Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
The famous Bar l’Amiral in the Martinez Grand Hyatt in Cannes has introduced a teatime formula every day from 3.30 to 5.30 p.m. On the menu, tasty childhood souvenirs in a wide choice of brioches, gingerbread, shortbread with jam, tarts, flaky pastry twists, confectionery and hot chocolate. All made in-house, of course. Grand Hyatt Martinez, 73, La Croisette, Cannes (04 93 90 12 34).
The 5th Amour Vinum has just opened its doors. “Amour des Vins - Amour des Bulles” is, of course, a wine cellar, but above all a champagne cellar proposing over 65 brands of champagne and about 400 references in a jazzy musical ambiance : brut, millesime, “blanc de blancs”, “blanc de noirs”, superb old vintages… All sizes of bottles are available : from quarter-litres to the Roi De Salem, the world’s largest (30 litres !). This new address also offers a selection of spirits unique in Nice, with no less than 850 references : cognacs, Armagnacs, whiskies, Calvados, rums, brandies, liqueurs and alcohols from around the world. Amour-Vinum, 4 rue Barla, Nice (04 93 31 20 20).
After opening last summer in Saint-Tropez, the well-known Mario Luca Giusti brand is treating itself to a new address in Cannes. In a light and airy boutique of 50 m2 with walls composed of white niches, visitors discover all the collections for a kaleidoscopic art of the table in synthetic materials, the signature of this luxury trans-Alpine brand accustomed to fitting out yachts and desirable residences in Saint-Tropez. 4 rue Chabaud, Cannes (04 93 68 90 99).
Shu Uemura has come up with two surprising novelties for hair care. The first, “Volume Maker”, uses a red brush to apply just the right dose of powder required to create volume and a wide array of styles. The second, “Parfum Essence Absolue”, is a nourishing fragrance with pearls of oil, applicable on all kinds of hair. A treatment inspired by geishas’ beauty routines. In the Eric Zemmour salons in Nice, Monaco et Cannes.
Consecrated by two awards in September, “The Most Romantic Hotel” and “Favourite SHL Resort Europe”, the Château Eza has just re-opened its doors after its traditional autumn closure. Take advantage to savour the cuisine of chef Axel Wagner in this extraordinary hotel with its breathtaking view. Rue de la Pise, Eze village (04 93 41 12 24).
Fans of beautiful stiletto heels will finally be satisfied ! Christian Louboutin has chosen Monaco in which to inaugurate its first boutique on the Côte d’Azur. Divided into three salons, this showcase offers the legendary high heels available in all their designs and colours, as well as more arty creations : low boots, sneakers, sleepers, leatherware... Men are not forgotten thanks to a daring selection for those who opt for stylishness. Designed by the architect Benoît Dupuis, the boutique is also astonishing with its references to the marine world and a wall of origami evoking a rocky wall. 1,3 et 5 avenue de Grande Bretagne, Monaco (00 377 97 98 78 12).
Tag Heuer is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its famous Carrera chronograph with 4 new versions of this iconic model. Love at first sight for this variation offering a shimmering sun-burst dial in anthracite, set in a polished steel case 43 mm in diameter with ceramic bezel (virtually scratch-proof). Entirely produced in-house, the 1887 caliber can be admired through the case back in smoked sapphire glass. Julian & Fils, 71 rue d’Antibes, Cannes. (04 93 39 30 68)
The foodies’ revelation of the season ! Talented South African chef Jan Hendrik has just opened his restaurant in the port area in Nice. The dining-room offers refined decor : dark walls of exposed stone, Flemish furniture, baroque artwork... In your plate, this passionate cook does wonders with market-fresh produce and noble ingredients such as truffles and Saint-Jacques scallops... The wine-list takes us on a journey to Italy, New Zealand and South Africa. Jan, 12, rue Lascaris, Nice (04 97 19 32 23).
“Acquarossa”, the new elixir from Fendi has a fiery temperament. Embodied by Chiara Mastroianni, this floral and woody fragrance is composed of raw materials from Italy : the head notes are bergamot from Calabria and mandarine orange from Sicily. In the background, essence of red cedar, musk and patchouli from Indonesia perfect the composition. Only at Sephora Cannes, Nice et Monaco.
The famous Belgian chocolate-maker Pierre Marcolini has opened a showcase in the Principality. In this season of gourmet treats, we discover his chocolate masterpieces including sublime snowmen containing 36 praline balls (pistachio, salted butter caramel, hazelnut caramel, nougat cream, walnut and hazelnut pralines) and a treasure trove of refined delicacies : candied ginger, orangettes, melting crunchy chocolate and crunchy milk chocolate. Art and artistry ! 125 €. 26 boulevard des Moulins, Monaco (00 377 97 98 26 16)
Functional, robust, refined and authentic, new creations designed by Ethnicraft can be discovered at Pin d’Epices in Mandelieu. In teak or solid oak, these furnishings are long-lasting items for the home whose beauty is enhanced by passing time. Love at first sight for the “Circle” dining table designed by Alain Van Havre, inspired by traditional Japanese puzzles ! Pin d’Épices, Z.I les Tourrades, 151 allée Dieudonné Costes, Mandelieu (04 93 48 05 03).
Coralie opened Le P’tit Monde Enchanté just a few months ago : a boutique dedicated to toddlers. Here you’ll discover a wealth of decorative items and irresistible accessories, mostly proposed by French designers. In keeping with the “homemade” trend of Scandinavian and Japanese inspiration, she has selected Pouce et Lina bed linen, comforters from Rose et Marcel, Isabelle Danicourt’s linen-bound photo albums, Trousselier’s soft toys, as well as fabulous creations from Crème Anglaise : musical cushions, swallow mobiles, guitar rattles... Perfect gift ideas for the under 3’s. 14, rue Fourmillière, antibes (09 81 60 48 75).
Chacok’s winter Solstice collection has borrowed inspiration from the natural wildness of Nordic fjords and volcanoes ! The three Riviera boutiques of this knitwear specialist in Nice, Cannes and Monaco propose a selection of shawls, stoles, sweaters, cardigans, dresses, scarves and bonnets in flamboyant colours. Bohemian, trendy or traditional prints set off this cuddly winter wardrobe. It’s worth noting that Chacok, whose head office is in Biot, is actively committed to design and production “100% made in France”. www.chacok.com
Uncluttered lines, prime materials, innovations... Hearths are becoming increasingly modern, as witnessed by the new collection proposed by Chazelles. Esthetic and minimalist, they are now built-in with the utmost discretion. Our favourite : the Calgary model with its subtly patterned white stone frame. Nice Environnement, 890 route de Grenoble, Nice. (04 93 29 12 45)
Each year, Lenôtre teams up with a designer for its festive year-end dessert. The 2013 Christmas log pays homage to Louis XIV’s illustrious gardener, André Le Nôtre. Almost sharing the same name, the landscape architect and Gaston Lenôtre, architect of good taste, both marked their era with their creative genius. Inspired by nature, this year’s log is made of biscuit with almonds, crowned by a crisp “pailleté feuilletine” and a layer of creamy chocolate. To complete this sugary winter garden, head pastry chef Louis Albert de Brogolie has dreamt up a miniature version of a curiosity shop. In a sugar-candy conservatory, he presents his own sweet temptations : tomato plants and boxes in almond paste, a Kugelhopf apple, not forgetting the watering-can and straw hat ! A real festival for those with a sweet tooth ! Solely by order, as from November. 120 €. Lenôtre, 63 rue d’Antibes (04 97 06 67 67).
Renowned for its high-end beautycare products, Carita has revealed its new “eau de parfum”. A floral-amber fragrance blending the noblest ingredients in the art of perfumery : rose, bergamot, heliotrope, iris, vanilla and musk. This fragrance comes in a streamlined bottle coiffed by a black satin ribbon. A very welcome gift ! Carita, 2 rue Paradis, Nice (04 93 87 47 30).
Until January 4th, the Loft showrooms in Nice and Cannes have been transformed into chalets on the occasion of an exhibition-sale of furnishings, artworks, vintage items, photographs and wall-paper, all on the theme of the mountains. Expert in the field of hotel decoration, the Loft team has fitted out 10 boutique hotels in the Alps. In partnership with the Galerie Mons, the event celebrates this particular know-how while inviting the public to discover a fine selection of furniture and cocooning accessories to add warmth and stylishness to private homes. 23, 25 et 27, rue de la Buffa, Nice (04 93 16 09 09) et 3, rue du Canada, Cannes (04 92 59 14 04).
Acting as sole European distributor, the spa at the Métropole Hotel in Monte-Carlo now proposes Lifestage, the new line of ESPA products developed by Susan Harmsworth, founder of the British brand. Specifically designed for mature complexions, for both men and women, this natural range (with NET8 Serum in a limited edition), is on sale and also proposed as a treatment at the Spa. Métropole Espa, Monaco. (00 377 93 15 13 70)
Beneath the arcades around Place Masséna, Diesel has just opened a boutique of 230 m2. Here you’ll find the trendiest products proposed by this brand known for its denim. Men’s, women’s and children’s collections are on display, together with indispensable accessories. For the decor, Diesel has opted for an “Interior Design” concept, inspired by historic elements on the façade interpreted in contemporary style. 1 Place Massena, Nice. (04 92 96 12 77)
