Paris has long been internationally known for its celebrities, glamour, and fashion. In 2024, the city's allure extended to the luxury real estate market, where several prominent celebrity transactions made headlines.
As real estate professionals at 56Paris, we encounter countless extraordinary Parisian properties, each with its unique and exciting story. When a property is linked to a celebrity, the intrigue and allure only grow.
We thought it would be fun to share some of last year’s high-profile real-estate deals with our readers. From movie stars to fashion icons, these celebrity property transactions certainly stirred excitement in the Parisian real estate market.
Karl Lagerfeld's former apartment
Karl Lagerfeld's former apartment on Quai Voltaire, located in the prestigious Saint-Thomas d’Aquin neighborhood, is just around the corner from the office 56Paris real estate calls home on rue de Verneuil. The property is a true testament to the fashion designer’s unique style and artistic vision. With its 2,800 square feet, the space where he lived from 2006–2019 perfectly reflects the eccentric celebrity’s taste, combining light, glass, and metal in a futuristic blend. Even now, it feels perfectly contemporary.
Situated in a 17th-century building, in the very heart of historic Paris, with stunning views over the Seine and the Louvre Museum, the apartment was completely redesigned by the couturier in a futuristic style.
Every detail, from the choice of materials to the custom furniture, showcases the former Chanel maestro’s refined taste and attention to detail. A resin and cement floor, revolving glass bookcase, and dazzling contemporary lighting, along with carefully selected pieces of furniture (including a custom bed by designer Martin Szekely), evokes the creative universe in which Mr. Lagerfeld thrived.
The sale of this apartment, which served as the backdrop for the last years of his professional and personal life, was an opportunity to pay tribute to a man who left a massive impact on the fashion world. Lagerfeld's words about wanting to live in a home that was all transparency and glass still resonate in this space that tells his story.
Valéry Giscard d'Estaing's former residence - Karl Lagerfeld's former apartment - Pierre Balmain’s former apartment
Pierre Balmain’s former apartment
The French fashion designer known for the bold and feminine New French Style chose to live in Parisian elegance. Tucked between Boulevard Suchet and Place de Colombie in the 16th arrondissement (district), the Walter buildings, designed by architect Jean Walter in 1930, embody Art Deco influences and a utopian garden-city aesthetic. In general, these distinctive buildings feature lush terraces and incredibly spacious apartments, which are decorated with wrought ironwork by the renowned artist Raymond Subes.
Aside from Balmain, notable residents of the Walter buildings have included Catherine Deneuve, Pierre Guerlain and Serge Dassault. The home includes 4,575 square feet of elegance. Highlights include a grand entrance, a luxurious living room, a gold-accented dining room, and a library with wood tones. The vast property includes three suites with private bathrooms, a master suite with a dressing room, two service rooms, two cellars, and a garage for a whopping three cars. It is easy to understand why Balmain, who was trained as an architect, fell in love with the unique volumes of this Parisian apartment, a luxury enclave in the heart of Paris.
Natalie Portman's luxurious Parisian residence
Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman, known for her roles in Black Swan and Leon, made a stunning move to Paris in 2016 to live with her partner Benjamin Millepied and their two children. After her recent divorce, she sold her California villa and purchased a magnificent 5,900-square-foot hôtel particulier (private residence) for €15.2 million (about $16.5 million).
This former embassy, built in 1912 and fully renovated, is just steps from the Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars gardens. It boasts a patio, garden, gym, library, and wine cellar, along with a stunning glass-roofed reception room on the 4th floor. Each room is designed like a private apartment, preserving the luxurious charm of the past while offering breathtaking views of the City of Light. Portman's new neighbors include notable figures like Morocco's King Mohammed VI and WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum, and Olivier Mitterrand, the former president’s nephew, making this residence a truly unique gem in Paris.
Valéry Giscard d'Estaing's former residence
The historic residence of former French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing has been purchased by Armenia, which plans to convert it into its embassy. The Armenian Foreign Ministry acquired this grand hôtel particulier, occupied by Giscard d'Estaing for 64 years, for €23 million, outbidding interest from three other countries. Previously, the Armenian embassy was located in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, near Parc Monceau. They do note that significant renovations will be needed to transform the property, located on rue de Bénouville in Paris' 16th district, into offices and reception spaces.
Jean Dubuffet's Former home-and-studio
Nestled at the end of a cobblestone alley in the 6th arrondissement, between the vibrant neighborhoods of Montparnasse and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, lies the former studio home of renowned artist Jean Dubuffet. Built by architects Auguste and Gustave Perret between 1927 and 1928, this unique residence was initially rented by Dubuffet from painter Mela Muter.
He lived here from 1945 until his death in 1985, hosting notable figures like Man Ray and Robert Doisneau, who captured photographs of moments in the artist’s home. Known for his preference for low-key gatherings, Dubuffet reportedly welcomed guests only on Thursdays.
After Dubuffet's death, three families inhabited the space (spread across three sunlit floors), and the current owners own a stunning collection of art and antiques. They also transformed the rooftop terrace into a serene oasis, boasting views of Parisian rooftops and lush gardens.
And here’s your chance: Now on the market for €12.5 million, the artistic haven seeks new owners who appreciate beauty and have a collector's spirit.
But even if you’re not in the market for one of these gems, Paris is a warren of beautiful finds that you can make your own.
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