Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
The most “vintage” optician in the Old Town of Nice, Charles Mosa (boutique “Pour Vos Beaux Yeux”) is launching his own collection of eyewear. Optical or for the sun, for men and women, the lenses are all in graduated tones of black and white, butterfly or aviator style. 238 €. 10 rue Alexandre Mari, Nice. (04 93 01 69 25)
In its new addresses in Cannes and Saint-Tropez, Ladurée is proposing a fabulous collection comprised of refined creations to celebrate Easter. Its “Cameo Eggs” are decorated with a medallion in the likeness of the Marquis or his Marchioness. Filled with black and milk chocolate candies, this collection comes in 4 flavours of cocoa, from the mildest to the most intense (from 14 to 25 €). Fans of the famous Ladurée macaroons will fall for the pretty gift set in a limited Easter edition. In a box decorated with tiny cake moulds, 8 or 18 macaroons (from 16.40 to 40.70 €) specially created for the occasion propose classic or brand new flavours, including the exotic Yuzu. Surprising ! 79 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 38 05 06) et 1 rue Georges Clémenceau, Saint-Tropez (04 94 43 23 79)
The restaurant bar designed by Philippe Starck inaugurated its “Cantine” in March ! A summery address proposing a simple but refined menu : regional gastronomy reflecting the freshest market produce. Gourmets will opt for the 9-course sampling menu. On Sundays, the brunch formula is served at the edge of the sea. Port of Cap d’Ail. (04 93 28 58 22).
With spring just around the corner, the spa at La Réserve in Ramatuelle has introduced new personalized slimming and well-being programmes for sheer indulgement over a long weekend or a full week. Dietetics, high-tech body treatments, hydrotherapy, shiatsu, reflexology and sport on the programme (pilates, nordic walking, aquabiking, yoga...). As a bonus, the hotel’s enchanting setting with the Mediterranean as far as the eye can see. From 1,090 € for a 4-day cure. Chemin de la Quessine, Ramatuelle (04 94 44 94 44)
The most “Monégasque” of Parisian designers has just launched his Karl Watch collection. All in black - naturally -, they embody the designer’s vision : modern, audacious and uncommon. They come with stainless steel bracelets or metallized leather straps, some with studs and chains, a reference to the designer’s jewellery. From 149 to 599 €. On sale at Ferret, Cap 3000 Saint-Laurent du Var, Carak, Monaco and Vogtime, Cannes.
An archetype of industrial furniture, adored by architects and sought-after by discerning collectors for several decades, the Gras lamp is staging a widely noticed comeback in contemporary interiors. It is proposed by DCW in two new versions : a reading lamp in black steel, and a special library edition with a reflector in black, chrome, mustard yellow, carbon blue or brick red. Marie Robinson Beaux Linge & Objets, 13, rue Théodore de Banville, Nice (04 92 07 00 75)
From now on, La Tonnelle, the only restaurant on the island of Saint-Honorat, proposes two new formulas which include the ferry crossing from Cannes (from 35 € : lunch + crossing). Chef Arnaud Ronxin has just concocted a new menu proposing several dishes with a Mediterranean accent, including a new snack formula called Les Canisses (12 €). At the water’s edge, before or after visiting the legendary Abbey, in a decor blending elegance and exoticism, you can savour fresh fish, barbecued shrimps, vegetable minestrone or “fritto misto”, leaving room for desserts such as the Lerincello sorbet, a real must only found here. La Tonnelle also proposes all the wines and liqueurs produced by the monks living on the island. (04 92 99 54 08)
Such is the name of this range of tableware signed Seletti, which pulls off a bold combination of two retro decors on a single piece of porcelain (mugs, plates, salad-bowls…). The result is so contemporary that the avant-garde concept store K11 in Monaco has decided to dedicate the large surface area of one of its two floors to the collection ! K11, Park Palace, Monaco (00 377 99 70 38 58)
In the classic tradition of American steak-houses, the Golden Beef has just opened in Antibes, in place and stead of the old Le Bastion. In a contemporary setting with Pop tonalities, varieties of beef from the best suppliers in the world are on the menu : Black Angus, Limousine, Sisteron... The bonus ? Le B4 - the restaurant’s lounge-bar - is open both before and after dinner, and also on Sundays for fans of brunch. 1, avenue Général Maizières, Antibes (04 93 34 59 86)
It is in the charming village of Uzès that Athezza designs two collections each year of decorative objects, furnishings and lighting, brimming with charm, which find their place just as easily in a contemporary loft as in a family home or an elegant chalet. Presented at the last “Maison et Objet” show in Paris, the latest collection proposes both tableware with marine motifs and stylish armchairs in inviting colours… A wealth of ideas for redecorating your home this spring. Etat d’Esprit, Nice, Compagnie des Étoffes, Cap 3000 Saint-Laurent du Var, L’Affaire des Double Rideaux and Univers Déco, Cannes… www.athezza.com
In partnership with Baccarat, THG, the French manufacturer of luxury faucets, has just presented its “Pétale de Cristal” collection. Available in black, red and blue, adorned with a thread of fine gold, this line in crystal is one of the most precious proposed until now in the intimate world of the bathroom. En vente chez JCD, 129, rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 39 23 24)
After opening a boutique in Cannes last year, Fragonard, the well-known perfume-maker from Grasse, has recently opened its doors on Cours Saleya, opposite the flower market in the capital of the Côte d’Azur. In this lovely setting designed by architect François Muracciole, you will find the entire range of Fragonard offerings : fragrances, of course, but also ready-to-wear, accessories and a selection of items for the home : cushions, pouffs, tableware and a generous collection of candles with sweet and flowery scents. 11, cours Saleya, Nice (04 93 80 33 71)
After La Crau, Hyères, Toulon and La Valette, the Var’s well-known pastry-maker Denis Matyasy has just inaugurated his new gourmet address in Sanary-sur-Mer. A few metres from the harbour, with windows clad in orange-coloured leather, recalling the “haute couture” spirit of homemade creations. A tempting array of macaroons, chocolates, elegant pastries, iced desserts... 1 place Michel Pacha, Sanary-sur-mer (04 94 74 10 51).
The last-born from M.Micallef, “Ylang in Gold” comes in a flacon blending minimalism and luxurious details. Entirely decorated by hand, it contains a heady, flowery fragrance enriched with gold powder. Parfumerie M.Micallef rue d’Antibes and Galeries Lafayette, Cannes.
ECHR, a design studio founded by Serge Hairabétian, specializes in the creation of top-notch professional kitchens. It has just designed the one in the new restaurant opened by Anne-Sophie Pic in Paris and that of L’Odyssée, the latest Joël Robuchon restaurant to open in April at the Métropole in Monaco. The specialist for open kitchens, ECHR has lavished special care on its most recent offering ! Glass and white epoxy set off work surfaces in synthesized stone, creating a harmonious and eco-friendly ambiance : energy consumption is controlled at every point. Another exploit : all the technical features are virtually invisible so that the client can participate in the preparation process from cooking to finishing touches, without any visual distractions. www.echr.fr
Winter is the ideal season in which to think about warming up your home. At Clair Azur, those who opt for an oriental or Scandinavian life-style will discover new proposals, both visually pleasing and technical, to bask in the warmth of hammams or saunas. The sauna spa made of Finnish spruce invites you to relax with friends (from 5,553 €) while mosaic jet spas come in all shades of blue, from the palest to the most intense, mixed with black. Our favourite ? The “Ovation” hammam made of Briare enamel (14,125 €). 1170 route de Nice, Espace Laporte, Antibes (04 92 90 69 10).
A literary institution in Nice, the Librairie Masséna has just opened a gallery to celebrate its 15th anniversary. Visitors will find a wide array of items and gift ideas selected for their artistic leanings : a pearl-and-jet necklace after Auguste Renoir, bird-tree plate, Matisse puzzle, Edward Hopper calendar, shawls, stationery... All those who appreciate fine objects will find something here. 55 rue Gioffredo, Nice (04 93 80 90 16).
Body pump, body combat, yoga, pilates, aero dance, zumba (with a class specially suited to seniors and another designed for children aged 6 to 14)… All the trendiest disciplines can be practised at Fitlane. Already offering six sports centres in Mandelieu, Cannes, Cannes-la-Bocca, Sophia-Antipolis, Juan-les-Pins and Nice Saint-Isidore, it has just pened a seventh centre at the heart of Nice (7 rue Halévy, behind the Ruhl Casino). Fans should note that Fitlane is offering the first 500 subscriptions free of charge. You will dispose of modern equipment as well as a wide choice of classes and appreciable flexibility for subscriptions and times. If, however, group classes are not your cup of tea, you can opt for personal training, coaching, sessions of Power Plate, body-building or cardio-training, or even quietly sweat it out while taking advantage of the sauna (even a hammam in Cannes). You no longer have any excuse not to take care of yourself. Reserve you Fitlane card immediately, it’s valid in all seven centres ! 0 825 620 720 (0.15 €/min) et www.fitlane.com
A DPLG architect by training, but also a designer, Frédéric Rhodes, creator of Archédis, does not merely content himself with designing houses and furniture... Trying his hand at a new set of dimensions, he now proposes his first collection of jewellery in gold-plated solid silver adorned with semi-precious stones. 05 61 72 61 08 et www. archedis.com
Collages, paintings, sculptures... Greg Berben is a self-taught artist. From exhibitions and showings, he has ended up by opening his own studio where art-lovers can discover (by appointment) his colourful, urban and pyschedelic world. Some of his canvases are on display until February 28th at the Pullman Hotel in Mandelieu, then in the spring at the Plaza in Nice. Kamyar Moghadam, director of Fashion for Floors, has just commissioned a series of works to be produced as carpets next spring. 373 allée des Clubs, Cannes Marina, Mandelieu (06 15 73 44 14).
