Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
An application for iPad specializing in all forms of art, from contemporary to cartoons, photography, architecture, graphic design and typography, “Art Book Magazine” is the result of an initiative undertaken by a group of artists and designers. It already provides access to about 100 artworks, either free or with a charge : essays, artists’ books, comic strips and novels in French, English, German and even Japanese. Some “enhanced” books add sound, music or video to their text and images. A way of becoming a participant in the on-going digital revolution. www.artbookmagazine.com
At the very top of Eze-Village, a majestic rocky spur surveying the sea, there is an address, stolen from time and unashamedly romantic, which discreetly hosts a luxury hotel and an outstanding restaurant : Le Château Eza. Recently and brilliantly renovated, the eleven guest-rooms combine hi-tech comfort with the charm of ancient stone… Expertly directed by Axel Wagner, the restaurant offers a dazzling view on a par with the splendour of the cuisine : “tombé” of Swiss chard, grilled “foie gras” and roasted pine kernels, fondue of tomatoes and “panisses” with olives, royal sea-bream with grapefruit jam... With strong southern influences, a smattering of lyricism and a wise return to authentic flavours, Axel Wagner confirms his Michelin star while reintroducing more affordable prices ! Excellent from all points of view ! 04 93 41 12 24 and www.chateaueza.com
This aluminium seating was originally designed by Christophe Pillet for the Hôtel Sezz in Saint-Tropez. The resulting collection, now including stools, chairs and pivoting seats, is thus called “Sezz” and can be found in the on-line Emeco store. Without seams or soldering, the recycled aluminium, offers smooth lines for these lovely items of furniture. www.emeco.net
Winner of a “Mercure d’Or”, Jean-Paul Lannier continues to offer the same level of excellence provided by Martin Fleurs since 1883. In 1994, he deployed his talent in the boutique revamped by an architect friend, together with his son Guillaume who adds his creative touch to floral compostions either minimalist or opulent, country-style or elaborate. Bouquets to suit all tastes, for special occasions and home decor. 28 rue Hôtel-des-Postes, Nice (04 93 62 08 00).
Joining the ranks… Emu, a prestigious Italian brand in the field of outdoor furniture, has just joined major names in the sector, already represented by Dehors. From furnishings to lighting and candles, not forgetting tableware, Dehors displays a wide array of products in its showroom opened two years ago in the little village of Eygalières. Sifas, Dedon, Matière Grise, VandeCasteele, Driade, Magis, but also the famous canvas “Butterfly” chair available in 14 colours, original lighting signed Jean Luc Ledeun, ceramic panels designed by Liza Pappon, Baobab candles, leather-covered items from Sol et Luna… Colourful, contemporary and playful, the collections are displayed in an area of 200 m2 offering its walls to photos by Vanina de Turkheim. Eric Guibbert welcomes private and professional clients, architects, decorators and landscapers... Rue des Ecoles, Eygalières (04 90 92 63 06 and dehors-design.com).
Built-in laterally and flush with the burners, on the same work surface, this stainless steel extractor of extreme purity allows for a panoramic view of the space and solves all the problems caused by high ceilings. The clever “Up Side” is above all a silent extractor which reverses the natural process of rising steam, a feature exclusive to Novy. 1450 €, www.novy.fr.
Like all Italian companies known for their fast response, Varaschin, the specialist for rattan, has successfully diversified its offerings. As well as adapting its weaving technique to encompass other materials, it has come up with new collections such as “Scacco” (shown here), enriched each year by designer Mario Mazzer. A system based on square or rectangular boxes, open or closed, allowing you to compose the wall unit of your dreams in a wide choice of colours. www.varaschin.it
Bang & Olufsen’s home cinema family has recently grown with the appearance of the “Beovision 4”. The CV of this plasma screen is rather interesting. Judge for yourself : 85 inches, the first full HD model benefitting from 3D technology. Now you can sit back to watch “Avatar” and other 3D blockbusters in your very own lounge ! Needless to say, the quality of both sound and image is exemplary. Colours are authentic, the flow of movement just perfect. The best pupil in its class, it contains a whole series of technologies for image enhancement, as well as an anti-reflection treatment. Thanks to patented Acoustic Lens technology, the sound emitted through the central channel is diffused homogeneously and horizontally. You thus catch all the nuances of a dialogue, wherever you happen to be in the room. The “Beovision 4” is on demonstration in the boutique on Rue d’Antibes in Cannes. 130 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 38 82 05 and www.bang-olufsen.com).
Artemide, Flos, Baccarat, Ingo Maurer, Modular... Surrounded by the foremost names in home lighting in a decor signed Christophe Tollemer, Valente delivers an illuminating lesson on the subject, for indoors and out. With its carefully staged settings, the showroom is intended to be a real work tool, enabling clients, both private and professional, to obtain a true impression of the final effect. 47 route de Collobrières, Cogolin (04 94 54 46 84).
At the heart of the antique-dealers’ neighbourhood, a shrine to indoor paintwork has just opened. The Little Shop presents product ranges both elitist, ecological and easy to use. The first section is devoted to plain colours with a choice of 147 shades in matt acrylic, satin-finish or glossy lacquer. The second proposes “special effect” paint (waxed concrete, metallized velvet), while the third stages a collection of wall-paper with patterns blending art and nature. 21 rue Emmanuel-Philibert, Nice (04 93 26 77 93).
Transformed into a “Mediterranean cinematography centre”, the famous “Château de ma mère” so dear to Pagnol proposes a cinema-brunch formula on Sundays in its restaurant “La Table des Secrets”. A chance to discover this superbly restored castle where screenings are held on Friday evenings and Sundays at 2 p.m. 56 traverse de la Buzine, Marseille (04 91 45 27 60 and www.chateaudelabuzine.com).
Les Thermes Sextius in Aix-en-Provence have just inaugurated a sensorial spa which celebrates the beneficial effects of of water in a restful contemporary setting. Sombre iridescent tiling, wengé benches, streamlined decor and subdued lighting invite you to concentrate on your own well-being. On the programme : a real Finnish sauna built of polar wood, hot and luke-warm hammams with aromatic herbs and essential oils, an ice fountain and "experience" showers. For delightful sessions of cocooning at only 45 euros per day, including admission to the gym area. 04 42 23 81 82 and www. thermes-sextius.com
The Bistrot Saint-Sauveur is the latest hot-spot in this delightful neighbourhood in the old part of Le Cannet ! Claude Sutter, former manager of the Palm Square, has opened an authentic resto for foodies, far from urban bustle, at 87 rue Saint-Sauveur. The decor carved out of noble materials offers a warm contemporary atmosphere in which the chef regularly up-dates a menu giving pride of place to enticing ingredients ! Very tempting dishes such as cream of asparagus with orange zest, mushroom “duxelles” with golden croutons, tenderloin of Simmenthal beef with wine sauce and sautéed potatoes, all focusing on flavour and expertly accompanied by a selection of wines... 04 93 94 42 03 and www.bistrotsaintsauveur.fr
Extend the summer by adopting rice spoons, salad servers and coloured bowls designed by Laurent Barber who revives wooden utensils made of olivewood. Jean Martin, 9 rue Charloun Rieu, Maussane-les-Alpilles and on www.jeanmartin.fr.
After Grasse, Eze, Paris, Saint-Paul and Cannes, it was natural to expect the announcement of a Fragonard boutique opening in Nice. It was to the legendary Cours Saleya, facing the flower market, that the famous perfumer from Grasse delivered its trunks in June, containing fragrances, soaps, gifts and ready-to-wear, accessories, jewellery, tableware and decorative items. Over the past few years, Fragonard has developed an increasingly broad and global concept, of nomadic inspiration. To create a backcloth to suit its requirements, Agnès Costa has enlisted architect François Muracciole, whose Parisian settings expertly blend contemporary codes and chic classicism (Bonton, Bonpoint, Café Verlet...). "The boutique in Nice will have a black stone floor and off-white walls. A deliberately sober setting to set off the colours of Fragonard," confided the architect. 11 cours Saleya, Nice (www.fragonard.com).
A major work in the field of contemporary design, this first book devoted to Matali Crasset traces the 20-year career of this French designer, renowned for her non-conformism, her obsession with functional modularity and her use of signature colours. The book also portrays her talents as an architect, highlighting her accomplishments here in Nice : the Hi Hotel, Hi Beach and Toutou Vert dog-grooming salon ! Editions Norma, 320 pages, 70 €.
Designer Tom Van Der Bruggen, founder of the Kapla brand of toys, has just launched “Tom’s Gallery” in Nice : this hybrid store proposes exhibitions of local artists and sells the full range of Kapla games. You’ll find scientific, artistic and nostalgic toys : kites, wooden spinning tops, kaleidoscopes, puzzles, solar-powered merry-go-rounds. Magic ! 58 rue de France, Nice (04 93 54 21 04).
Tiffany & Co has chosen Nice in which to open its first boutique outside Paris. Designed by the firm’s New York architects, a brilliant showcase of 190 m2 presents the creations of this jeweller, this year celebrating its 175th anniversary. A huge sofa - a nod and a wink to Audrey Hepburn - completes a very chic decor, a variation on that of the flagship store on 5th Avenue : period furniture, parquet floor, walls mixing stone and marble, photos evoking the world of Tiffany & Co. 6 avenue de Verdun, Nice (04 89 14 25 25).
Hydropolis, a company based in Avignon, well-known in the world of bathrooms, has decided to get closer to its clients in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the Alpes-Maritimes by opening a new showroom in Sainte-Maxime. Here, individuals and professionals - interior designers and architects, decorators - find international brands that are benchmarks in the field, such as Dornbracht, Castelano, THG and Lefroy Brooks, as well as Hydropolis "bonuses" in terms of guidance, expertise and services. More than ever, classic re-issues rub shoulders with designer products that the highly professional team select at major international trade-fairs. Entirely revamped, the firm’s website will soon be introducing an on-line catalogue giving access to its numerous product collections. Products that also extend to the world of spas and saunas. 21 avenue de la Liberté, Lou Camp Ferrat, Sainte-Maxime (04 90 80 75 84 and hydropolis.fr).
In a decor combining Dior grey, pure white and Basque red, Roger Martens is celebrating the Flibuste’s 2 "forks" in the Michelin Guide ! His harbourside restaurant in Marina Baie des Anges gives precedence to the bounty of the sea and draws inspiration from southern cuisine. To be sampled without delay : a "marguerite" of Saint-Jacques scallops, squid fried in white balsamic vinegar, fish of the day simply prepared with white butter, sliced fillet of beef cooked as a stew… La Flibuste, port de Marina Baie des Anges, Villeneuve-Loubet (04 93 20 59 02).
