Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
Marco Basciano and his associates create atmospheres. Their showroom stages the world of design for kitchens, bathrooms, lounges and walk-in closets, in partnership with brands such as Snaidero or Bontempi and leading names including Karim Rashid, Wilmotte and Piva. Mosaico will assist you in making your choices, designing and carrying out projects which meet your specific requirements. 33 boulevard Maréchal-Leclerc, Beaulieu-sur-Mer (04 93 80 79 67 and www.mosaico.fr).
A surprising showroom has just been opened in a former sculptor’s studio. Ventaqua is a new venture undertaken by a couple of Italians : Sergio Azzellino and Francesca Vittoria Manola. In these premises of 200 m2, it brings together the cream of a generation of designers without frontiers, belonging to post-industrial “artesign”. “Small productions, limited collections and one-off pieces, projects in which you can still see the concept, the desire and freedom to invent design !” 3 rue Niepce, Nice (09 64 04 99 06 and www.ventaqua.com).
Henri Paret’s credo is to design beautiful and very comfortable villas. The architect puts his trust in natural materials and evolving techniques, especially thermal. He mainly works on contemporary projects, occasionally restoring country houses and private mansions. Often entrusted with their interior decor, he also designs furniture in harmony with the settings. Le Tholonet, Aix-en-Provence (06 08 63 30 23).
Chroma Care is a new line from L’Oréal for coloured hair. These pretty flacons, real “hair colour boosts”, contain a treatment cream enriched with apricot oil to maintain shine, softness and manageability. Nine shades (coppery, red, gold, brown…) to unify, embellish or neutralize your hair colour. With the one called "irisé", platinum blonds will never turn yellow ! On sale from approved hair stylists. www.lorealprofessionnel.fr
For delightful breaks and getting away from it all, Thalazur has launched one-day packages to be enjoyed solo or as a couple. Cocooning with a hydromassage bath in sea-water, a peeling and beauty treatment for the body or the well-being option with an affusion massage and facial for two. Alone, you can opt for a day devoted to beauty care and plenitude with 5 highly recommended individual treatments. From 203 to 254 €. 770 chemin des Moyennes-Bréguières, Antibes (04 92 91 82 06).
You've always dreamt of driving a Ferrari 458 Italia, Aston Martin DBS, Maserati GranCabrio or Porsche GT3 without the constraints involved in buying one of these magnificent cars (insurance, registration, maintenance, repairs, resale…) ? It's now possible by becoming a member of the Toys Club. Your subscription (from 13,800 €) comes with a certain number of points and kilometres, a capital that can be used throughout the year (30 to 50 days per year). You will then benefit from an exceptional choice of cars capable of making your wildest dreams come true. Launched in Paris over three years ago, the club now exists in Cannes. Go on, treat yourself ! www.toysclub.fr
Revamped by Pierre-Yves Rochon, the gastronomic restaurant at the Hôtel Hermitage is now a sleek, sober and glowing venue, combining traditional Art Deco with high-tech. It has also been treated to a private lounge and a bar, Le Cristal, which owes its name to collections of Lalique and Daum displayed in showcases. A pared-down effect, adopted by chef Joël Garault who proposes "one ingredient, one type of cooking". Square Beaumarchais, Monaco (00 377 98 06 40 00).
Unrepentant fans of design will have recognized the Gras lamp, dreamt up in 1921 by engineer Bernard-Albert Gras. Don't be taken in by its humble allure : it drew the attention of both Henri Matisse and Le Corbusier. www.madeindesign.com
Already featured in the Gault & Millau Guide 2012 (for the second year running), Boni has no intention of resting on its laurels but is rather constantly coming up with new ideas. Firstly by proposing dishes inspired by seasonal produce (mushrooms, truffles, game, shell-fish…), then by reorganizing the restaurant to make it even more congenial (you can now eat at the bar) and finally, by adapting to the crisis. Paolo, the chef from Turin, still concocts quality cuisine at very reasonable prices : for dinner, 4 formulas from 20 to 34 €, and a 3-course lunchtime menu for 12.50 €. To be ordered or savoured on the premises, the homemade “foie gras” is truly divine ! 15 rue Tonduti de l’Escarène, Nice (04 93 62 93 36).
Fauchon has put its signature to a surprising gourmet gift-box. Like a jewellery chest, it contains 25 creamy chocolates in which creativity harmonizes deliciously with quality. Adorned with a chip of cocoa or fruit, each chocolate is composed of a sophisticated praline (hazelnut, almond and hazelnut, or hazelnut and coconut) further enhanced by mouth-watering flavours (melting caramel, ganache, white chocolate…). Even the most discerning taste-buds will be appreciative. 31 €. www.fauchon.com
Based in Paris since 1982, Diurne has opened a showroom on the Côte d'Azur to present its exclusive offerings, including the most recent collection unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show. Unique contemporary carpets, designed by artist Marcel Zelmanovitch then hand-knotted in Diurne's workshop in Nepal. 1390 avenue du Campon, Le Cannet (04 93 46 44 28 and www.galerie-diurne.com).
Deco addicts have a new hangout : Maintenant ou Jamais. A boutique with an innovative concept. Each month a new style and a new exhibition, related to a chosen theme : “Colour block” in June, “Everyone out on the terrace” in July, “Italian design” in September... Consumers fond of zapping have little chance of getting bored ! 24 rue de la Liberté, Nice (04 97 20 53 04).
He learned his trade in Chicago, Venice, Rotterdam, Paris and Barcelona. But it was back in his native Saint-Tropez - in 2000 - that he let his talent really blossom. Admittedly, his plans do seem purpose-designed for the balmy Mediterranean life-style. Clean lines, raw materials - wood, glass, steel, stone and concrete - and a constant play on the light that has inspired so many artists. With Vincent Coste, “southern homes” are treated to chic facelifts. This disciple of Le Corbusier is fond of minimalism and rigour, rejecting anything flashy or superfluous. Monochrome tones, lofty volumes, for houses anchored in nature. Not the traditional Provençal “bastide”, but places where cicadas will also feel at ease… Hardly surprising that the architect’s “ideal home” is very often “the one he’s doing for his clients !” 3 bis impasse des Conquêtes, Saint-Tropez (04 98 12 65 33 and www.vincentcoste.com).
In a setting that combines Dior grey, pure white and Basque red, Roger Martens is celebrating the Flibuste’s “two forks” in the Michelin Guide ! On the harbour of Marina Baie des Anges, his restaurant gives pride of place to the delicious bounty of the sea that draws its inspiration from the South. To be sampled without delay : a “marguerite” of Saint-Jacques scallops, fried calamari with white balsamic vinegar, the catch of the day, simply prepared in a butter sauce, or sliced beef fillet poached in stew... Simply delicious ! La Flibuste, port de Marina Baie des Anges, Villeneuve-Loubet (04 93 20 59 02).
Based in Marseille for over twenty years, A&T continues to surprise us with models that are always of good quality and offer excellent value for money, impossible to find elsewhere ! From contemporary to Baroque, with sofas signed Bretz to furniture from Capo d’Opera. 7 rue Haxo, Marseille (04 91 55 07 14).
At the untamed heart of the Var, a drive of century-old plane trees leads to a superb 19th-C. “bastide” surrounded by vineyards. A place reminiscent of Utopia, where fans of this splendid region organize stays with family or friends at a different tempo. All year round, the Château des Demoiselles offers its peaceful, voluptuous setting with five guest-rooms stylishly decorated by Aurélie Bertin. A guest-house for rent by the week or on weekends for delightful getaways, to relax between walks in the vineyards, tasting sessions of fine and feminine wines, and sunbathing by the pool. In this wonderful haven in the countryside, it seems as if time stands still... for the duration of simple pleasures. From 2,980 to 4,750 € per week, 1,680 to 1,980 € per weekend (except July and August). 2040 route de Callas, la Motte (04 94 70 28 78 et www.sainte-roseline.com/demoiselles).
The Swedish “Rolls Royce” of bedding, can now be found in Cannes. Hurry along to (re)discover a world of know-how. Here, each bed is treated as a work of art. Built by hand, it accumulates chic little details. Such as padding : layer after layer, the craftsman superimposes real horsehair, cotton and wool by hand. The materials are natural, guaranteed without foam, latex or polyurethane. The seams are immaculate, the frame made of wood. Sweet dreams ! 36 boulevard Carnot, Cannes (04 93 68 94 63).
The walls created by this interior designer reflect the richness of raw materials - pigments, lime, concrete... - , used as components in the fusion and transparency of colours. Fabienne Fabre dreams up ambiances characterized by sobriety and modernity for your interior, based on traditional techniques such as patinas, tadelakt... For fans of elegant and refined homes ! www.tout-en-nuance.com
Charles Dumay focuses on the contemporary style. This interior architect who takes on home improvement projects promotes offerings from Basic Line, Home Spirit, Now’s Home, It’s about Romi... Well worth a visit, this magnificent boutique proposes top-notch products and a warm welcome. 21 rue Sylvabelle, Marseille (04 91 53 95 58).
