Emily in Paris may have flown to Rome for her latest merriment, but Lucien Laviscount, who plays her charming British love interest Alfie, remains firmly in Paris. Here is his view of the City of Light.
What is your favorite part of Paris?
Le Marais. It’s the first place I ended up when I arrived in Paris, and it’s just the gift that keeps on giving. People sometimes say it is touristy, but I think it is beautiful, vibrant and alive. It has great people watching, great cafes and great shopping. They also have some fantastic vintage shops. I bought the most expensive vintage thing I’ve ever bought there: an old leather, torn coat, a long leather trench coat. I still haven’t worn it. It’s probably been in my suitcase for two years, but I have it with me.
What is the best thing about the city?
The best thing about Paris is just getting lost. There is so much. The Tuileries Garden at the Louvre is simply breathtaking. Just being is what to do in Paris. When we film Emily in Paris, we’re there for about four months at a time, so we’re embedded in Parisian life. And that is the real pleasure of this kind of work. I have friends who travel for work, but they are only in one place for a few days while we get to know the city. And I’m not Emily in Emily in Paris, so I have quiet 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 disembarking at Heathrow – Gatwick is a bit tricky – when you land in the early morning and there’s a misty chill, along with that feeling of ‘there’s nothing like being at home’. But Paris has opened up to me in recent years. What I love about Paris is that you can be any version of yourself. That’s where the Parisians are at their best, they let you do whatever you want.
What’s the best place to stay?
I love staying at Hôtel de Crillon, which is beautiful, and the guys at Hôtel Plaza Athénée are so sweet and lovely, and I’ve spent so much time with the staff there. It has a real old-world flavor and atmosphere, and they are both true mainstays of Paris. I also like Hotel Costes, it’s dark and atmospheric and it’s a place you can go and you’ll definitely meet someone. The food is great, the service is great.
What’s the best place to eat in Paris?
There’s a great restaurant called Sugaar, and I’ve always had really good meals there in Paris. I’m a big believer in sharing when it comes to food – I know some people aren’t – so we order half the menu and then everyone can get a bite. Everything is spectacular on the menu, I can’t fault it. I’d also say it’s worth going to Café Charlot in Le Marais. For fantastic views, it’s hard to beat Monsieur Bleu. My birthday was there last year, and it is close to the Eiffel Tower. I was also there during the summer solstice, which in Paris is a big celebration, and they have fireworks and stuff – it’s spectacular.
What would you do if you only had 24 hours there?
I’d say first have breakfast at Paperboy in Le Marais, it’s cool, it’s trendy, there’s usually a DJ playing in the morning which is a perfect start – and if you’re hungover you can get a Bloody Mary. And from there, depending on the weather, I’d say you should take a walk down to the Seine and stop at a few bars there while enjoying the views of Notre-Dame, the Houses of Parliament and the Lady of the Eiffel Tower herself at the bottom of the street.
Next I’d probably go to Girafe, which is on a roof and has a beautiful view, so take it all in, and then head back to Le Marais – I love Le Marais, as you’ve probably guessed – and then go to Café Charlot for a drink, which is a good place for people watching especially around 5pm as everyone is outside doing their thing, busy and bustling.
Then I came back, changed quickly and went to Sugaraar for a late dinner, which is what they do in Paris. And then depending on the vibe, I’d say go to Le Colonia, which is a cool spot, or to Silencio if that’s your vibe for a little dance, a little groove. If you like a bit of hip hop, I’ll probably go to Jangal Paris for old-school hip hop.
What would you like someone to do out there?
If I had to suggest something not to miss in Paris, I would say go see Crazy Horse. It’s a burlesque place, and I’ve been there about twice this year. I even brought my mother along. It’s breathtaking, and you can sit on it after dinner, drink a bottle of champagne, watch the show, and then see where the night takes you. Who do you spend time with in Paris? I have a good crew of friends, including Benoit, who is super, super French, Willy Cartier and Tyrone Dylan, and they all live in Paris. Paris is also a stopover for many friends of mine. I have never had so many people visit me. I just shot this film in Spain, in the middle of nowhere, 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 organizing quite a lot in Paris.
What perfume do you wear when you are there?
I integrated a scent with a character I play and I chose Kilian Old Fashioned as Alfie for season four. I immediately loved it, it’s so cool. Old fashioned is what I didn’t know I needed in my life. I currently live in it. I was introduced to By Kilian when I crashed an event for them after presenting an award at the Brit Awards, so it’s great to be an ambassador for them.
Do you have a top beauty spot you would recommend?
Samuel Arnold, who plays Julien in Emily in Paris, put me in touch with a brilliant hairdresser called J when I first arrived in Paris and he has been cutting my hair ever since. Usually he comes to the set, but when I’m in town I like to go to his shop and hang out with him. I met the artist Kalash there, who is also from the French West Indies, and we have jammed together a lot since then.
Have you ever had an SOS moment in Paris?
I once got knocked over by some kids on scooters in Paris while running back from the gym. I turned the corner and they stood on the sidewalk and took me outside. Before I knew it, I woke up in a cafe on the corner because I had been cold. My amazing makeup artist, Sarah Damen, who works with me on Emily in Paris, covered the scrapes and bumps.
As told to Madeleine Spencer.