Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
Seemingly timeless, the Spa at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap Ferrat opens out to 1,200 m2 of lush gardens enjoying a view of the sea. In this luxury setting, the spa of 750 m2 designed by renowned architect Luc Svetchine proposes a generous choice of face and body treatments with regenerative powers (signed Bellefontaine and Carita), a heated indoor pool and a fitness room with the latest Technogym machines. In addition to these infrastructures, salons dedicated to beauty care for the hands and feet, and a private hair salon complete the offerings in which a taste for luxury is taken to an extreme. The “Plénitude” day including 4 treatments and access to the spa’s facilities is proposed from 235 €. Grand Hôtel, 71 boulevard du Général de Gaulle, Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat (04 93 76 50 50).
Victoria 1836 Designed by Sarah Lavoine, this restaurant clad in wood and velvet pays homage to long-established rules of Parisian refinement. From dawn to dusk, gazing at the fabulous view of the Arc de Triomphe, fans settle down to sample a cuisine of French inspiration proposed by Chef Alexandre Auger under the benevolent eye of Yannick Alléno. An address giving pride of place to the stars, which extends to the music programme signed Helena Noguerra. Restaurant Victoria 1836, 12 rue de Presbourg, Paris 8 (01 44 17 97 72).
The centrepiece of fittings signed La Cornue, the cooking island takes pride of place in the midst of the most spectacular kitchens. Incorporating the innovative induction cooking range “La Cornue W. by Wilmotte”, this impressive new island is an up-dated version of the 1908 model. Nothing is missing : spice drawers, preparation areas, sampling area... The fixture can be made to measure and matched with metal “Château” or wooden “Mémoire” trimmings. La Cornue, 30 bd de Lorraine, Cannes (04 93 68 71 61).
Classic yet assertively modern, the collection called “Serpent Bohème” from renowned jeweller Boucheron has been enriched. Small rings in white or yellow gold are worn in multiples on each finger, the forefinger or phalanx for a trendy look, together with sinuous necklaces paved with diamonds for an irresistibly feminine result. Boucheron, Hôtel de Paris, place du Casino, Monaco (00 377 97 97 42 44).
Dedicated to vintage furniture from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, this enticing boutique is a showcase for “those favourite things” of owner Sylvie Aubry. Wonderfully retro, these furnishings and decorative objects in flashy colours give priority to renowned French, Italian and American designers, not forgetting essential Scandinavian signatures. Les Fées Mélanc(h)olia, 19 rue Charlot, Paris 3 (01 43 70 14 76).
With architect Joseph Dirand at the helm, this renowned brasserie” on the west side of Paris has been treated to a facelift borrowing inspiration from the Art Deco style. Also new, the menu has been orchestrated by Chef Olivier Denis who has manned the ovens here for the past 10 years. A place of honour is given to traditional French cuisine revolving around classic dishes, revamped and presented in up-to-the-minute style. A stylish and charming venue, deserving a special mention for its elegant terrace where one can enjoy the sun from morning onwards. Le Flandrin, 4 place Tattegrain, Paris 16 (01 45 04 34 69).
Well-known among fans of customized leatherwear, “L’Atelier du Croco” has inaugurated its new boutique on the Cours Saleya in Nice. Here, Anne, Emma and Bertrand Vignes make personalized and made-to-measure watch straps, belts, bags... Always from leathers selected for their quality. Art and artistry ! 1 place Charles Felix, Nice (04 93 80 00 90).
Backed by expertise dating back to 1856, the Italian brand Lisa Galimberti displays the finest bed linen in pure 400-thread Egyptian cotton in this ultra-confidential showroom-boutique. Sheer enchantment for fans of exquisite linen, some made with the skill of true craftsmen, cut by hand and even made to measure, to experience bed-time as a real work of art. Lisa Galimberti, 19 rue de la Paix, Paris 2 (01 49 24 05 25).
The “Impériale” collection has arrived in Chopard boutiques. These watches in white or rose gold with self-winding mechanical movements feature a mother-of-pearl dial set with 88 diamonds, and a case and bezel set with 58 diamonds. Water-resistant to 50 metres, this model expertly blends refinement with high performance. 37.040 €. www.chopard.fr
A new member of the “Maisons & Hôtels Sibuet” collection, Le Domaine de la Baume in Tourtour embodies the elegant art of living proposed by villages in the Upper Var. Once the home of Bernard Buffet, this very charming address stands in the shade of century-old chestnut trees in a 100-acre park. Decorated like a refined family residence, it is comprised of several rooms and suites, a panoramic terrace, a bar with wine cellar, a large drawing-room with fireplaces, tennis courts, a spa, a park with horses… And a restaurant for the discerning, orchestrated by François Martin, who concocts generous dishes based on produce from the vegetable garden, fine cuts of meat (braised ox-cheek, Dry-Age rib of beef...), the fragrance of homemade honey and olive-oil. 2071 route d’Aups, Tourtour (04 83 13 27 27 - www.domaine-delabaume.com).
Carrying on the torch from the old-fashioned ironmonger’s shop, with elegance as a plus, La Trésorerie has brought together everything one needs for the home in a lovely store with a glass roof. Useful products with visual appeal, offering a wealth of options for re-thinking your interior, from the kitchen to the bathroom. The bonus : a little café which prolongs the boutique, where Swedish chef Per Svante Forstorp proposes a menu focusing on famous Swedish sandwiches called “Smörgas”, served with fresh fruit juices. La Trésorerie, 11 rue du Château d’eau, Paris 10 (01 40 40 20 46).
Dessance has abandoned the codes usually followed by restaurants. Pastry chef Christophe Boucher (formerly of Ledoyen and Grand Véfour) creates desserts which send conventions packing in favour of innovative combos and meticulous architecture.74 rue des Archives, Paris 3 (01 42 77 23 26).
The duo Victoire de Taillac and Ramdane Touhami can lay claim to this concept celebrating the history of Buly, one of the oldest establishments in beauty care. Buly is first and foremost a decor, a gem inspired by the “officines” of yesteryear with a large walnut counter and varnished terra-cotta. Then there are treatments formulated in a French laboratory, benefitting from advances achieved in contemporary cosmetics yet loyal to ancient recipes. Finally, subtle water-based perfumes proposed in 8 fragrances, taking us elsewhere in time. Buly, 6 rue Bonaparte, Paris 6 (01 43 29 02 50).
The perfume version of “Dior Homme” is born of a composition not subjected to any compromises. A distinctive olfactory signature from François Demarchy, this enriched fragrance is designed to “work” on the skin and last for many long hours. As virile as one could possibly want, “Dior Homme Parfum” is a wafting blend of leather with a contrasting flowery hint of irises. Highly desirable ! www.dior.com/DiorHomme
Duck “foie gras” from Antignac in “crème brulée” in a tube with honey rolled in crispy pineapple and “pain brié”... Just one of the gourmet suggestions at La Faventia, the gastronomic venue at Le Domaine de Terre Blanche, directed by “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” Yannick Franques. This autumn, a new package stay combining relaxation and treats for the taste-buds is proposed for weekends bearing the sign of excellence. Terre Blanche, 3100 route de Bagnols-en-Forêt, Tourettes (04 93 69 99 74).
Representing culture in its own right, a legendary venue for festivities, full of secrets and surprises, Castel, the most elegant of Parisian clubs, has re-opened its doors. At the initiative of an eclectic tribe including, among others, the artist André, Castel has been restored to life and promises to be much more than a night-club. Castel, 15 rue Princesse, Paris 6 (01 40 51 52 80).
Until the end of November, this specialist for furs can be found in Monaco. In a luxurious setting, coats and jackets in white lynx, coloured chinchilla, sable, astrakhan and “fox petals” can be admired in couture designs, including the exclusive line called “Luxe Amour Monte-Carlo”. Place du Casino, allée Serge de Diaghilev, Monaco (00 377 97 70 87 26).
Bvlgari has unveiled its new Serpenti collection of sublime jewellery uniting two of its most iconic emblems : the Tubogas spiral and snake. Comprised of rings and bracelets combining gold, steel and diamonds set into sinuous coils, this line flawlessly adorns the wrists and fingers thanks to its suppleness. Another innovation, these models play on juxtapositions to offer contemporary elegance. 19 boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes (04 92 99 18 00).
With only 40 pieces produced on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the “Maralunga” designed for Cassina by Vico Magistretti, this futuristic version of the legendary sofa is upholstered in a “spatial” silvery fabric. Iconic ! Loft, 25 rue de la Buffa, Nice (04 93 16 15 39).
Not far from the ramparts of Saint-Paul de Vence, the 5-star Relais et Châteaux hotel, “Le Mas de Pierre”, has just inaugurated a new building in its magnificent garden graced with age-old olive-trees : the “Bastide des Fleurs”. Proposing tailormade and fully personalized service thanks to a questionnaire completed with each reservation, this annex built of natural stone is comprised of four Junior and two Prestige suites. A luxurious port-of-call in Provençal style, to be enjoyed for a weekend or longer. Saint-Paul de Vence, 2320 route des Serres (04 93 59 00 10).
