Emily in Paris may have jetted off to Rome for her latest jolly, but Lucien Laviscount, who plays her charming, British love interest, Alfie, is staying firmly in Paris. Here’s his take on the city of lights.
What is your favourite part of Paris?
Le Marais. It’s the first place I landed when I got to Paris, and it’s just the gift that keeps on giving. People sometimes say it’s touristy, but I think it’s beautiful, buzzing and alive. There’s great people-watching, great cafés and great shopping there — they’ve got some wicked vintage stores. I bought the most expensive vintage thing I’ve ever bought there, an old leather, broken-down coat, a long leather trench. I’ve still not worn it. It’s probably been in my suitcase for two years now, but I have it with me.
What’s the best thing about the city?
The best thing about Paris is just getting lost. There’s so much. The Tuileries Garden by the Louvre is just stunning. Just being is the thing to do in Paris. When we film Emily in Paris we’re out there for around four months at a time, so we’re embedded in Parisian life. And that’s the real joy of doing this kind of job. I’ve got friends who travel for work but they’re only in a place for a couple of days, whereas we get to get to grips with the city. And I’m not Emily in Emily in Paris, so I get down days which is great so I get to explore.
Does Paris now feel like a second home to you?
I feel more at home in Paris than I do in London. There’s nothing like getting off the plane at Heathrow — Gatwick’s a bit of a pain in the arse — when you land in the early morning and there’s that misty cold, along with that “nothing like being at home” feeling. But Paris has just opened up for me over the past few years. The thing I love about Paris is that you can be whatever version of yourself. That’s where the Parisians are at their best, they let you get on with whatever you want to get on with.
Where’s the best place to stay?
I love to stay at Hôtel de Crillon, which is stunning, and the guys at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée are so giving and beautiful, and I’ve spent so much time hanging out with the staff there. It’s got a real old-school flavour and vibe to it, and they are both really pillar stones of Paris. I like Hotel Costes as well, it’s dark and moody and it’s one place you can go and you’ll definitely bump into someone. The food is great, the service is great.
What’s the best place to eat in Paris?
There’s an awesome restaurant called Sugaar, and that’s somewhere I’ve always had really good meals in Paris. I’m a big sharing person when it comes to food — I know some people aren’t — so we’ll 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 The Café Charlot in Le Marais. For amazing views, it’s hard to beat Monsieur Bleu. I had my birthday there last year, and it’s right by the Eiffel Tower. I was also there on the summer solstice which in Paris is a huge celebration, and they have fireworks and all of that — it’s spectacular.
What would you do if you only had 24 hours there?
I would say first thing go for breakfast at Paperboy in Le Marais, it’s cool, it’s trendy, usually there’s a DJ playing in the morning which is a perfect start — and if you had a hangover, you could have a Bloody Mary. And then from there, weather dependent, I’d say to take a walk down to the Seine and stop at a couple of bars there while enjoying the view of the Notre-Dame, the parliament buildings, and the lady Eiffel Tower herself at the bottom of the street.
Next, I’d probably go to Girafe, which is on a rooftop and has a wicked view, so take it all in, and then head back to Le Marais — I’m big on Le Marais as you’ve probably guessed — then go to Café Charlot for drinks, which is a good spot especially at around 5pm for peoplewatching because everyone’s outside doing their things, hustling and bustling.
Then I’d get back, have a quick change, and then go to Sugaar for a late dinner, which they do in Paris. And then, depending on the vibe, I’d say go to either Le Colonia, which is a cool little spot, or Silencio if that’s your vibe for a little bit of dance, a little bit of groove. If you like a little hip-hop, I’d probably go to Jangal Paris for old-school hip-hop.
What one thing would you insist someone has to do out there?
If I had to suggest one unmissable thing in Paris, I’d say you have to go and watch Crazy Horse. It’s a burlesque place, and I’ve been about twice this year. I even took my mum. It’s stunning, and you can hit that after dinner, have a bottle of champagne, watch the show, then see where the night leads you. Who do you spend time with in Paris? I’ve got a good crew of friends out there, including Benoit, who is super, super French, Willy Cartier, and Tyrone Dylan, and they all live in Paris. Also Paris is a stop-off spot for a lot of friends of mine. I’ve never had people visit me so much. I just shot this movie 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 hosting quite a lot in Paris.
What perfume do you wear while there?
I embed a fragrance with a character I’m playing and I chose Kilian Old Fashioned as Alfie for Season Four. I instantly loved it, it’s so cool. Old Fashioned is what I didn’t know I needed in my life. I’m living in it at the moment. I actually got introduced to By Kilian when I crashed an event of theirs after presenting an award at the Brit awards, so to be an ambassador for them is amazing.
Do you have a top beauty spot you’d recommend?
Samuel Arnold, who plays Julien in Emily in Paris, put me in touch with a brilliant barber called J when I first got to Paris and he’s cut my hair since. He usually comes to the set, but if I’m in town I like to go to his shop and kick it with him there. I met the artist Kalash in there, who’s also from the French West Indies, and we’ve been jamming together quite a lot since.
Have you ever had an SOS moment in Paris?
I was once knocked over by some kids on scooters in Paris while running back from the gym. I turned a corner and they were on the pavement and took me out. Next thing I knew, I woke up in a café on the corner because I’d been out cold. My amazing make-up artist, Sarah Damen, who works with me on Emily in Paris, covered the scrapes and bumps.
