Naomie Kremer

Naomie Kremer is an artist.

1. What initially inspired you to move here or visit?
Wanderlust, a smattering of high school French, beauty, art, sex, the usual things.

2. Earliest Paris memory?
The glamour of the women, wishing I could afford to dress like that, but somehow having the sense that it wasn’t necessarily an issue of affordability.

3. Best neighbourhood you’ve ever lived in?
We’ve lived in the 9th, the 10th, and now the Marais. The Marais is definitely the most “tucked in”, but I loved the other neighbourhoods too. I have a studio in the 10th, where I bike over from the Marais, and I still love the funky mix of high and lo’, residential and commercial, creative studios and young families.

4. What’s the best meal you’ve eaten in Paris?
I love Chez Michel, but I think now it’s changed―more formal and pricey. In the Marais we love Glou, and also their new restaurant, Jaja. My favorite lunch is at Au Sauvignon – Poilane toast and smoked salmon, with a little glass of Aligoté.

5. Sexiest moment you’ve had in Paris?
I could tell you but you couldn’t publish it…

6. What do you hate most about living in Paris?
Mmm, nothing.

7. Who’s your favourite Parisian — be they living or dead, real or fictional?
Well, I’m pretty amused by Madame de Sevigné, who is reputed to have lived (or at least spent the night―one of her many nights out) in our current residence in the Marais. But it’s a long list.

8. Favourite cinema?
Whichever one plays movies I want to see. So – it changes all the time. I still haven’t made it to the Rex, and I’m told it might be my favourite, if I made it over there.

9. Right bank or left bank? And why?
No special prejudice, but perhaps a slight preference for the right, which seems a little less worked over by the hordes of visitors.

10. Favourite Caviste?
One of the joys of Paris is the great wine at reasonable prices, the little secret stashes of secret cavistes. Maybe better keep that secret secret.

11. Where do you go to escape the city?
I stay home and paint.

12. Where are the best looking girls or boys in Paris and why?
Everywhere. I don’t know why they’re so good looking – must be all that cheese and fois gras.

13. Where do you get your news?
The Herald Tribune is my favorite English paper – it predigests The New York Times, saving me a lot of time. In French – I enjoy Libération, but still find their style a little tough to understand. Le Figaro is much easier, but well, it’s Le Figaro.

14. Favourite museum?
The Louvre is, of course, unthinkably comprehensive. But Musée Maillol is charming and human scale, Musee d’art Moderne de la Ville de Paris has great shows, Palais de Tokyo has a great café, and the occasional great show. I have to add a favorite secret “spot” – Idem, an incredible fine art print place in Montparnasse – housed in an amazing old “warehouse” with old litho stones lining the walls, giant old presses, great huge pulleys to move the stones, and the charmer who owns it – Patrice.

15. Favourite shop?
L’eclaireur, on rue Herold, has the most talented salesperson I’ve ever encountered (Nathalie), but come with your big cheque book. I’ve bought lots of essentials at Cotélac, but depends on the season. My husband loves J for men, in the Marais.

16. Who’s the most stylish Paris personality?
My French teacher, Brigitte.

17. What is your favourite film set in Paris?
It’s a long list – hard to decide. The Red Balloon, Mon Oncle, how about Ratatouille? Or Les Triplettes de Belleville?

18. What about Paris most inspires you?
Biking everywhere. I also live in California, which is the opposite – driving everywhere. I guess I love contrast.

19. What makes someone a Parisian?
Apparently, just being here! Well, and you have to speak some French…

20. What’s your favourite French word? (Swear words allowed!)
Esprit d’escalier.