French mathematician dwelling in California?

I believe the answer is:

laplace

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'french mathematician' is the definition.
'laplace' can be an answer for 'mathematician' (I've seen this before). I'm not certain of the 'french' bit.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for laplace that I've seen before include "French scientist" , "Pierre-Simon -, Fr. mathematician, astronomer" , "French astronomer and mathematician" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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