Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
Retro Bins in Brabantia’s Mineral line add an elegant touch of colour to kitchens. These chic bins are available in 12, 20 and 30 litre sizes. With a new surface highly resistant to scratches and wear, they also benefit from MotionControl technology which guarantees silence when you open the lid. Ubaldi Monaco, Nice et Antibes.
The prestigious perfume brand Diptyque has launched two new fragrances to join its collection of “eaux de parfum”. The first, Tam Dao, recalls the mountains of Indochina through sandalwood, cedar, coriander, ginger and amber. The second, Eau Duelle, is a divinely spicy potion with a bourbon vanilla base. 95 € les 75 ml. Tanagra in Nice and Taizo in Cannes.
A premium brand in the world of household appliances for over 100 years, the German manufacturer has just opened a Miele Center in Saint-Laurent-du-Var. Open to both private and professional clients, this exhibition space of 450 m2 on two floors presents all the various ranges : from extractor hoods to dishwashers, multi-function ovens, washing-machines, vacuum cleaners, coffee machines... Miele will be inviting the region’s chefs on a regular basis for in-situ cookery demonstrations. Cap 3000 area, 285 Avenue de Verdun, Saint-Laurent du Var (09 74 50 10 10).
Erwan and Thomas have come up with the bright idea of a boutique entirely dedicated to the cocktail hour ! The first of its kind, with a mixed bag of drinks, fresh and dried food products, as well as numerous acessories, both trivial and essential. Suggestions for nibbles include Parma or Bayonne ham, gressini, terrines, tapenades, chorizo-flavoured crisps, sausage from Arles… The wide choice of drinks, with or without alcohol, from all over the world, includes about 60 labels of beer made in Tahiti, the USA, Italy, Scotland, Belgium, Holland… Finally, books with cocktail recipes, shakers, champagne glasses and bottle-openers add a touch of elegance and set the mood. An ode to conviviality ! Aperitiv, 4 rue Cassini, Nice (04 83 55 37 09).
Each season, the Dessange teams imagine new coiffures to harmonize with trends in fashion. Christened “Paradis Lunaire”, the autumn-winter collection opts for modern cuts of sleek simplicity. The hair is embellished with hints of light and shade thanks to subtle graduated colouring, Tie-Dye version. The fringe is making a big comeback in a short and ragged style. Maison de beauté Dessange, 6 boulevard Wilson, Antibes (04 93 34 43 12).
Noticed for his pyramid of macaroons 7 metres high at the “Etoiles de Mougins” event in September, Côte d’Azur pastry-maker Bruno Laffargue (Mic Mac in Cagnes and Le Rouret) set our mouths watering. A 100 % macaroon fan, he now gives classes in his workshop on Saturdays. They last from 3 to 4 hours and participants take about 70 macaroons back home ! L’atelier du macaron, 50 chemin du Val Fleuri, Cagnes-sur-mer (04 89 14 33 47).
The great name in furs Yves Salomon has just opened a luxury showcase in Saint-Tropez. For the past 30 years, the brand has proposed very “couture” collections made of the most superb skins from Denmark, Finland, the USA, Russia and Canada. In this light and airy showroom, the jackets, coats and dresses will undoubtedly draw an international clientele with a taste for luxury. Yves Salomon, 3 avenue Foch, Saint-Tropez (04 94 56 48 24).
France’s second Hard Rock Café after the one in Paris, this legendary name has chosen the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. On two floors and with a surface area of 557 m2, it can accommodate 200 clients inside, 30 on the terrace. Its in-house bonus ? The “Rock Wall Solo”, an interactive touchscreen wall whose technology allows fans to explore a vast collection of memorabilia (way-out objects once belonging to stars ) such as stage accessories used by Justin Timberlake, Rihana, James Brown, and the percussion instruments of Matt Sorum of the Guns n’Roses. As for food, the menu features an appetizing selection of Burgers, accompanied by an impressive list of cocktails. Nice, 5 Promenade des Anglais.
The famous coffee goblets in crumpled porcelain signed Revol are now dressed up in very French decors ! This model from the I LOVE FRANCE collection proposes icons such as the Eiffel Tower, 2-Chevaux and dancers from the Moulin Rouge. Chic and shock ! From 11,95 €. Galeries Lafayette Nice Masséna.
This very smart Smart is the fruit of collaboration with BoConcept, a Danish furniture brand. Clad in matt white with an interior in chocolate-coloured leather, the ForTwo BoConcept Signature Style will be available from November in coupé and convertible versions. In the meantime, you can treat yourself to the Smartville collection from BoConcept. This line with design inspired by the car consists of the “Estoril” sofa in chocolate-coloured leather, a swivel armchair, a coffee table in neon yellow lacquer and several decorative items. 1254 Route de la Valmasque, Valbonne (04 92 38 98 60).
Silversmith/enameller Frey Wille of Vienna is honouring Russia in a new collection called “Passionate Russia”. This collection of sumptuous bracelets is comprised of four lines whose motifs take inspiration from Slav folklore and symbols : Russian dolls, arts and crafts, Swan Lake and the Phoenix. Sheer enchantment ! 43 rue d’Antibes, Cannes. (04 93 68 21 88)
A return to the South for Yoric Tièche ! This talented chef born in Aix-en-Provence has just been appointed to head the team at La Passagère, the restaurant of the legendary Belles Rives Hotel in Juan-les-Pins. After winning his spurs at the Chanteclerc in the Negresco in Nice, Yoric Tièche perfected his art at Taillevent, then Le Meurice. At the Belles Rives, he proposes sophisticated and refined cuisine giving priority to market-fresh ingredients and the morning’s catch. In this enchanting setting in Art Deco style, guests savour his lobster “à la nage” while gazing at the Med, not forgetting, however, to round off the meal with one of the wonderful fruit desserts signed Steve Moracchini, the talented pastry chef. 33 boulevard Edouard Baudouin, Juan-les-Pins (04 93 62 02 79).
Pastel shades are making a big comeback in our homes, and not just in the nursery ! The must-have this autumn is the “Bold” armchair with its “Todd” foot-rest from Habitat. Made of fabric with a playful vintage design, they add a touch of softness and comfort to a cosy but uncluttered lounge. CC Nice Etoile, 30 avenue Jean Médecin, Nice (04 93 92 14 21).
A chic modern bistrot, Red - a new address launched by the Floirat group - is the latest trendy rendez-vous in the Principality of Monaco. In the kitchen, Julien Tosello concocts refreshing cuisine with an Italian accent and a delicious truffle pizza as his speciality. Next door to the Black Legend, Red is open for lunch and dinner in a refined atmosphere with contemporary decor, spiced up with elegant touches of red. Highly appreciable, the valet car service is a real bonus. Quai Albert 1er, Route de la Piscine, Monaco (00377 93 30 62 26).
After Paris, Zazen Coiffure has just inaugurated a salon in Beaulieu. The atmosphere is chic and elegant : mosaic flooring from Marrakesh, stone walls, chairs signed Eames... Yann, Sylvaine and Julien propose cuts and hair treatments either classic, trendy or sophisticated, together with technical protocols such as Lissfactor’s Japanese sleekeners and Shu Uemura beauty care “ceremonies” for the hair. 8 rue Maréchal Foch, Beaulieu-sur-mer. (04 93 01 25 25)
To return to work on top form, pay a visit to Les Thermes Marins in Cannes to test the new relaxation “modelage” which is part of the anti-burn out cure. Combining several oriental and Asiatic techniques, it liberates both body and soul from all kinds of tensions. Take the opportunity to make good resolutions and treat yourself to a subscription to this modern thalassotherapy centre dispensing excellent treatments (Dr Haushka, Valmont, Anne Sémonin) as well as beneficial marine treatments. You’ll adore the relaxation room featuring floating beds. Sheer magic ! 47 rue Georges Clémenceau, Cannes (04 92 99 50 10).
The 1908 is the cooker all “cordons bleus” dream of owning. This model from La Cornue is now available in blue, red and yellow : three primary colours to delight both esthetes and foodies. All “fire and flame”, only in a gas version, the 1908 has a vaulted oven, the signature of La Cornue excellence. Act fast - this is a limited edition ! 7 900 €. Cook & Toques, 30 bd de Lorraine, Cannes (04 93 68 71 61).
Designing jewellery in Paris since 1780, a paragon of French-style elegance, Chaumet has just opened its first boutique on the Croisette. This sleek showcase of 70 m2 displays the brand’s new jewellery and watch collections : Joséphine, Attrape-Moi si Tu m’Aimes, Les Liens and Class One timepieces. 9 boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes (04 93 99 50 71).
A real institution since 1887 on the Port of Saint-Tropez, the Café Sénéquier has revealed its new decor. The legendary red terrace 30 metres long has, of course, been preserved and embellished. Inside, the atmosphere is delightfully neo-vintage. For the occasion, the menu - previously offering snacks - has been enriched by gastronomic offerings thanks to chef Maurice Guillouët, who once worked with Robuchon. The accent is on simple but generous dishes, and the irresistible “tarte Tropézienne” is homemade ! Saint-Tropez, Quai Jean-Jaurès. Tél. : 04 94 97 20 20
The 250 m2 of the Boffi show-room in Cannes have just been entirely restructured by the renowned architect-designer Piero Lissoni. The latest models of kitchens, bathrooms and storage systems are on display on the upper floor. On the ground floor, a flagship kitchen : the new edition of Aprile with its Corian work surfaces and walnut doors, or the K20, an iconic example of clean design. 127 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 39 32 16).
