Laura Gonzalez x Paris
Published on 1 April 2019
Restaurants, stores, bars, hotels... As she continues to put her name to projects right across the French capital, architect Laura Gonzalez invites us on her own very private tour of Paris.
Welcome to Parisian perfection as seen through the eyes of the MAISON&OBJET Designer of the Year September 2019.
How long have you been living in Paris?
I was born in Paris and then spent a few years living in Cannes before returning to the capital to attend the Légion d’Honneur sixth form college and then the Paris-Malaquais School of Architecture.
Having previously lived on both the left and right banks, I currently live in the 16th arrondissement, which is extremely handy as my office, my kids’ school and my family are all just around the corner!
Where would you say is the ultimate spot to get a real feel for the city?
Le Quai des Grands Augustins for the view, the bookstalls, Lapérouse, le Voltaire, the galleries…
Which places do you find most culturally inspiring?
That’s easy – the city’s museums and exhibitions. I recently went to the Nabis exhibition at the Musée du Luxembourg*, which I absolutely adored. The works are all highly decorative, creating the impression of filling up the canvas, representing nature, prints… It was fascinating. Their representative narrative exudes something truly poetic.
We’re so lucky to have access to that kind of culture in Paris. I’m also dying to go and see Le Modèle Noir at the Musée d’Orsay**.
And it goes without saying that the collections housed by the Louvre and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs are a constant source of inspiration.
Which restaurant or café would you say best captures the Parisian vibe?
La Poule au Pot … For me, it offers everything you would expect of a Parisian brasserie combined with outstanding cuisine from head chef, Jean-François Piège.
Which neighbourhood instantly springs to mind when we say “Shopping in Paris”?
The department store on the left bank, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche.
Do you have any secret addresses you’d care to share?
Le Tigre Yoga, the place where I go for some “me” time. I attend some amazing workshops there at weekends.
Where is the best place to stay for anyone keen to explore the city?
Le Relais Christine, right in the heart of the Saint-Germain neighbourhood, a little piece of paradise hidden away with its private gardens.
Which design piece can only be picked up in Paris?
Go to the flea market in Saint Ouen – it’s a unique spot where you’re always guaranteed to find some hidden treasures!
*Until June 30th 2019
**Until July 21st 2019