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

Floating above the rooftops of Paris — with this apartment, Alexandre chose to rise above it all. After several years spent in Mauritius, the young finance professional settled in the Paris region, far from his native Gironde, and took the leap into his first property acquisition. A few months later, following the search for that rare gem and a fully bespoke renovation, he found himself completely won over by a space that feels unmistakably his own.

Anatomy of a project

Alexandre envisioned a refuge — a place where future guests could escape the frenetic rhythm of Paris and experience the quiet comfort of a harmonious and soothing cocoon. More than anything, he wanted the project to be located on the Left Bank, at the heart of the Haussmannian buildings he particularly cherishes, which for him embody the very essence of Parisian life.

It was ultimately along one of the main streets of the Gros-Caillou district that the spark occurred. One must climb the building’s five flights of stairs to reach this former maid’s room, tucked away at the end of the corridor in complete calm. The surface area is modest — 21 sqm — yet the 3.10-metre ceiling height creates a rare sense of openness and freedom of movement. But another element sealed the deal for Alexandre.

“The moment I glimpsed the unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower, I knew immediately that this was the right place. My vision for the project suddenly became clear — the renovation and design potential felt entirely real.”

Once the offer was accepted and the acquisition finalised, it was time for the most enjoyable stage of the project: design.

Alexandre was keen to restore this apartment to its former dignity, in keeping with its preserved Haussmannian surroundings — from the building’s façade to its elegant common areas. While in good overall condition, the property required significant energy-efficiency upgrades, offering the perfect opportunity to rethink the entire layout and reinvent the use of space.

Like owner, like home

The transformation is complete: the apartment now reflects Alexandre himself. When asked in what way it resembles him, his answer comes without hesitation.

“I like living in a place that feels dynamic and stimulating — intellectually as well as aesthetically. But above all, I enjoy being able to retreat into a cocoon, somewhere cosy and warm where I feel sheltered from the outside world.”

This functional and quietly comforting sensibility first takes shape in a living space inspired by mid-century modern design. A warm beige envelops the room, while brick red accents bring energy and character. For Alexandre, however, the soul of the space lies in the details.

“I come from the Médoc, I love good wine — in short, I’m a hedonist. Every element that elevates everyday life speaks to me. The custom banquette in the living room, perfectly positioned to admire the Eiffel Tower, represents the essence of the art of living: all it takes is a good book, a ray of sunlight or a summer evening, and you simply never want to leave.”

Yet his favourite room remains the bathroom. He had never imagined such generous volume in a 21 sqm apartment, despite the mezzanine sleeping area above. The whole evokes a bright, intimate boat cabin — just enough to extend the serene atmosphere that makes the apartment so distinctive.

Left Bank elegance

During his search, Alexandre discovered the 7^th arrondissement in a new light. The Champ de Mars area left him somewhat unmoved — slightly impersonal and overly busy to his taste. The Invalides district and its surroundings, however, captivated him immediately.

“For me, it’s the place in Paris where time seems to slow down the most.”

The peaceful soul of its streets shapes the atmosphere of this neighbourhood, where local shops and café terraces bring together passing visitors and long-time residents alike. Rue Saint-Dominique, rue Cler and the Place de l’École Militaire are among his favourite meeting spots. Chances are you will find him seated at La Terrasse du 7, enjoying a coffee or lunch. Life is good in the 7^th arrondissement. And although Alexandre does not live there himself, one thing is certain: he will be back.