GROS CAILLOU

Bordered by the Champs de Mars, the Invalides and the Seine, the Gros Caillou district has retained the charm of its provincial soul.

Originally rural, the district was gentrified under the work of Baron Haussmann, then under the influence of the Universal Exhibitions of the 19th century. The emblem of the district, the Eiffel Tower, built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, echoes the industrial revolution of the time. At its feet, the Champs de Mars and its immense lawns invite us to admire its sparkles at nightfall.

A peaceful area for its residents, popular for its many food shops. Especially those on rue de Grenelle or rue Cler, famous for its Sunday market. At number 28, don’t miss the old horse butcher’s shop which has retained its decor dating from 1925.

There are also very beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, rather rare in the capital, including two designed by the architect Jules Lavirotte. Recognized for their exuberant, asymmetrical and unbalanced facades, they contrast with Haussmannian homogeneity.

A definitely opulent and family-friendly place to live.

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SAINT-PLACIDE

Located between the Bon Marché and Montparnasse, the booming district of Saint-Placide finds its balance between authenticity and new trends.

In the heart of the left bank, this bourgeois-looking district offers a privileged family environment. A walk that oscillates between green spaces and Haussmann architecture, while offering many leisure activities. Rue de Rennes runs north to Square Boucicaut, the perfect place for a “green” break, an alfresco lunch or a family walk. To the south is the Gare Montparnasse offering easy access to the West of France, ideal for a weekend getaway.

Very close to Saint-Placide station, stands the majestic Notre-Dame-Des-Champs church of Romanesque inspiration, whose metal frame was made by Gustave Eiffel. It is dressed in impressive volumes punctuated by a row of columns. Rue Saint-Placide and Rue du Cherche-Midi enliven the district with boutiques, concept stores and renowned brands. In addition, the district preserves its local shops such as bookstores, florists, grocery stores, thus offering residents the field of possibilities.

A dynamic district, home to beautiful facades, bistros and charming shops. In short, real treasures to discover!

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Sous une hauteur de plus de 5 mètres, cette pièce déploie ses volumes tout en courbes. Son parquet en hêtre, ses colonnes, sa bibliothèque sur mesure en pitchpin et sa mezzanine reprenant les codes d’une coque de bateau et donnent le la de cette belle partition architecturale. Baignée de lumière grâce à sa grande ouverture en forme de voile, elle ouvre sur le jardin intimiste et confortable, à la façon d’un jardin secret au calme absolu qui ne demande qu’à être investi. En retrait de l’espace de vie, s’aperçoit la vaste cuisine / salle à manger et un espace buanderie éclairés par la lumière du sol en verre du premier niveau.

Enfin, aux deux niveaux supérieurs se trouvent les espaces nuits avec cinq belles chambres dont une parentale, ponctuées par endroits de courbes et dont certaines se parent d’incrustations vitrées allégoriques comme signature de cette maison-bateau. Elles se partagent deux salles de bain et une salle d’eau.

Une œuvre architecturale hors norme à proximité de la vie parisienne.

Jacques-Émile Lecaron

Né à Paris en 1939, Jacques‑Émile Lecaron est un architecte français formé à l’École spéciale d’architecture, puis à Harvard, où il obtient un master en urbanisme. Influencé par des figures comme Frank Lloyd Wright, Buckminster Fuller ou Bruce Goff, il développe une approche originale mêlant architecture, poésie et imagination.

Installé à Clamart depuis les années 1970, il y conçoit une série de maisons singulières – telles que la Maison d’acier, l’Arche de Noé ou la Maison de la Belle au bois dormant – dont les formes colorées et narratives traduisent les rêves et les personnalités de leurs habitants. Il réalise aussi des aménagements urbains et œuvres publiques, en lien étroit avec leur environnement.

Lecaron se distingue par une architecture expressive, presque onirique, qui refuse les normes pour mieux raconter des histoires. À travers ses créations, il propose une autre manière d’habiter : plus libre, plus intime, et profondément humaine.

ARSENAL

Located between the Seine and the Bastille, the Arsenal district looks like a peaceful little port, lined with Parisian buildings.

Formerly a cargo port, Arsenal became a marina in 1983 and is connected to the network of Parisian canals. Marked by its coastal atmosphere, its pontoons, its harbor master’s office, its seagulls and its seafood restaurants, it transports us to a completely different universe. Along its banks, we discover pretty gardens with sculptures and flowery pergolas in spring. Designed by landscape architect Serge Eyzat and architect Philippe Mathieux, the garden unfolds in a system of terraces inspired by the South of France. A veritable green amphitheater, this garden, which is very popular with Parisians, is a privileged place to stroll.

On Boulevard Morland, we stop in front of the Pavillon de l’Arsenal, center of urban planning and architecture, inviting us to understand the evolution of Paris and its history on urban planning. Built in 1879, this former gunpowder factory was converted into an archive centre, where you can now admire its permanent collections, its huge model and its temporary exhibitions. The Arsenal pavilion also houses a bookstore dedicated to architecture as well as a huge photo library.

A flagship district of the Capital thanks to its central location near the Seine and the Place de la Bastille where tourists, joggers, residents and workers intermingle in an atmosphere that is both urban and bucolic.

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PLACE DES VOSGES

Located in the Marais, the Place des Vosges district is full of history and unusual places.

Inaugurated in 1612 on the occasion of the marriage of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria, Place des Vosges is the oldest in Paris. Characterized by its exceptional architecture and its small romantic park, it is made up of uniform buildings of which only the Pavilion of the King and the Pavilion of the Queen, facing each other, deviate from the rule.

During walks under its majestic arcades, we discover in each issue, the history of the place. At number 6, for example, you will come across the former home of Victor Hugo, arranged in such a way that you can browse through his writings. Its garden, Square Louis XIII, also welcomes you for picnics in the heart of the capital.

Not far from there, we discover the small square of the Sainte-Catherine Market and the famous rue des Rosiers. Small shops, bookstores, and traditional bakeries populate these places.

A mythical and historic district, a reflection of French elegance.

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