Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
Since 2002, Domotique & Habitat has been creating smart homes and offices, enabling you to manage via the Internet remote controls or touch screens, lighting, audio and video systems, home movies, heating, air conditioning, security (alarms, gates). For a functional and eco-friendly home : a demonstration in the PACA region’s first showroom dedicated to home automation and automated buildings. 40 boulevard Risso, Nice (04 93 24 12 39 and www.domotiquehabitat.com).
Issima has released its first proposal for summer with “Plié”, a stylish monoblock armchair in polyethylene, in white, grey or blue, as you prefer. This line signed Ludovica and Robert Palomba for Driade also comes in a sofa version called “Grand Plié”. 88 rue Grignan, Marseille (www.issima.fr).
In 1968, Robert Pierini was initiated to the art of glass-blowing by Eloi Monod, in Biot. In 1980, he moved into a former oil-mill where, by studying the golden ratio, transparency and colours, he re-invented the technique of glass-blowing to create volumes of remarkable purity. Gold chloride, oxides and salts of all colours hold no more secrets for this alchemist, who even dreamt up the idea of metal bubbles to enliven the glass. In the 1990’s, the master glass-blower explored light and contrasts while handing down his expertise to his son. Antoine was to enrich his heritage with other great contemporary designers, imagining works that fascinate for both their colours, shapes and graphic motifs. Respectful of tradition, Robert and Antoine Pierini are now regarded as real artists in the field of glass. 9 chemin du Plan, route de la Mer (04 93 65 01 14 and www.robertpierini.com).
Set in an idyllic cove, the Passable Beach is a little paradise in which to cultivate the fine art of farniente. Facing the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, make your summer dream come instantly true : a sun-mattress, your feet in the water, sunny cuisine, massages on the beach ! At mid-day, Italian salads, the catch of the day and chilled rosé wine in a cool atmosphere. By night, the ambiance is sheer magic, the menu more refined... Chemin de Passable, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (04 93 76 06 17 et www.plage-de-passable.com).
Wave good-bye to projection tables and video projectors fixed to the ceiling ! With U-Tech, a hi-tech bench incorporating a sophisticated projector, you can screen images at short range (2.03 metres diagonal image at a distance of only 8 cm) on a flat wall surface or screen. Designed by Isabelle Milliet, designer and architect, this piece of furniture combining good looks and technology is available in a wide variety of materials ! www.variations-u.com
They are four in number and each one operates within a specific area. Philip Van Doesburg, the specialist for mounting property transactions, Sébastien Perné, estate-agent and an expert in land, Piercarlo Dondona, architect, and Xavier Didero, interior designer. These four men have chosen to combine their skills and place their respective expertise at your disposal to offer you the best possible service. You need advice, an estimate, financing, renovation, restructuring, interior decor for your home, office or your commercial premises ? Just give them a call ! Aged 39 to 41, they lack neither experience nor professionalism : always attentive to your needs, they are excellent contacts who will come up with the most appropriate solution for your projects. 5 quai Rauba Capeu (04 93 54 77 73). www. 5raubacapeu.com
Everyone loves the latest very airy designs by Karim Rashid (Talenti), presented by 5S. A welcome addition to stores in Marseille, this new multi-brand address on two floors proposes leading names in outdoor furniture : Kettal, Gloster, Royal Botania, Roda, Emu, My Your, FueraDentro, Driade and Talenti. Whether you’re a hardcore fan of teak or more playful products, you will certainly find what you are looking for ! 100 avenue Jules-Cantini, Marseille (04 91 41 06 05).
The new Repetto boutique reinterprets classic French chic. You’ll be delighted to find variations on the theme of the famous “ballerines”, but also a full collection of irresistible accessories. A real treat for fashionistas. 12 rue Jacques-Cœur, Montpellier (04 67 54 05 09).
Specializing in outdoor furnishings of contemporary design, Véronique and Agnès have the knack of unearthing the most appealing concepts to capitalize on the potential offered by a garden, terrace or poolside area. By joining forces with Ethnicraft and Jardins au Bout du Monde, the ultra-feminine duo behind Renaissance Home Déco offers refined solutions and cutting-edge trends. Route d’Avignon, Nationale 7, Puyricard (04 42 92 06 62 et www.renaissance-deco.com).
Winner of a “Mercure d'Or”, Jean-Paul Lannier perpetuates the excellence of Martin Fleurs, founded in 1883. Since 1994, he has deployed his talent in a shop revamped by an architect friend, along with his son Guillaume, who adds his creative touch to floral compositions that are opulent or minimalist, rustic or precious. Bouquets for all tastes, special events and home decoration. 28 rue Hôtel-des-Postes, Nice (04 93 62 08 00).
Are you looking for innovative and clever lighting solutions ? Head for Le Cres at the gateway to Montpellier, to discover the beautiful open space offered by Horizon Lumière, one of the biggest specialists in the region. You'll find many indoor and outdoor stagings dreamt up by Fanny Capaldi and her team. Thanks to a close partnership with Montpellier’s top architects, Fanny has succeeded brilliantly here in developing real know-how, enabling her to respond to the most demanding requests. Her secret ? A wide range of contemporary lighting, hand-picked from Italian, Austrian, Belgian and English manufacturers. 04 67 79 72 38 and www.horizonlumieres.com
Characterized by its high bed-head, the “Angle” double bed guarantees exemplary comfort. Designed by Rodolfo Dordoni for Flou, this very luxurious concept proves that design and solidity can be combined for our greater enjoyment ! En vente chez Sifas La Garde, 1120 chemin des Plantades, Toulon (04 94 23 91 10 et www.flou.it).
Paco Rabanne has come up with a lethal weapon to capture hearts. Ultra-feminine, provocative and sensual, this fragrance has been designed to draw attention. Wafting scents worthy of Baudelaire, a sulfurous but exquisite perfume. With this ultra-glamorous diamond-shaped chunk of perfume, seduction is a breeze ! Treat yourself in all urgency to this limited edition with floral and woody notes. 45 €. www.pacorabanne.com
The restaurant Boni and its Turin-born chef Paolo Bonizzoni, very recently crowned with a toque in the Gault Millau guide 2011, invite you on a tasty foray into trans-alpine cuisine. In a setting and ambiance which has been astutely designed, you will enjoy market-inspired dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and a menu that changes daily. There are, of course, absolute musts such as “paglierina” with honey and hazelnuts, “calamari alla plancha”, the morning's catch, fresh pasta (homemade), risotto, tiramisu and panacotta. In the summer season, Paolo creates special dishes for the occasion including fish tartar, fresh ricotta, garlic and chives, wild local fish to share (by order) or pan-fried squid whose secret he refuses to share. At noon, come lunch “à la carte” and in the evenings, choose the formula that suits you best (24 € to 36 €, with three formulas based solely on main courses). Boni, 15 rue Tonduti de l'Escarène, Nice (04 93 62 93 36).
This South African brand proposes candle-holders, ceiling lights, tissue boxes, cushions, lampshades, handbags and kitchenware. But with the arrival of warm weather, its mosquito nets are sure to capture your attention. In addition to providing effective protection, your Zania net will be a lovely feature for your bed, adding a touch of romanticism and exoticism to your nights. www.zaniaproducts.com
Bodum offers a clever and colourful collection with these "Pavina"glasses : a silicon strap protects your fingers from excessive heat and prevents the mug from slipping out of your hands ! From 14.90 € per pair. www.bodum.com
A member of the “Storytelling Art” movement, Marc Ferrero takes cartoons out of their boxes to make them share the adventure of contemporary art. His modern super-heroes began their hectic lives on Comic Strip canvases available in the form of 12 boxes reproduced on fabric and stretched on frames (850 € for 114 x 162 cm), then evolving to trendy home decor. A Marc Ferrero Home Collection for Mix-Arts that gives your interior an artsy touch with giant stickers to liven up your walls, cushions (from 40 €) and very “Pop” poufs. Galeries Marc Ferrero de Saint-Paul-de-Vence (37 rue Grande) and Eze (6 rue de la Paix) and on www. mix-arts.com.
Top designer Antonio Citterio has a real fondness for live-in kitchens. With his strict formal and functional approach, he offers a new, carefully studied look at kitchen space, introducing innovative solutions in which creativity blends with technology and user-friendliness to improve the quality of our daily lives. Unexpected emotion, ergonomics and exemplary well-being… En vente chez Artes Domus, 112 cours Sextius, Aix-en-Provence (04 42 21 06 34 et www.artesdomus.fr).
L’Abat-jour, or a new take on current trends. A bar area with patchwork furnishings proposing an after-work wine-list and tasty dishes. Later on, the vaulted cellar, now a dance floor, features the best of today’s music, live or with DJ. A playground for all ages, also showing the work of artists. 25 rue Benoît-Bunico, Nice (09 81 13 36 16).
“Welcome to the world of Philippe Starck” could well be the motto of A6 Design which represents the Kartell brand. The French designer is omnipresent. According to director Yves Dahan, Stark is one of those designers who, despite their wide renown, have managed to retain their original concept : beautiful objects, functional, within everyone’s reach. Also presented by A6, Artemide and Flos for lighting, Knoll and Fontana Arte for furniture. 14 boulevard Chancel, Antibes (04 93 33 11 75).
