Last week, during Paris Art Week, The Cultivist teamed up with British artist Marc Quinn to explore his favourite spots across the city. A leading voice in contemporary art since the 1990s, Marc has long been known for pushing the boundaries of form and material, from provocative sculptures to his explorations of identity, nature and the human body. His Paris recommendations capture the same blend of elegance, curiosity and creativity that defines both the artist and the city itself.

Photo credit: Marc Quinn Atelier © James Robjant

SHOP

For Marc, shopping in Paris is about craftsmanship and history. He often heads to Dior, not just for timeless clothes and accessories, but also for its refined homeware, which reflects his own attention to material and form. When it comes to art supplies, Quinn heads to Magasin Sennelier, the legendary pigment and pastel shop that has been serving artists since the 19th century. Picasso, Cézanne and Degas all shopped here, and Quinn continues the tradition, sourcing his pastels from this iconic location overlooking the Seine. Just a short walk from the Louvre and steps from L’École des Beaux-Arts, the shop’s facade has remained unchanged since it first opened, a charming reminder of its storied history.

EAT

Marc’s Parisian dining choices are equally considered. L’Avenue, popular with artists, collectors and the fashion set, is his choice for dinner, offering a lively atmosphere and excellent people-watching. For breakfast, he enjoys the quiet luxury of Le Bristol Hotel, where impeccable service and elegant surroundings provide a welcome pause before a busy day filled with seeing and making art.

SEE

When it comes to art, Quinn’s picks reveal his fascination with material, nature and transformation. He recommends the Mineralogy Museum at MINES ParisTech, a hidden gem that showcases the natural beauty of minerals and crystals, echoing themes in his own work. At the Musée de l’Orangerie, he is drawn to Monet’s Water Lilies, an enduring study in light and perception. The Rodin Museum offers another kind of sculptural intensity, while the Mariane Ibrahim Gallery represents the cutting edge of contemporary art in Paris, championing voices that challenge and expand the artistic landscape.