Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
Two new boutiques have opened their doors in La Vallette and Marseille. The specialist for fresh handmade cosmetics continues to convince a clientele concerned not only by well-being but also the environment. Each one more original than the last, its offerings are in fact effective, preservative-free and careful to reduce packaging as much as possible. Shampoos, bath foams, soaps, bath bubbles (called “Ballistics”) and massage bars are presented in solid form, without any wrapping, while Furoshiki replaces classic gift paper. For Easter, the brand proposes a range of very inventive products such as a “Ballistic Oeuf’orie” and “Carotte’N’Roll” foam. More than ever, Lush combines quality, creativity and humour. Centre Bourse, Marseille 1er (04 91 90 53 06) and centre commercial Grand Var, La Valette (04 94 58 68 63).
Just launched by Sen, “Weight Control” is comprised of a shower gel that scubs and redefines contours, a lipo-sculpting body scrub and a body firming lotion. They all contain an active Thermogenic principle, capsaicin in Capsicum, which activates micro-circulation and blocks the storage of fat. A tonic massage oil completes this range without Parabens or phthalates. Chez Marionnaud, 5 cours Mirabeau, Marignane (04 42 77 73 26).
In silver, gold (yellow or pink) or platinum, with a glossy or brushed finish, treat your iPhone to this exceptional shell (models 4 and 4 S). “A jewel of technology must have its setting”, says designer Umberto Bellini, who has thus created a line of very refined and personalizable shells to suit everyone’s taste. You can engrave your initials or any other motif, as you please. Umberto Bellini will be delighted to customize your phone’s new case ! 375 to 13,000 €. www.umbertobellini.com
Fauchon loves fantasy and is always ready to propose cheerful and original treats as soon as the opportunity arises, taking care to preserve authentic flavours. After Valentine’s Day, it’s now taking inspration from Easter. Its pair of eggs, “Monsieur and Madame”, await your instructions, ready to plunge into the water. Madame in hen version has waddled into the “Swimming Poule” collection, hatching almonds covered in white milk chocolate. At her side, a piggy-bank bucket, full of small fish and crustaceans also in milk chocolate, while a “Choc Made in F” box contains unforgettable pralines and ganaches… Dive in ! Centre commercial Le Métropole (00 377 97 70 57 54).
With the centralized vacuum system “Cyclovac”, household chores become child’s play. Once the supple hose is connected, you dust from floor to ceiling in the twinkling of an eye, silently and avoiding any risk of allergy. It takes a day for the technician to set up your network, install special PVC air conduits and suction connections. Aspiro Technique, 65 chemin des Saquèdes, Sainte-Maxime (04 94 96 43 51).
This bath-shower combo called “Twinline 2” from Anava, the specialist for bathrooms, turns the functions of the two installations into one while offering very tasteful design. Thanks to the glass door, access is easy and splashing is avoided. For your main home, this innovative concept is eligible for a 25 % tax credit (combo and installation). When something’s intelligent, comfortable and beautiful, we say “Yes”, what about you ? Ask for a free quote. Anava (09 60 39 45 43).
Emmanuelle Legavre designed the Kube for EGO Paris. An extremely playful and practical concept : a structure in aluminium with three cushions which can be transformed into a “chaise longue”, pouff, armchair or coffee table, proposed in 21 colours. The latest trend for outdoor living ! From 1,160 €. www.egoparis.com
Champagne, taupe and cherry red for the colours, grainy materials, laser-cut metal, a highly graphic façade... That’s the solution proposed by Togu Architecture to Solange Marion, chef at the Iode café, who wanted original architecture for her restaurant with an Asian influence. A successful exercise for this little pilot scheme whose concept seems likely to spread... Ancre Marine, Ciotat Park, avenue Emile-Bodin, La Ciotat (04 42 83 50 95).
Body pump, body combat, yoga, pilates, aero dance, zumba (with a class adapted to suit the elderly and another one specially designed for children aged 6 to 14)… All the trendiest disciplines can be practised at Fitlane. It already offers five sports centres in Mandelieu, Cannes, Cannes-la-Bocca, Sophia-Antipolis, Nice, and soon a sixth, in Juan-les-Pins. Each one places modern equipment at your disposal, as well as a wide diversity 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, valid in all five centres ! (0 825 620 720). www.fitlane.com
Sixteen times less decibels and an optimized flush make “Discrétion” the most silent ecologicial toilet on the market. In its wall-mounted or floor-level versions, this model from Dubourgel offers high-level hygiene (bactericidal treatment, “Cera clean” procedure and easy cleaning) as well as improved safety (a cover with slowdown system to prevent shocks and thus noise). Balitrand, Cannes-la-Bocca (04 93 90 58 64). www.dubourgel.com
Janssens Immobilier is proud to present its holiday rental department : “Made in Provence”. Backed by a solid network of local service-suppliers, the agency bends over backwards to guarantee its clients an enjoyable stay. With over a decade of experience and a staff speaking four languages, it relies on a large portfolio of selected properties in the Luberon and, very soon, the Alpilles. Each transaction is secured by means of a contract with cancellation and damages insurance. Made in Provence (04 90 75 97 98). www.madeinprovence.fr
In all four seasons, the Beau Rivage beach restaurant invites you to indulge in a moment of unparalleled pleasure and congeniality facing the Mediterranean. This winter, the large covered dining-room has become a lounge area with superb plant arangements. Its chocolate-coloured sofas welcome you to a pause for cocktails by the fire (Wifi and parlour games available free of charge). Outdoors, the fully sheltered veranda protects from the wind, but still allows you to lunch in the sun with its retractable roof. Chef Stephen Innocenti concocts tasty and sophisticated dishes (“papillote” of John Dory with fresh lemongrass and ginger, chicken supreme with truffle-oil and mixed pan-fried mushrooms…) and the desserts are homemade. For awaiting the summer without feeling deprived ! Plage Beau Rivage, Nice (04 92 00 46 80).
A boudoir ambiance and total femininity are on the programme. Durance revisits the beauty secrets of the Marquise de Sévigné to propose a new range of very delicate products with neither parabens nor silicone. We then have to choose from three delicious lip glosses with cherry water, mallow water or linen water, and adopt without hesitation the shimmering powder for the body. An even lovelier smile and skin just waiting to be caressed ! Durance, Marseille 1er (04 91 33 52 47).
Jaeger-LeCoultre signs its name to sumptuous models and adorns the wrists of the most well-known stars. In fact, the role of ambassador for the brand is currently played by Clive Owen. Appreciated for its reversible case which protects the dial, the legendary Reverso Duoface celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2011. While waiting to treat ourselves, we can admire the one in rose gold worn by Richard Anconina in the third saga of “La vérité, si je mens” (released on February 1st). Chez Lepage, Nice (04 93 87 84 56).www.jaegerlecoultre.com
After the aluminium card-holder and wallet, here comes the compact purse from Ögon Designs. In 10 different colours, with a refined finish and a delightful retro air, this accessory makes it easy to find your coins. Price : 26 €. Contraste, Antibes (04 93 34 58 26). www.ogon.fr
To enhance the artistic level of your home, drop ino L’Artothèque, founded by L’Art Tisse and Patricia Civel (ex-journalist and art critic). Among the 600 works by some 60 contemporary artists, you can choose paintings, sculptures or photographs to suit your taste. The works are entrusted to you for a month with a biography of the artist for sums ranging from 8 to 24 € depending on the format. 14 rue de la Fontaine, Valbonne (04 93 42 04 56).
Le Boudoir is the latest address where you can meet up with friends for a chat and treat at lunchtime. A real little alcove dedicated to gourmet temptation, it offers a bright warm decor. Lola, the cook and excellent pastry-maker, prepares recipes based on fresh market produce, constantly renewed, under the benevolent eyes of Julien Durville and Christine and Gilles Ballestra of the nearby Luna Rossa. The menu opts for” snacking chic” to suit all tastes, sweet and savory, with 5 starters, 5 main courses and 10 desserts. By way of example, an artichoke salad sprinkled with chips of Parmesan and thin slices of truffles, a Simmertal rib steak with flap mushroom cream, and panna cotta in a crunchy chocolate version. Simple and tasty, with a discerning selection of wines from Provence. Later in the day, treat yourself to a gourmet break, with Kusmi tea and homemade madeleines. 10 rue Chauvain, Nice (04 93 87 55 54).
Spotlight on “Suita” from Intra Muros. Signed by Citterio for Vitra, the “Suita” range is composed of 2- and 3-seater sofas, a daybed, benchseat, ottoman and club armchair. These furnishings, some of which come with accessories (headrests or shelves) can be combined to infinity to create different atmospheres. A base in the form of an injected aluminum bridge gives “Suita” its subtle elegance. The range also proposes two options for seating comfort. Luxury indeed… Intra Muros, 167 rue Paradis, Marseille (04 91 53 52 52).
Barbara Rizzo obtained her architect’s diploma in Rome, but was soon to cross the border and settle in Antibes. She relies on the sunshine, colours and light of the Côte d’Azur as sources of inspiration. Italian-born Barbara Rizzo uses them to sculpt the spaces she designs. Her architecture is also bio-climatic, taking advantage of the natural elements and giving priority to sustainable materials. A chic minimalist style. 06 78 76 77 97 and www.br-architecturedesign.com
There are some dates we never forget. For Jane & K, May 27th, 2011, is certainly one of them. On that day, the two friends inaugurated an exhibition devoted to their first jewellery collection. Would their 80 items appeal to the public ? The verdict was unanimous : “refined”, “playful”, their ear-rings, necklaces and pendants carried off all the votes. And that’s how this duo, who launched themselves into the adventure “for their own pleasure”, finally got caught up in the game. Artist-painter Jane, a former student at the Villa Arson, and make-up artist K., alias Katherine, therefore forged ahead. Their unique pieces are composed of collages, paintings, hijacked images. Most importantly, each one tells a story. And bears an evocative name : “Elephant Ride”, “ Dancers”, “Young Woman with Red Glove”, “The Mona Lisa and Maryline”… The underlying theme : women in all their states and conditions. Charming and spell-binding, of course ! 06 16 90 06 40 and http://aucoeurdejaneandk.com.
