Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
Decidedly trendy, the new legless seat from Fedro de Dedon embodies a new concept of summer seating. Ergonomic with its design and Gypsy colours, it can be taken everywhere, from the garden to the beach ! Nomadic and stackable, it also rocks ! Designed by Milanese fashion designer, Lorenza Bozzoli. Dedon, 11 allée Guillaume Apollinaire, angle rue Grimaldi, Monaco (00377 97 98 69 37).
At the spearhead of technology, the polarized lenses of sun-glasses by the Hawaian brand “Maui Jim” are characterized by a dark coating at the upper part of the lens which becomes lighter as its reaches the lower part. The result is vivid colours and astonishing contrasts, paired with trendy mountings. En vente chez Sun & Co, 29 rue Massena à Nice (04 93 87 03 39)
In the ochre creeks between Mandelieu and Saint-Raphaël, Le Yaktsa is a palatial gem, a haven of peace for tourists from all over the world wanting to discover a more “confidential” Côte d’Azur. Its gastronomic restaurant, “L’Or Bleu”, headed by young chef Florent Benoît, offers a refined interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine : oven-baked sea-bass with almonds, Arborio risotto with white truffles... Audacious desserts round off the menu, to be sampled in a decor worthy of a palace from the Arabian Nights. 6 bd de l’Esquillon, Théoule-sur-Mer. (04 92 28 60 30).
Rabih Kayrouz is one of those couturiers who have been very closely followed on the fashion scene for the past few seasons. Founded in 2009, his brand is synonymous with impeccable cuts, both perfect and architectural. It is here in Saint-Tropez that the designer has chosen to open his first boutique, at the edge of the legendary Place des Lices. Architect Christophe Martin has designed a setting halfway been a chic dressing-room and a hall of mirrors, setting off the flowing design of light summer dresses, a collection inspired by cotton work-clothes and several limited editions : printed pareos, colourful pashminas, tote-bags of all sizes... 37, rue Gambetta, Saint-Tropez. (04 94 81 83 02)
Here’s a concept both simple and self-evident ! “Ôbaba” is the first beach towel/picnic cloth that doesn’t fly away ! Trendy and practical, it is made of cotton voile in grey and turquoise, measures 5 sq. metres and is held down at each end by pegs in ultra-light fibre, easily placed in the button-holes. Once rolled up, it needs very little room in your basket, suitcase or the trunk of your car. Made in France, clever and visually appealing ! www.obabaparis.com
Little-known yet very effective, the German cosmetic brand Klapp has arrived on the Riviera and is launching for summer Immu Sun, a range of new-generation sun protection products, resistant to both water and perspiration. For the spring, its Self Tan Lotion guarantees a very lovely bronzed effect for all skin types while moisturizing the epidermis. Delicately perfumed, its star components are aloe vera, panthenol and essential vitamin E. www.klapp-cosmetics.com
The new modular living spaces designed by Espace Loggia have everything to please, especially for children’s and teenagers’ bedrooms. Practical, with cool design and in favourite colours from the vintage trend, these solutions for beds on mobile plateaux are available in noble materials made in France. Espace Loggia, 23 rue de l’Hôtel des Postes, Nice. (04 93 55 46 31)
"Musae" has its own special atmosphere at the very heart of Cannes. In this dreamlike decor of Scandinavian inspiration, visitors take their time admiring a selection of objects carefully overseen by manageress Marie Delaire. Materials, shapes, textures..., each item is something to fall for. Furnishings, home linen, clothes, lighting, candles, ceramics, stickers... A very delicate array of offerings destined for success. 11, rue Notre Dame, Cannes (04 93 68 27 23) www.musae.fr
Since 2010, “1789 Cala”, a brand launched by two natives of the Côte d’Azur, Damien and Julien, has taken a new look at the famous espadrille, introducing both classic and more off-beat models, all designed and manufactured in France. This spring, Cala is inaugurating its first boutique in Juan-les-Pins. In a pretty setting of 30 m2, bright and contemporary, you'll find all the models (in 27 colours) in canvas or leather, for the entire family (sizes 26 to 46), as well as a ready-to-wear line launched this year comprised of swimming shorts, polos and T-shirts. For a holiday wardrobe, Riviera-style. 16 Bd Edouard Baudouin, Juan-les-Pins (04 93 63 79 60).
Such is the name of the new restaurant at the heart of the most glamorous hotel in Saint-Tropez. Directed by Alain Ducasse, the Spoon is making way for the Rivea. Chef Vincent Maillard proposes Mediterranean cuisine with an Italian accent, festive and refined, and the furnishings are designed by Antonop Citterio. Inside, one discovers a winter garden atmosphere while the harmonious terrace blends wood, shades of coral, aubergine, stripy fabrics and terra-cotta. “La Tropézienne” is, of course, on the dessert menu ! 27 avenue Foch, Saint-Tropez. (04 93 56 68 20).
Lingerie designer Chantal Thomass has joined up with Rometti, an Italian ceramics manufacturer, for the duration of a collection. Vases, bowls, mirrors and wall-lights bear the designer’s codes (corsets, ribbons, bows and the famous padding which is her signature) in a palette of black, rose, silvery and metallized colours. On sale at Cosi décoration, 16 rue de La Liberté à Nice. (04 93 55 46 86)
The Amercian brand Bamford has borrowed inspiration from ancient traditions to come up with an exclusive new treatment at the Château Saint-Martin in Vence. A body massage blending organic essential oils with warm and cold jade stones. As well as guaranteeing pleasant sensations, this alternance known as thermo-therapy encourages 100 % relaxation. 190 €. Château Saint-Martin et Spa, Vence. (04 93 58 40 80)
Do you dream of having your hair styled like a movie-star and flaunting a “Red Carpet” coiffure in just 15 minutes ? Make it come true during the Cannes Film Festival : Dessange Paris will be installing a nomad “Hair Capsule” at the heart of the Croisette, accessible to all, with or without an appointment. May from 16th to 25th, from 10h to 21h, La Croisette, Cannes.
A new setting with the Armani logo has just opened its doors on the Croisette. Already up and running, it is to be officially inaugurated on May 22nd during the Film Festival. On two levels - ground floor and basement -, fans will find all the women’s ready-to-wear and accessories in the Giorgio Armani line. The boutique has adopted the codes of Armani flagship stores : clean design, white marble... A prestigious address for this Italian designer who is planning new inaugurations on the Côte d’Azur, including an Armani Café which will be a world first. To be continued... 42, bd La Croisette, Cannes (04 93 38 05 90)
In May, Le Juana is inaugurating its chic bistro with the rather sobre name of Bistrot Terrasse. On the menu, dishes of Italian and Niçois inspiration prepared by Chef Eric Houard. Refined, inviting and comfortable, this address with a 1930’s decor proposes a lunchtime formula at 19 € Mondays to Fridays. Choice morsels : Venetian-style calf’s liver and whole sea-bass “all forno”. 19 avenue Gallice, Juan-les-Pins. (04 93 61 08 70)
Brazilian top-model Gisèle Bundchen, muse of the Ipanema brand of shoes, is the god-mother of an ephemeral boutique to be opened in Saint-Tropez on April 30th. On the bill, a wide array of sandals and flip-flops in warm, summery colours, comfortable and casual chic. This “pop-up” store will close its doors at the end of September. Kansoa Boutique, Les résidences du port, rue du 11 novembre, Saint-Tropez (04 94 97 69 74)
Renovated throughout, the Hélios Hotel - the N°1 establishment on the Ile des Embiez in the Var - will re-open its doors this April following 7 months of work. The hotel’s 60 rooms, entrance hall and bar have all been embellished, together with the dining-room and terraces, now redecorated in contemporary style. In addition, 11 apartments for rent have been renovated out of a total of 150, including 38 fully refurbished as new. With its “creators’ market” to be held throughout the high season, this is a great opportunity to treat yourself to a get-away or a longer stay on one of the Paul Ricard islands, between the creeks and pinewoods. www.les-embiez.com
For the spring, Côté Bastide, the life-style brand “made in Aix-en-Provence”, proposes an irresistible collection of accessories and clothing in crumpled linen in ultra-vivacious colours. You’ll just love the orange tote-bags (43€), saffron-coloured pyjamas and bathrobes, and multi-purpose fabrics to be used as tablecloths, pareos or sofa throws. At Mis en Demeure, 17 La croisette, Cannes. Cabane, 15 rue de la Préfecture, Nice
Founded in Cannes, Sifas rapidly became an essential brandname for editors of outdoor furnishings. The 2013 collection is no exception to the rule. Sifas surprises by exploring floral fabrics. Love at first sight for the Kokoon line designed by architect Daniel Pouzet and based on three key concepts : an innovative material (3D resin), boldness for the textile print, and the flagship item : the “love-seat”. Yes indeed ! Sifas, Bretelle de l’autoroute, 19 chemin Font Graissan, Mougins (04 92 18 32 40)
