Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
Bernard Fauroux is something of a sculptor. His signature theme ? A play on transparency. In his work, light is omnipresent. He introduces off-sets, piercings, volumes that he then empties. The house is not a “wall”, one’s gaze penetrates the plans and the exterior remains visible. In his contemporary Mediterranean villas, he also loves roof terraces, clean open spaces. Simplicity and user-friendliness are the keys. 16 rue d’Opio, Valbonne (04 93 12 06 05 et www.fauroux.fr).
Depending on your outdoor space, its surface area and orientation, the Atelier Aude Cayatte will propose a Tuareg tent or large sails to protect you beautifully from the harmful rays of the sun, burning heat, wind, rain or even prying eyes. A visually pleasing backcloth made of high-quality materials which make all the difference... www.audecayatte.com
Specializing in on-line printing services, Pixartprinting now offers the possibility of photo-prints in 20 x 20 cm or 40 x 70 cm format. Your digital photos thus become magnificent decorative pictures enabling you to adorn your walls, mount an exhibition or make an original gift. This option is available in the site’s “Large Format” space. You can, of course, still order your usual products : posters, catalogues, postcards, visiting cards, labels, stickers, display units… And don’t forget to consult the Pixartprinting page on Facebook on a regular basis ; you’ll find “Promo flashes” and the opportunity to test new products. www.pixartprinting.com
You’ll fall head over heels for the selection presented by John Gormsen at Art of Design ! This Danish artist shares his taste for Nordic design with items chosen from leading Scandinavian brands. Luxurious or playful, always useful, these objects dedicated to the art of the table, the kitchen or home decor are signed Stelton, Orrefors, DZN, Design House Stockholm, Royal Copenhagen, Iittala... You will also find gems by Georg Jensen, the most prestigious silverware from Denmark whose cutlery can also be ordered. 13 rue Joseph-Vernet, Avignon (04 86 65 43 60 and www.gormsen-artofdesign.com).
In a dead end perpendicular to Rue du Commandant-André, Sushikan is a trendy Japanese resto where Zen-like austerity has made way for “gourmandise”. Influenced by western fads, the decor is a refreshing surprise : a fashionable black universe with blood-red walls. The menu offers a wealth of recipes, from traditional to off-beat, from slim sashimi for those on diets to maki with “foie gras” for gourmets in search of novelty, not forgetting startling chocolate and banana nems ! We’re ready to bet that Sushikan will become the headquarters of youngsters in Cannes ! 04 93 39 86 13 and www.sushikan.org
Guerlain’s “Petite Robe Noire” continues to cast its spell. The heady fragrances of which it is composed include black cherry, patchouli and roses. Its chic bottle, inspired by that of “Mitsouko” and “L’Heure Bleue”, has the same stopper in the form of an inverted heart and the same sensually curved shoulders. It bears the silhouette of the famous little black dress. Finally a dress we can wear every day ! On sale in perfumeries. www.guerlain.com
When Rudy Flament settled in Gordes in 1998, he brought with him the architectural codes of countries in northern Europe : a passion for uncluttered lines, the elegance of natural tones giving priority to light. A real fan of Provence, he then imagined perfect associations between architectural design and raw materials borrowed from its traditional heritage : ochre, stone, iron, noble wood… “In each place, there is a force that the architect must protect and amplify”. Rudy and his team always aim for an atmosphere with a sensual balance created by flowing lines, natural light and simplicity which tends towards minimalism. Building one’s nest means respecting authenticity, and Rudy Flament is an architect who will guarantee serenity ! At Home Architecture, Les Beaumes, Gordes (04 90 72 62 03 and www.athomearchitecture.com).
Inaugurated last spring, the Domaine de Cambelong at the entrance to Conques is both a hotel of charm and a gastronomic address ! Here you can sample the very tasty cuisine of Hervé Busset. A real nature-lover, this chef with a Michelin star adds flowers, herbs and wild shoots to his dishes. www.moulindecambelong.com
Vipp’s hometown is characterized by its different hues of natural green, so the brand has chosen to pay tribute to the colour by creating a new collection named “Copenhagen Green”. On the theme of spring-cleaning, it proposes a very original range of useful objects. It consists of two pedal-bins (4 or 14 litres), a laundry bin, toilet brush, bread-bin, toothbrush-holder and soap dispenser. Zen Design, route des plages, Saint-Tropez (04 94 55 11 22).
They are comfortable, resistant (epoxy-treated aluminium structure), stackable, washable with a sponge (100 % polyester textilene canvas), brightly coloured and attractively shaped. Decorative for your terrace, “Hawaii” sun-loungers are an invitation to relax with five positions for their reclining seats. Maisons du Monde, zone d’activités Saint-Joseph, Manosque (04 92 71 04 04).
A ‘fifties look in red, black or cream, an interior area to meet individual requirements, a capacity of 135 litres, an automatic defrost function, energy class A+, quiet running… The components of the FAB10HR from Smeg propel it to the rank of true “Happy Bars”, way above mini-fridges or mini-bars. Your drinks are decidedly… cool. Available from specialty stores and kitchen-builders. www.smeg.fr
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
