Emily in Paris may have flown to Rome for her latest bash, but Lucien Laviscount, who plays the British charming love interest Alfie, remains in Paris. Here’s his take on the city of lights.
What’s your favorite part of Paris?
Le Marais. It’s the first place I land when I come to Paris, and it’s the gift that keeps on giving. People sometimes say it’s touristy, but I think it’s very beautiful, vibrant and lively. There’s great people watching, great cafes, and great shopping; There are some bad vintage stores. There I bought the most expensive vintage thing I’ve ever bought: an old leather, torn coat, a long leather trench coat. I still haven’t worn it. It’s been in my bag for probably two years, but it’s with me.
What’s the best thing about the city?
The best thing about Paris is getting lost. There are so many things. The Tuileries Garden next to the Louvre is truly fascinating. Just existing is the thing to do in Paris. When we shoot Emily in Paris, we’re there for about four months at a time, so we’re immersed in Parisian life. And that’s the real joy of doing this kind of work. I have friends who travel for work, but they only stay somewhere for a few days, while we enjoy the city. And I’m not Emily in Emily in Paris, so I have bad days, which is great, so I can explore.
Does Paris feel like a second home to you now?
I feel more at home in Paris than in London. There’s nothing like getting off the plane at Heathrow – Gatwick is a bit of a pain in the ass – there’s that misty cold and ‘nothing like being home’ feeling when you land in the early morning hours. But Paris has just opened up for me in the last few years. What I love about Paris is that you can be every version of yourself. This is where Parisians are at their best; They let you go ahead with whatever you want to do.
Where is the best place to stay?
I love staying at the Hôtel de Crillon, it’s amazing and the guys at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée are so helpful and nice and I spent a lot of time hanging out with the staff there. It has a really old-school feel and vibe, and they’re both truly Parisian staples. I like Hotel Costes too, it’s dark and moody, it’s the only place you can go and you’ll definitely run into someone. Food is great, service is great.
Where is the best place to eat in Paris?
There’s a great restaurant called Sugaar, and it’s a place where I always eat great food in Paris. I’m a very sharing person when it comes to food – I know some people aren’t – so we’ll order half the menu and then everyone can have something to eat. Everything on the menu is amazing, I can’t fault it. I’d also say it’s worth going to Café Charlot in Le Marais. For stunning views, it’s hard to beat Monsieur Bleu. I spent my birthday there last year and it’s right next to the Eiffel Tower. I was also there during the summer solstice, which is a big celebration in Paris, and there are fireworks and stuff; wonderful.
What would you do if you only had 24 hours there?
First thing I’d do is go to breakfast at Paperboy in Le Marais, it’s nice, it’s trendy, there’s usually a DJ playing in the morning, which is a perfect start – and if you’re hungover you can have a Bloody Mary. And from there, depending on the weather, I’d say take a walk down to the River Seine and stop at a few bars there, enjoying the views of Notre-Dame, the parliament buildings and the Eiffel Tower itself. lower part of the street.
Next I’d probably go to Girafe, which is on a rooftop and has a bad view, so see everything and then head back to Le Marais – as you’ve probably guessed I love Le Marais – then Café for drinks Go to Charlotte; This is a good spot for people watching, especially around 5pm because everyone is out doing their own thing, bustling around.
Then I’d come back, change quickly, and head to Sugaar’s for a late dinner like they do in Paris. And then, depending on the vibe, I’d say either go to Le Colonia, which is a great little place, or if a little dancing, a little fun is your thing, go to Silencio. If you like some hip-hop, I’d probably go to Jangal Paris for some old school hip-hop.
What would be the one thing someone should do there?
If I were to recommend one thing not to miss in Paris, I would say go and watch Crazy Horse. This place is ridiculous and I’ve been there about twice this year. I even took my mother. It’s very impressive and you can make it after dinner, drink a bottle of champagne, watch the show and see where the night takes you. Who are you spending time with in Paris? I have a good team of friends, including the super, super French Benoit, Willy Cartier and Tyrone Dylan, and they all live in Paris. Also, Paris is a frequent destination for many of my friends. I’ve never had so many people visit me. I just shot this movie in the middle of nowhere in Spain and no one came to see me, but I was in Paris for a week and people said, “Lucien, I’m coming to visit,” so I’m hosting a pretty big event. A lot in Paris.
What perfume do you use while you’re there?
I added a scent to the character I was playing and cast Kilian Old Fashioned as Alfie for Season Four. I loved it instantly, it’s so cool. Old Fashioned is what I didn’t know I needed in my life. I’m living it right now. I actually met By Kilian when I attended one of their events after presenting an award at the Brit awards, so it’s great to be their ambassador.
Do you have a best beauty spot you can recommend?
Samuel Arnold, who played Julien in Emily in Paris, introduced me to a wonderful barber named J when I first came to Paris and he’s been cutting my hair ever since. He usually comes to the set, but if I’m in town I like to go to his shop and have fun with him there. There I met the artist Kalash, also from the French West Indies, and we have been singing a lot together ever since.
Have you had any emergency moments in Paris?
I once got run over by some kids on scooters while walking back from the gym in Paris. I turned a corner, they were on the sidewalk and they pulled me out. The next thing I knew, I woke up in a corner cafe because I was cold. My amazing makeup artist, Sarah Damen, who worked with me on the Emily project in Paris, covered the scrapes and bumps.
As told to Madeleine Spencer.