An Insider’s Guide to Paris by José Lévy
The multidisciplinary artist shares where he finds inspiration in The City of Light
For multidisciplinary, polymorphic artist José Lévy, Paris is a constant source of inspiration. With a career spanning the worlds of fashion, the decorative arts, and artistic installations, Lévy has long been a design partner of Saint-Louis–France’s legendary glassmaker that is perhaps best known for exquisite crystal stemware, lighting, and decorative objects. What began with Lévy’s first collection of Les Endiablés glassware for the manufactory in 2011 has culminated with the Paris Design Week launch of three new hand-turned, mouth-blown objects: the Les Endiablés Apollo Cocktail Glass, Bubbles Flute, and Apollo Glass—in rich shades from the house’s storied color palette. Each of these joyful creations celebrates the maison’s crystal-cutting artistry and can be used in a variety of settings. “There is no ‘right’ way to use the glasses,” explains Lévy of his latest designs. “They are simple objets d’art that can be used for both drinking and as decorative elements.”
As a longtime Paris resident, Lévy is excited about the current design happenings in the City of Light—from Maison & Objet (January 15-19) just outside the city center, to Paris Déco Off (January 14-17), to exhibitions and installations that promise to delight visitors and locals alike.
What do you recommend visitors see right now?
There is the John Singer Sargent exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay, but it is only on through January 11. If you happen to be here, this show is a must; it’s beautiful, and in just the right gallery setting for the artist’s work. I always recommend both the Louis Vuitton Foundation and the newer Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain near the Place du Palais Royal. The current exhibition highlights 600 works from their permanent collection—with artists including James Turell, David Lynch, and Sarah Sze on view.
For something smaller and less well-known, I recommend the Musée de la Vie Romantique in the 9th arrondissement near Montmartre. It has a lovely garden, and the collection is dedicated to art and decorative objects of the 19th-century Romantic period. In general, I just recommend walking and getting lost—this is the best way to discover this special city. Paris is a muse, and we’ve just had snow for the first time in a long while, which makes everything even more magical.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I am always inspired by the area near my home in the 5th arrondissement, near the Jardins des Plantes. This open green space was founded in 1635 and has all kinds of gardens—Winter, Rose, Iris—and thousands of different plant species. It’s a complete oasis in the middle of the city. This whole area is timeless and not touristy at all. The streets are often empty, and I take inspiration from my neighbors and local shopkeepers. Even the farmer’s markets in my neighborhood—particularly the Marché Monge for bread, cheese, and fruit—inspire with its varied products. This is true local color!
The area surrounding Palais Royal is wonderful, too. There is the classic Café Nemorurs—a French favorite and a great spot for people-watching. Serge Lutens is a lovely shop for fragrance, and there are arcades where you’ll find everything from vintage fashion to out-of-print art books.
I am also constantly inspired by Japan—from the artistry to the cuisine to the stunning scenery that’s found from Kyoto into the snowy mountains. Lastly, I am inspired by the area near my home in Fontainebleau, just an hour outside of Paris.
Are there restaurants and cafés that you favor?
I am an early riser, so I don’t tend to eat breakfast out as much, but I do love Parisian cafe culture. Vaudeville is a classic near the Bourse. I am not typically crazy about the more “fashionable” spots and prefer local, quiet finds. Bar La Petite in the 5th arrondissement is my “local” favorite.
Any hotels that you recommend to art and design lovers? Any particular shops?
The larger Palace hotels—the Royal Monceau – Raffles, The Ritz, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée—certainly all have their place and are very easy for short-term visitors. For something smaller and more of-the-place, I like Hotel Château Voltaire, which is set between the Opera and the Tuileries. I always recommend renting an apartment because this is the way to really discover a neighborhood, through its cafes, boulangeries, and local-owner shops.
I do love some of the larger, more well-known stores, of course. Shakespeare and Company, just opposite Notre Dame, is a favorite independent book shop. The Perrotin store is another incredible place for everything from prints to art tomes to jewelry by noted artists. There are two store locations, and the one in Le Marais is very special.
Is there a hidden a gem that you recommend to friends in and around Paris?
One of the least well-known but most magnificent museums in the area is the Musée de Préhistoire d’Île-de-France, in Nemours, just next to Fontainebleau. It showcases everything from the prehistoric past—tools, art, relics—to an enormous 9th-century Carolingian boat that was taken from the Seine. It’s set in an award-winning 20th-century building by Roland Simounet that’s integrated into the surrounding forest. This place is a true find and definitely worth a detour from the city.