Some 18 years after it was founded, how would you sum up Paris Society today?
Laurent de Gourcuff: I am proud to have made Paris Society an internationally recognised brand, a space that celebrates beauty, celebration and fine dining; to have created places where people experience and share moments of real joy. I am also proud to have built, alongside Alexandra de La Brosse, Antoine Ménard, Sébastien Pacault and our teams, an authentic professional family, formed of hardworking, talented individuals who have grown with me and with whom I share an exciting vision.
What have been the ingredients of your success?
LG: Nightlife is my original profession. Then came event management, and lastly, the restaurant business. Yet my approach has remained the same: identifying a location with strong potential, defining a clear vision, and executing it quickly and effectively. I have a passion for discovering spaces that possess something unique, whether grandiose architecture, a terrace or a spectacular view. Based on these elements, we develop the venue, adding the right ingredients — culinary direction, design, atmosphere, service and entertainment — so that it tells a story.
What has changed since the sale of Paris Society to Accor in 2022?
LG: When I sold the business, it was more of a partnership between Sébastien Bazin and myself. He became deeply involved in Paris Society, and the company owes him a great deal. As long as Sébastien remains CEO of Accor, I will continue to be fully committed to Paris Society. My role is to promote and protect the venues, teams and brands so that they can retain their identity and continue developing their reputation on the international stage.
Has international development now become a priority for the group?
LG: When we launched Paris Society, I had around 20 venues in my sights. We managed to secure sixteen of them! And each one has become an internationally recognised brand. Locations fit for Paris Society venues are now few and far between. However, Paris remains a capital with a unique appeal, thanks to its reputation for hospitality, its architecture, its culinary creativity and the art de vivre it embodies. It is this Parisian signature that we are capitalising on to develop our brands abroad. From Rome to Dubai, from Miami to Los Angeles, around 50 new openings are planned.
Is the expansion in Paris over?
LG: There are still two or three gems that continue to inspire me in Paris. Our latest acquisition, Le Grand Véfour, is part of that Parisian legend that international visitors love so much. As part of this project, we are going to add a terrace seating 140 people overlooking the Palais Royal.
You have personally acquired the Paris Society venues. Do you have any other projects in the pipeline?
LG: I have partnered with Pernod Ricard to take over their nightlife and entertainment division. In fact, we have recently opened Le Pompon, a restaurant in the Palais Brongniart, and it is always packed! Among my other projects, Constance and I have set up a joint venture to develop a collection of boutique hotels with a chic, lifestyle focus. Our aim is to create a strong brand identity in the high-end hospitality sector. The first opening will take place in Lisbon, in partnership with the Milchior family, in a magnificent palace on a 2.5-acre estate in the heart of the city. We also have plans for Saint-Tropez, Marrakech, and more! Meanwhile, we are developing other ventures such as the Matsuri brand with Adrien de Schompré, and in property in partnership with Michael Benabou.
Constance, how do you view this new venture?
CG: After selling my brokerage firm, I wanted to get involved in philanthropic work. Together with my former business partner Alexis Fouché, I set up an endowment fund, 123 Soleil Épargne Solidaire, to support projects for children. In three years, we have contributed to around 15 programmes focusing on education, health or reintegration, and we intend to continue this work. Laurent and I have also decided to develop this collection of hotels together. We had never worked together before, but I am very confident. There is a natural balance between us. Through these places, we want to share our vision of art de vivre and hospitality.
As a team, what do you bring to each other?
CG: I love his big-picture thinking. LG: She keeps me focused and helps me care for others.
The photo shoot is taking place on the Île de Ré. What connection do you have with this island?
LG: We didn't know the Île de Ré particularly well. But what we really wanted was to create a family-friendly space, far from the hustle and bustle of Southern France. We had the opportunity to buy a charming property in Les Portes, right by the water and just a stone's throw from the village. It was a no-brainer; we fell in love with the place immediately! This house quickly became our little oasis.