by Emily may have sailed from Paris to Rome for her latest smile, but Lucien Laviscount, who plays her British comic love interest, Alfie, is staying firmly in Paris. This is his view of the city of lights.
What is your favorite part of Paris?
With Marais. This is the first place I landed when I arrived in 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. It’s great people watching, great cafes and great shopping — they have some wicked vintage shops. I bought the most expensive vintage I’ve ever bought there, an old leather coat, broken down, a long leather trench. I haven’t worn it yet. It’s probably been in my suitcase for two years now, but it’s with me.
What is the best thing about the city?
The best thing about Paris is just getting lost. There are so many. The Tuileries Garden next to the Louvre is amazing. Being straight is the thing to do in Paris. When we film Emily in Paris we’re out 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 job. I have friends who travel for work but are only there for a few days, but we manage to hit the city. And I’m not Emily in Emily in Paris, so I take days off, 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 in London. There’s nothing like getting off the plane at Heathrow – Gatwick is a bit of a pain in the ass – when you land early in the morning and there’s the cold mist, plus that “nothing like being at home” feeling. But Paris has just opened up to me in recent years. What I love about Paris is that you can be whatever version of yourself you want. That’s where the Parisians are at their best, they let you get on with whatever you want to do.
Where is the best place to stay?
I love staying at the Hôtel de Crillon, which is amazing, and the guys at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée are so inspiring and lovely, and I’ve spent so much time hanging out with the staff there. It has real taste and an old-school vibe, and they are both pillar stones in Paris. I also like Hotel Costes, it’s dark and moody and it’s one place you can go and you’re sure to meet someone. The food is great, the service is great.
Where is the best place to eat in Paris?
There’s a great 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 I’m not – so we’ll order half the menu and then everyone can have a bite. Everything on the menu is amazing, I can’t fault it. I would also say that The Café Charlot in Le Marais is worth going to. For great views, it’s hard to beat Monsieur Bleu. I had my birthday there last year, and it’s right at the Eiffel Tower. I was also there on the summer solstice which is a huge celebration in Paris, and they have fireworks and all that – it’s amazing.
What would you do if you only had 24 hours?
I’d say first thing to go for breakfast at Paperboy in Le Marais, it’s very cool, it’s trendy, there’s usually a DJ playing in the morning and it’s a great start — and if you’ve got a hangover, a Bloody Mary could to have And from there, depending on the weather, I’d say walk down to the Seine and stop at a few bars there while you enjoy the view of Notre-Dame, the parliament buildings, and the Eiffel Tower herself at the bottom of the street.
Then I’d probably go to the Giraffe, which is on the roof of the house and has a great view, so take it in, and then back to Le Marais — I’m very fond of Le Marais as you’ve guessed — then. go to Café Charlot for drinks, which is a good spot especially at around 5pm for people watching as everyone is out doing their thing, hustling and bustling.
Then I’d come back, after a quick change, and then I’d go to Sugaar for a late dinner, which they do in Paris. And then, depending on the vibe, I’d say go to Le Colonia, which is a cool little spot, or to Silencio if that’s your vibe for a little dance, a little groove. If you like a little hip-hop, I’d probably go to Jangal Paris for old-school hip-hop.
What’s one thing you insist someone out there needs to do?
If I had to recommend one thing that can’t be missed in Paris, I would say that you have to go see Crazy Horse. It’s a burlesque place, and I’ve been around twice this year. I even took my mom. It’s stunning, and you can hit that after dinner, have a bottle of champagne, watch the show, then see where the night takes you. Who do you spend time with in Paris? There’s a good crew of friends out there, including Benoit, who’s super, super French, Willy Cartier, and Tyrone Dylan, and they all live in Paris. Paris is also a stopping place for many of my friends. I’ve never had so many people visit me. I shot this film in Spain in the middle of nowhere and nobody 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 many a lot in Paris.
What perfume do you wear while there?
I embedded a fragrance with a character I’m playing and chose Kilian Old Fashioned as Alfie for Season Four. I liked it immediately, it’s so cool. Old Fashion is what I didn’t know I wanted in my life. I live there at the moment. I actually got to know By Kilian when I hit their event after presenting an award at the Brit awards, so it’s great to be their ambassador.
Do you have a favorite beauty spot that you would recommend?
Samuel Arnold, who plays Julien in Emily in Paris, put me in touch with a wonderful barber named J when I first arrived in Paris and he has cut my hair ever since. He usually comes to the set, but if I’m at home I like to go to his shop and kick it with him there. I met the artist Kalash there, also from the French West Indies, and we’ve been jamming together a lot since then.
Have you ever had an SOS moment in Paris?
When some kids hit me on scooters in Paris while running back from the gym. I turned a corner and they were on the sidewalk and took me out. The next thing I knew, I woke up in a cafe on the corner because I was out cold. My amazing makeup artist, Sarah Damen, who works with me on Emily in Paris, covered the bumps and bruises.
As told to Madeleine Spencer.
