Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
After 18 months of renovation, the Miramar Beach Hôtel & Spa in Théoule-sur-Mer has just lifted the veil on its new decor. This 1930's seaside address has been transformed into a luxury hotel with infinity pool, two restaurants, a Sothys spa of 350 m2, direct access to the sea, a private cove accessible by boat, 60 rooms and suites whose terraces and balconies overhang the Mediterranean. True to the spirit of the place, the new decor has kept the original mouldings and balustrades, with many contemporary and exotic touches introduced to create a unique ambiance. For the Bistrot M, chef Fabrice Géraud has concocted a Mediterranean menu, while in the beach restaurant Le Moya he proposes several tartares, one of veal with mango and curry oil ! 47 avenue Miramar, Théoule-sur-Mer (04 93 75 05 05).
Montblanc's new fragrance for men called "Emblem" has traditional wafting notes interpreted with a touch of modernity. This latest toilet water is intended for a man with classic tastes, a fan of sound values. Presented in a black bottle, "Emblem" is distinguished by a contrast of sensual cinnamon with water-violet leaves. Highly addictive ! Montblanc, 2 avenue de Verdun, Nice (04 97 20 22 30).
Treating itself to new youthfulness at the initiative of its talented art director Guillaume Henry, this French couture label took advantage of projectors at the International Film Festival to inaugurate its first boutique on the Côte d'Azur. All of its chic graphic lines for women are now proposed, to the delight of fashionistas following the latest trends. 15 rue du Commandant André, Cannes (04 93 99 48 99).
Impatiently awaited by the Riviera's foodies, the Song Qi restaurant launched by Alan Yau, the iconic Hong Kong chef with an international career (creator of Hasakkan, known for its Peking duck with caviar), has just opened its majestic doors in Monaco. In an extremely refined black lacquer decor, designed by the duo of architects Humbert & Poyet of Monaco, the restaurant now invites fans to discover the quintessence of imperial gastronomy, orchestrated by a kitchen brigade brought in from Hong Kong and Singapore. 7 av Princesse Grace, Monaco (00 377 93 10 42 42).
The Atmosphère boutique in Monaco presents shoes from the Steiger workshop founded in Geneva in 1932. Ultra-refined sandals for this summer 2014 feature daring arty prints. Recognizable for their legendary curved heels, designs by Walter Steiger (3rd generation) have been worn by many stars on red carpets around the world. Atmosphère,Galerie du Park Palace, Monaco (00 377 93 25 00 03).
The prestigious car manufacturer has launched an exclusive “Bentley Home” collection of furnishings and decorative items combining quality craftsmanship, sophisticated design and luxury finishing touches, with astute associations of noble materials : leather, precious wood veneers, metal, wool, silk and glass. Only at AD à Monaco, 6 Lacets Saint-Leon, Château Perigord, Monaco (00 377 93 50 20 40).
This palatial hotel in Cannes has taken advantage of the winter to endow its beach with new contemporary decor, with interior architect Jean-Philippe Nuel playing the ace of “eco-responsibility”. Benefiting from a landing-stage that can be privatized, guests are invited to sample Mediterranean cuisine signed Maryan Gandon and Japanese dishes proposed by Toyofumi Ozuru. Last but not least, 400 beach mattresses and sun-loungers await you on the sand, facing the sea and Lérins Islands. Majestic Barrière, 10 bd de La Croisette, Cannes (04 92 98 77 00).
Opale Monaco, the Riviera-based brand of prestigious cosmetics, proposes two new satiny oils for the body. “Lumière d’Opale” repairs, heals and sublimates skin suffering from the effects of the sun or cold. The second, “Caresse d’Opale” offers draining and tonifying effects thanks to the essential oils from limes and black pepper in its composition. Health Store, 7 avenue Saint-Laurent, Monaco (00 377 93 25 22 15).
Grace Kelly was a loyal customer for the House of Cartier which designed, among other things, her engagement ring in 1956. It was thus quite natural that the producers of the film “Grace de Monaco”, directed by Olivier Dahan and selected to open the 67th International Film Festival in Cannes on May 14th, asked Cartier to make faithful reproductions of five pieces of jewellery whose originals belong to the Prince’s collection, in its workshops, with the Palace’s official approval. In addition to these historic reconstitutions, spectators will be able to admire sublime contemporary examples of “haute joaillerie” worn by Nicole Kidman, who stars as Princess Grace, and Paz Vega, the Spanish actress in the role of Maria Callas. Cartier, 57 boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes (04 92 59 28 20).
Glamour and “couture”, Gas sunshades are now adorned with feathers, pearls, leather and strass. Usually used for André Gas jewellery, these materials have been adopted to customize vintage eyewear made of acetate. Each model is handmade by craftsmen in the designer’s workshop in Marseille. Available solely from the boutique in Saint-Tropez. From 250 to 300 €. Gas Bijoux, Place de la Garonne, Saint-Tropez. (04 94 97 26 52)
Exclusively for women, the “Denim Lover” capsule collection from Armani Jeans guarantees the ideal wardrobe for the summer season : close-fitting blazers, short dresses, skinny and flared jeans with high waists. This casual chic line is made of a cotton/viscose denim as light as it is soft . Each item bears an Italian flag, proudly asserting the Made-in-Italy expertise of a brand that needs no introduction. 52 boulevard de La Croisette, Cannes (04 93 38 05 90).
Both rock and pop, the new Cabas Ka has all it takes to become one of this season’s “it bags”. Made of grainy lather, with long fringes, gold and silver zips, it is available in two trapeze-shaped models in rosy beige, black and white. 65 boulevard de La Croisette, Cannes (04 93 45 77 77).
Following a test year, Valmont and the Château de la Messardière have officialized their union ! This palatial hotel in Saint-Tropez thus joins the “Club des V35” (in homage to the 35 highest peaks in the Alps), the elite of spas bearing the Swiss brand’s label all over the world. In this luxurious setting, the prestigious cosmetics manufacturer proposes exclusive protocols to smooth signs of aging, relax the body, relieve the skin suffering from too much sun and partying, and, as from now, beautifying the hair thanks to the inauguration of a styling salon in March. Château de la Messardière, Route de Tahiti, Saint-Tropez (04 94 56 76 00).
Elsa, the first 100% organic gastronomic restaurant, has just won its first star in the 2014 edition of the Michelin Guide. After two years at the helm of the kitchens in the five restaurants at the Monte-Carlo Beach, Paolo Sari has seen his talent and creativity acknowledged at the highest level. The Beach Club re-opens on April 19th, the chance to test its “Relaxation Package” : admission to the Club, sun-lounger, facial, and lunch at the Elsa restaurant with its “Beach goes Bio” menu. Elsa, avenue Princesse Grâce, Roquebrune Cap-Martin (00 377 98 06 25 25).
Star architect Zaha Hadid has created the “Crystal Architecture” collection for Lalique. In two series of vases called “Visio” and “Manifesto”, flowing organic lines recall those of famous buildings designed by this winner of the prestigious Pritzker Prize 2004, in numbered and signed editions. Chez Andreolis, 8, rue Paradis, Nice (04 93 88 68 68).
After Cannes, Jérôme de Oliveira, world pastry champion 2009, has just inaugurated a new address in the Principality called “Intuitions by J”. This luxury pastry-shop proposes a subtly revamped version of great classics such as the Paris Brest, and a Lemon Meringue Tart with lemons from Menton. To take home or enjoy inside the boutique or on the terrace. 2 rue des Iris, Monaco (00 377 97 70 78 90) et 22 rue Bivouac Napoléon, Cannes (04 63 36 05 07).
Inspired by a creation dating back to 1936, the “Reverso Cordonnet Duetto” is an exceptional timepiece fully paved with diamonds. It has two dials which tell the time by means of hands guided by a single mechanical movement. This extraordinary gem illustrates the expertise of Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmakers in the fine art of gem setting. 27, rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 38 18 17).
Artex is a new kitchen signed Varenna. With its contemporary lines, it ensures great freedom for moving around and very clean design. The materials proposed are of noble and sober elegance : embossed lacquer, lacquered oak, walnut, grey-tinted oak, stainless steel... Poliform Varenna by Martine Foubet, 94, La Croisette, Cannes (04 93 69 17 73).
In homage to a well-known Chinese tale, niche perfume-designer Kilian has come up with a cool new jasmine fragrance with the complicity of “nose” Calice Becker. Available as from April, “Imperial Tea” reproduces the fragrance of tea freshly infused with jasmine with surprising authenticity. A refreshing unisex potion ! Taizo, 120 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 39 57 58).
Designer Sylvie Maréchal created the “Beau&Bien” brand to propose real “light sculptures” using LED technology. Contemporary and poetic, this last-generation lighting can be used both indoors and out, as demonstrated by “Smoon”, a wireless nomad lamp. Available in different formats, these lighting solutions create pleasant, soothing ambiances. Segraeti, Centre Commercial Le Métropole, 17 avenue des Spéluges, Monaco (00 377 97 77 34 30).
