My Paris: ‘It’s just our je ne sais quoi’
Guillaume Salmon, the PR mastermind behind the success of Colette concept store, shares his insider tips on where to eat, what to do, and how to do Paris like a Parisian
Wednesday 15 June 2022 By Guillaume Salmon
Only Parisians truly know how to make sense of their city – how to get the most out of its charm, history, and creative community. Everyone else just has to hope that one day they’ll get closer to solving this enticing riddle. Luckily, Guillaume Salmon is here to share some of his secrets. The founder of communication agency, Tact, and the brains behind the success of Colette concept store not only reveals his favourite places, but also the very essence of Parisian lifestyle.
What’s your favourite thing about living in Paris?
‘Our DNA is a mix of history, architecture, art, and fashion. We are delicate and rude, arrogant and open-minded, cosmopolitan and closed. I like and enjoy this balance. It’s just our je ne sais quoi… we are such a paradoxical city.’
What’s your favourite thing about living in Paris?
‘Our DNA is a mix of history, architecture, art, and fashion. We are delicate and rude, arrogant and open-minded, cosmopolitan and closed. I like and enjoy this balance. It’s just our je ne sais quoi… we are such a paradoxical city.’
Best way to explore the city?
‘Walking, of course. And please, never use a bike or a scooter, it’s uncool, unsexy and… you are way too dangerous.’
Describe Soho House Paris in three words.
‘Chill. Cool. Good.’
Tell us a place only locals know.
‘Twenty One Sound Bar, dedicated to rum and dancehall.’
Favourite local dish and where to eat it?
‘This is Paris, France – it’s absolutely impossible to mention just one.’
‘Walking, of course. And please, never use a bike or a scooter, it’s uncool, unsexy and… you are way too dangerous.’
Describe Soho House Paris in three words.
‘Chill. Cool. Good.’
Tell us a place only locals know.
‘Twenty One Sound Bar, dedicated to rum and dancehall.’
Favourite local dish and where to eat it?
‘This is Paris, France – it’s absolutely impossible to mention just one.’
The ideal evening itinerary?
‘A hammam and light dinner at the House, then the stadium Parc des Princes to watch a good Paris Saint-Germain football game, followed by a late drink at Sauvages, then home.’
Long, lazy alfresco lunch spots?
‘I never do that in Paris, sorry.’
Favourite place within walking distance of the House?
‘The Château-Rouge area’.
Most romantic spot to visit?
‘Besides the Seine, a walk from boulevard Henri IV to Concorde’.
An independent store everyone has to check out?
'Larfeuille in the Marais for Parisian handmade leather goods.’
‘A hammam and light dinner at the House, then the stadium Parc des Princes to watch a good Paris Saint-Germain football game, followed by a late drink at Sauvages, then home.’
Long, lazy alfresco lunch spots?
‘I never do that in Paris, sorry.’
Favourite place within walking distance of the House?
‘The Château-Rouge area’.
Most romantic spot to visit?
‘Besides the Seine, a walk from boulevard Henri IV to Concorde’.
An independent store everyone has to check out?
'Larfeuille in the Marais for Parisian handmade leather goods.’
Three places to go for breakfast?
‘I never usually do breakfast… I do “Parisian breakfast” meaning coffee and cigarettes, so I can do that almost everywhere. But sometimes I confess I enjoy doing some early meetings at the House, Maison Plisson, Hotel Providence or Le New York with a view of the Eiffel Tower.’
Essentials to pack for a Paris city break?
‘A good pair of sneakers, sunglasses (even if it’s raining)… and your credit card.’
Do not leave Paris without…
‘A PSG jersey, of course.’
‘I never usually do breakfast… I do “Parisian breakfast” meaning coffee and cigarettes, so I can do that almost everywhere. But sometimes I confess I enjoy doing some early meetings at the House, Maison Plisson, Hotel Providence or Le New York with a view of the Eiffel Tower.’
Essentials to pack for a Paris city break?
‘A good pair of sneakers, sunglasses (even if it’s raining)… and your credit card.’
Do not leave Paris without…
‘A PSG jersey, of course.’
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