Sunday Roast / Noémie Pottiez
Font of all knowledge
Paris-based calligrapher and graphic designer Noémie Pottiez creates intricate lettering for the likes of Diptyque and Dior (writes Liv Kessler). After studying at New York’s Shillington School, she launched her studio 12 years ago, hoping to tell stories through her work. Here, she tells us about her tea ritual, her favourite weekend getaway and her obsession with Paris’s Marché Saxe-Breteuil.
Where do we find you this weekend?
I travel a lot but I’ll be in Paris this weekend. Sometimes I visit friends in Fontainebleau or I just take my bike and go to Compiègne on the train. It changes every weekend because I’m not a routine person.
Ideal start to a Sunday? Gentle start or a jolt?
Sunday is my day to recharge. I’m obsessed with markets and my favourite is the Marché Saxe-Breteuil. I have to walk for an hour along the Seine to get there and it’s a very different vibe from my neighbourhood but I love the view of the Eiffel Tower.
What’s for breakfast?
I like to read with a good black coffee, a bowl of fruit, kefir and nuts. I know it’s cliché but I love a buttery croissant too.
Lunch in or out?
I have a very light Sunday lunch because I have a big breakfast. Afterwards, I love to have a goûter (afternoon snack) at 16.00. I stay away from sugar most of the time during the week but on Sunday I will have a pastry – it has to be very good quality. I often go to Fou de Pâtisserie, which is a shop that sells pastries from different Parisian chefs. And I love to match the pastry with the right tea, which is currently chestnut tea by Lupicia.
Walk the dog or downward dog?
Downward dog. In Paris, I love to walk to my favourite yin-yoga class by Parc Monceau and have a relaxing walk afterwards; gorgeous, no matter the season.
A Sunday soundtrack?
“Self” by Cleo Sol and “Weak for Your Love” by Thee Sacred Souls.
Sunday culture must?
Exhibitions are mostly busy on weekends so I tend to go during the week. In Paris, the best time to go is during the nocturnes – the late-night openings. Otherwise I’m simply doing what we call flâner, which means walking with no goals. That’s a Sunday luxury.
News or not?
I only read news to reflect and process. I never watch the news on TV because, like many young Parisians, I don’t have a TV. I’m so happy about that.
What would you like to find under the tree this Christmas?
A train ticket for the next day to a city that I’ve never heard of; ideally somewhere cold and snowy at this time of the year. Or a new camera.
Best and worst presents you've received?
The best Christmas present was Faustine, my niece, who came into the world on Christmas Eve. The worst present is money: I’d rather have a cheap, meaningful gift than cash.
Do you lay out an outfit for Monday?
No, I dress according to my mood and I can’t predict it the day before.