Poupard: Parisians are constantly searching for something fresh and exciting, but it still has to feel genuine. That balance between dynamism and authenticity feeds into the way I approach my own work. (Photo: Yuseke Kinaka)
Options: How does Paris continue to feel like home, even after all these years?
Juliette Poupard: It’s the energy and buzz of the city, the café terraces, the Seine and, most importantly, my family. It’s that mix of lifestyle, people and little everyday moments that makes Paris feel like home.
Is there one neighbourhood you feel especially drawn to?
My go-to is the 6th arrondissement, where I live with my husband and daughters. I love its beauty and energy, but also the calm that settles over it in the mornings, when I enjoy wandering through its streets. I love the local shops, the hidden gems and the restaurateurs we’ve grown close to over the years. And, of course, there’s the Jardin du Luxembourg, which has been the backdrop to so many moments as I’ve watched my daughters grow up.
How would you spend a perfect day here if you had the freedom to plan it entirely your way?
On the weekend, my perfect day starts with breakfast on a terrace with my family, soaking up the buzz of the streets. Then I like to spend some time in a park, bringing a little nature and greenery into the mix. After that comes a big, slightly chaotic lunch with friends and relatives — with the kids inevitably getting a little too crazy! We’ll then wander around and discover somewhere new: a shop, a garden, an artisan, a bakery… it doesn’t really matter, as long as we’re exploring. And to round things off, a beautiful dinner at one of our favourite restaurants.
During the week, every morning begins with breakfast together. It sets the tone and gives me that sense of warmth before I leave home. I’ll get to work around 9am and spend the day on upcoming projects, exchanging ideas, finding solutions and creating things with colleagues here and around the world. What I value most about being in the office is that spirit of collaboration. I need the momentum of a team and enjoy being surrounded by people. Then, at the end of the day, I rush home for one last kiss with my girls before they go to sleep. And if I still have anything left in the tank, I’ll sometimes head back out for dinner.
For visiting friends and family, which cafés, restaurants or bars make your must-visit list?
There are a few places I always recommend. For a classic Parisian experience, La Fontaine de Mars and L’Auberge Bressane are firm favourites. Bread & Roses is ideal for a more casual stop, while Marco Polo works well for a relaxed meal. Then there’s L’Entrecôte — best enjoyed very early or very late in the evening, when the crowds are easier to avoid!
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When you have a little time to browse, which Paris addresses do you find yourself returning to for fashion, beauty and beautiful things for the home?
Honestly, one of my favourite places for shopping is our flagship at 404 Rue Saint-Honoré. The ready-to-wear is always a highlight for me, and I usually find the strongest pieces there to build my looks.
Elsewhere, I love discovering beautiful things at Astier de Villatte and Galerie Paradis, while Moments Maison is a go-to for the home.
For jewellery, I like Sandé Paris and Tity Aravy. I refill and restock my beauty essentials at Oh My Cream, Aroma-Zone and the beauty department at Le Bon Marché. And to complete my looks, I’ve been a fan of Love Stories for as long as I can remember.
There is often an idea of effortlessness attached to the way Parisians dress. What do you think really defines it?
We often talk about the effortless French look, but I think it’s actually much simpler than that: we already have a strong sense of what suits us. We know what feels comfortable and stylish, and tend to stay true to it. Rather than constantly reinventing ourselves, we build different outfits around key pieces we return to again and again. The same applies to beauty and make-up. It’s about enhancing rather than transforming.
I think we save a lot of time by knowing what works for us. We can get ready very quickly in the morning and stay more or less as we are until bedtime. If we’re going out for dinner, we don’t necessarily change everything. We might simply add one accessory to make it a little more chic — a belt, a scarf, a jacket or a different pair of shoes. The secret is not to overthink it!
For someone packing for a trip to the city, which style essentials would you never leave out of the suitcase?
I would bring a bag that can carry everything you need from morning to evening while still looking polished — Le Cadence or Le Smart are perfect for that. A great pair of shoes is just as important: comfortable enough for hours of walking, but chic enough to take you straight into dinner. I’d choose a pair of Le Foulonné ballet flats. And, of course, your phone — to save all the spots you want to discover, navigate the streets and capture plenty of pictures along the way.
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In a locale that is always evolving, which aspects of Paris continue to feed your creative instincts?
I’m always discovering something new here. People evolve, the mood shifts and everything moves quickly, yet Paris somehow holds on to its character. I think that tension is what inspires me most. Parisians are constantly searching for something fresh and exciting, but it still has to feel genuine. That balance between dynamism and authenticity feeds into the way I approach my own work.
I would also like to see more ateliers for opportunity to discover the creative process behind a piece. Understanding what goes through an artist’s mind is such an important part of experiencing art for me. I’m fascinated by how something is made, where the idea came from and what the artist hoped to express. The human story behind a creation can be just as compelling as the finished result. That’s why I’m drawn to places like Poush, an artist residency just outside Paris, where it feels easy and natural to enter that creative world, meet artists and encounter their work in a more personal way.
Among the local museums, galleries and creative spaces, which ones do you find yourself returning to, and what keeps drawing you back?
I’m particularly drawn to galleries and art shops. Sometimes, I find them even more inspiring and accessible than museums. You can simply walk in, come across something unexpected, speak with people and take your time without necessarily having a plan. I enjoy that sense of stumbling upon a new artist, object or piece that catches the eye. There’s a more intimate, spontaneous quality to these spaces, and they offer a wonderful way to stay connected to the creativity that runs through the city.
The city is full of celebrated landmarks, but which experiences do you think deserve more attention — and which perhaps get a little too much?
I think there are too many fancy, showy and expensive places that can feel a little overdone — too much light, too much glamour and not enough soul. For me, the most beautiful places are the authentic ones. One of the most underrated experiences is simply taking a long walk or going for a run along the Seine, especially when the light catches the water and bridges. There is something incredibly powerful about being by the river — its movement, atmosphere and changing reflections. It’s simple, but it gives me so much.
How do you like to unwind when you need a break from it all?
For me, it can be anywhere, as long as I’m with my family and fully present — connected with them, enjoying our time together, with nothing else competing for my attention. That’s when I truly switch off. Whenever I can, I also escape to our family home, where a long walk along the beach is probably my usual way to reset.
This article first appeared on Sept 21, 2026 in The Edge Malaysia.
