Mur-Murs: At Alexandre’s in the 7th arrondissement of Paris

Floating above the Parisian rooftops. With his apartment, Alexandre chose to reach for the heights. After several years in Mauritius, this young finance executive moved to the Paris region, far from his native Gironde, and embarked on the adventure of his first property purchase. A few months later, between searching for that rare gem and a custom renovation, he is now won over by this space that feels so much like him. 

Anatomy of a project

Alexandre wanted to create a sanctuary, a place where his future tenants could escape the Parisian frenzy and enjoy the tranquility of a harmonious and soothing cocoon. Furthermore, he wanted to establish his project on the Left Bank, in the heart of the Haussmann-style buildings he is so fond of, which for him embody the quintessence of Parisian life. 

It was ultimately on one of the main thoroughfares of the Gros-Caillou district that he fell in love at first sight. You have to climb the building's five flights of stairs to reach this former maid's room, tucked away at the end of the hallway in a quiet spot. The space is modest—21 m² —but the 3.10-meter ceilings offer a sense of openness and freedom of movement that is rare to find. Yet, it was another feature that truly won Alexandre over for good. 

“As soon as I saw that unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower, I knew I was in the right place. My vision for the project became clear; the potential for renovation and layout design felt real.”

Once the offer was accepted and the purchase finalized, it was time for the most fun part of the project: the design phase. Alexandre was committed to restoring the prestige of this apartment, which is part of a preserved Haussmannian environment, from the building’s facade to the common areas. Although in good condition, the property required a significant energy efficiency upgrade , providing the perfect opportunity to completely rethink the spaces and reinvent how the rooms are used.

Like owner, like home

The transformation is complete: the apartment now perfectly reflects Alexandre. When asked how it resembles him, he answers without hesitation. 

“I love living in a space that is very dynamic and stimulating, both intellectually and aesthetically. But above all, I love being able to retreat into a cocoon—a cozy, warm place where I feel tucked away from the world.”

This functional and pragmatic softness is first expressed in a living room with mid-century moderntouches. A warm beige envelops the room, while a brick red adds energy. But for Alexandre, the character of the space lies in the details. 

“I’m from the Médoc, I love good wine—in a word, I’m a hedonist. So, every element that helps elevate daily life touches me deeply. The custom-made bench in the living room, perfectly positioned to watch the Eiffel Tower, is for me the quintessence of the art of living: all you need is a good book, a ray of sunshine, or a summer night, and you never want to leave.”

But his favorite room remains the bathroom. He never would have imagined such volume in a 21 m²apartment, despite the sleeping area on the mezzanine located just above. It all reminds him of a bright and intimate ship’s cabin — just what is needed to extend that sense of tranquility that makes this place so unique.

Rive Gauche style chic

It was during his search that Alexandre learned to see the 7th arrondissement in a whole new light.^th arrondissement. He finds the Champ de Mars area a bit cold, feeling it’s a little too impersonal and overcrowded for his taste. The Invalides area and its surroundings, however, win him over immediately. 

“For me, this is the place in Paris where time stands still.”

The peaceful soul of its streets contributes to the atmosphere of this neighborhood, where small shops and sidewalk cafes bring together both visitors and locals. Rue Saint-Dominique, Rue Cler, and the Place de l’École Militaire are his favorite spots. You’ll likely find him sitting at the Terrasse du 7, enjoying a coffee or lunch. Life is good in the 7^th. And even though Alexandre doesn’t live there, one thing is certain: he will be back.