 1895, the school has long been a global leader in culinary arts and hospitality education. Students can participate in a range of demonstrations and workshops, from wine and tea tastings to full-dinner experiences.
I’ll be the first to admit that cooking isn’t exactly my strong suit, but even so, I thoroughly enjoy my workshop. The instructors are masters of their craft and have both the patience and passion for a novice like me. By the end, even I walk away with newfound confidence and a surprisingly impressive new set of skills.
Getting to France using Qantas Points
The expanded partnership between Qantas and Air France unlocks even more value for travellers. These include the ability to book flights through to Montpellier on a single itinerary using your Qantas Points. Better still, I’m able to find Classic Reward Flight availability across all three cabins on the Dreamliner: Economy, Premium Economy and Business.
Points pricing ranges from 70,400 to 172,800 Qantas Points, depending on the cabin you choose, with taxes, fees and charges scaling accordingly. At the time of writing, these range from $355 to $740, which remains an attractive option for a seamless journey deep into France.
One of the most significant advantages of booking a codeshare destination on a single ticket is the convenience it offers. Your checked baggage can be tagged right through to your final French destination, eliminating the need to collect bags in Paris and recheck them for your domestic connection. It’s a genuine time-saver, reduces stress, and opens up even more ways to maximise your Qantas Points. This is a clear win for Qantas Frequent Flyer members seeking more value from their rewards.
Summing up
The expansion of the Qantas-Air France partnership is an excellent win for Qantas Frequent Flyers, as it creates more opportunities to redeem Qantas Points in France. And if you decide to take advantage of these added destinations, Montpellier is a beautiful place to visit. Located in southern France along the Mediterranean coast, it offers near year-round sunshine and warm weather, especially in summer.
And of course, there is Paris, the city of love. From visiting historic sites such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, to taking a river cruise along the Seine, there is something for everyone.
Daniel was a guest of Qantas, Air France, Atout France, Choose Paris and the Tourist Office of Montpellier.
