Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
“A terrace overlooking the Croisette, a young chef full of talent with a passion for great cuisine... a unique alchemy that inevitably drives us to excel each and every day,” enthuses Jean-Philippe Vanthielt, dynamic manager of this institution in Cannes. A legendary “brasserie”, re-opened in March 2009, “Le Félix” has appointed Nicolas Rondelli to man the ovens. This 28 year-old chef from Nice works brilliantly, with due humility and respect for his elders, giving priority to ultra-fresh ingredients and meticulous cooking. He has thus made a splash, immediately landing a “toque” from Gault & Millau. Taken randomly from the menu : Carnaroli risotto, sautéed mushrooms and crisp line-caught sea-bass, ceremoniously served with a delicious purée of artichokes with hazelnut oil. 63 La Croisette (04 93 94 00 61). Menus at 55 €, 75 € et 110 €. Lunch menu at 26 €.
Created by Erich Rozewicz, inventor of the “Law of Tectonic Unity” adopted by Le Corbusier and the Bauhaus, the Manufacture de Monaco has been producing porcelain for the past 40 years, much appreciated by purists as far away as Japan. Every year, thanks to the unique expertise of its craftsmen and designers, the manufacturer, patented by HSH the Prince of Monaco, proposes original collections of decorative items and tableware, together with a selection of linen, crystal, silverware and accessories signed Fabergé, Moser, Artel, Valombreuse and Déco Pur. Manufacture de Monaco, C.C. Le Métropole, 17 av des Spélugues, Monaco (00 377 93 50 64 63 et www.mdpm.com).
Scott and Zelda has opened its doors in the “Golden Square” in Nice. Two floors dedicated to niche labels for fashion accessories, perfumes (By Kilian-Paris, Mona di Orio, Miller Harris) and exceptional jewellery, from Donatella Pellini de Milano to bracelets designed by Armando De Simone, a Neapolitan family of silversmiths. 6 bis avenue de Suède, Nice (04 93 04 95 79).
An unprecedented comeback on the part of Manon Martin, well-known for her famous hats and limited series of romantic dresses and tunics. This time, the Marseille-based designer has come up with an ultra-soft collection in rabbit fur, taking the form of toques, slippers, fake collars, bags, cushions, pouches, hold-alls etc., all embellished by tassels, sequins, lace or pompoms. Anti-fur protesters will down their arms : the silky pelts come from animals bred for their meat and organically processed by Tunisian tanners using recyclable products without heavy metals. For the red-headed milliner, this turn towards interior decor begins in the softest way. In the shops Gerda Hug, Tata Zize and Mobile de curiosités in Marseille, and in the shops Filles de Lune in Cassis and Marseille, and Shakespeare in Love in Bandol.
Bearing the prestigious name of Armani, a new boutique spec-ializing in contemporary furniture has just opened its doors in Cannes. Here, furnishings and sophisticated, practical accessories are signed by the designer. In this refined showroom, precious woods combined with lizard skin and silky leather adorn the new collection flaunting all the excellence of Italian craftsmanship and creative flair. Worth noting : an impressive range of textiles with clever combinations of colours. 50 boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes (www.armanicasa.com).
Nestling at the heart of an estate of 1,428 acres, the Château de Berne is the ideal destination for those in search of gourmet treats : enchantment for the taste-buds in the gastronomic restaurant, a pilgrimage to meet the alchemists of the vines or a spell of regenerating cocooning at the Spa ... Route de Salernes, Lorgues (www.relaischateaux.com/berne).
Specializing in waxed concrete in all its forms, Arkheia works with designers wanting to use it as the basis for their projects. Their encounters have given rise to small editions of customized furniture and decorative items inspired by the vast palette of shades offered by the material. Infinite possibilities, to discover in the showroom. 8 rue Jean-Henri-Fabre, Arles (04 90 18 30 57) and www.arkheia.fr
You’ve always dreamed of relishing the cuisine of a star-rated chef in your own home ? Eric Maio, who mans the ovens in his gastronomic “auberge” at Montauroux, will satisfy all your desires with three home formulas... to die for ! An expert with truffles, Eric will ensure an unforgettable experience ! To be tested immediately, especially as prices are still relatively reasonable ! Two-formula menus from 50 to 130 €, estimates for “à la carte” dining. Free delivery within a radius of 100 km. Montauroux (04 94 47 71 65 and 06 10 57 66 87).
Stéphan Muntaner no longer needs any introduction : this graphic designer based in Marseille is active on all fronts, his many ideas and corrosive humor fuelling exhibitions, publications, events and other happenings. The Zorro of La Canebière is currently focusing on local kitsch imagery, the famous sardine-oil-soap trilogy packaged in his own way for winter. At the head of the brand new “Manufacture Graphique Marseillaise”, he first went fishing for sardines that he canned his own way, reminding us that in the (good) old days they used to stop up the Old Port… AOC “Bonne Mère - Extra Virgin” olive-oil came next, together with tea towels printed with a Marseille kind of snakes-and-ladders and a bar of soap. On sale in Marseille at the Galerie du Panier, La Fonderie, La Brasserie Jacques, and at the Café du Marché in Nice.
The old Jean Paul Gaultier boutique has become a super concept store, unique in its kind. Throwing a giant bridge between the world of fashion and contemporary art with works by Road Art artists, Shop 17 offers on two floors totalling 300 m2 a selection of the trendiest labels (Jean Paul Gaultier, Barbara Bui, Galliano, Giuseppe Zanotti shoes...), decorative items, very chic gifts and very fun gadgets. Le Gray d’Albion, 17 La Croisette, Cannes (04 93 39 46 46).
With its “soft hand and nail cream”, Sanoflore can flaunt the highly appreciated “Bio Solidaire” label. This product was in fact conceived to promote economic relocalisation and respect for the planet. Made of essential oil of organic lavender, vegetable oils from organic avocado, organic sunflower, organic olives, organic shea butter and organic beeswax, it repairs, soothes and protects our precious hands. www.sanoflore.net
Golden numbers Before launching her own label in 2005 and being elected “Nose of the Year”, Mona di Orio shared in Cabris the heritage of master perfumer Edmond Roudnitska, creator of classics such as “Eau Sauvage”, “Diorissimo”, “Femme de Rochas”... Now flying solo, Mona has taken her perfumes all over the world, sealed by a champagne wirecap : their sensuality is reminiscent of another famous perfumer with whom she also worked, by the name of Serge Lutens. After “Lux”, “Carnation”, “Nuit Noire”, “Amyitis”, “Oiro”, “Chamarré” and “Jabu”, she has produced a triptych christened “Les Nombres d’Or”. A divine calculation borne by an ideal of harmony. “I found myself wanting to revisit a few fundamental and timeless elements in the history of perfumery.” Which resulted in “Ambre” (Atlas cedar, ylang ylang from the Comoros, resinoids, spicebush and tolu, vanilla absolute from Madagascar), “Musc” (neroli, angelic rose, heliotrope absolute, tonka bean, musks), and “Cuir” (cardamom, wormwood, leather, cade, resinoid opoponax, castor). From 145 to 175 €. Scott & Zelda, 6 bis avenue de Suède, Nice (04 93 04 95 79).
Their offices have just opened very close to Place de la Libération. A neighbourhood where real estate has been given a boost by the tramline and “Gare du Sud” project. An ideal location for BHM Concept, which exercises its talents in prime contracting for all types of undertakings on the Côte d’Azur, led by Paul Muraire and Patrick Houée. Two decades of expertise at your disposal for renovation projects (for homes, apartments or shops). Free estimates and 3D plans. 14 avenue Borriglione, Nice (06 22 88 19 17 and 09 51 25 91 09).
This model designed by the Studios Vertijet for Cor is an invitation to laze in comfort. Offering infinite possibilities for assembly, the concept behind “Lava” is as diversified as its uses. A piece of furniture, a landscape or a sculpture, it is unique for its modularity and ergonomic design. From 3,515 €. www.cor.de. Points de vente chez Alco (03 88 23 46 23).
High performance and easy use characterize the new Kx. 12.4 megapixel Pentax. A rapid-fire rate of 4.7 frames per second makes this camera a must for all fans of photography. The bonus ? A very unusual range of colours. From 599 € at La Fnac. www.pentax.fr.
A complexion that is protected, revitalized, glowing, younger… With “Immuniste”, Kéraskin Esthetics keeps its promises. The brand has chalked up record sales since the launch of its new antioxidant complex. Combining two cutting-edge technologies, Pro-XylaneTM and Optivine, this product is a true elixir of youth. The results, both rapid and spectacular, are visible in the elasticity, density, smoothness and overall appearance of the skin. 120 € per 30 ml. www.keraskin-esthetics.com
Who has never dreamed of getting themselves locked into an art-gallery to discover its secrets ? Art-lovers, collectors and non-conformist visitors will all be dazzled by this place of meditation in a former Ursuline convent. Its hostess, Muriel Lagneau, passionate about art and interior design, has created a contemporary world where everything relies on the staging of a given work. An extraordinary place which is quite unique. At the very heart of the old Roman city of Arles, you push open the door of this art-gallery, which is transformed at night into a charming guest-house where you can even meet the artists at breakfast or by the pool. 25 rue Elie-Giraud (09 52 10 20 65 et www.lagalerie-mytailorisrich.eu).
The Traverso family is composed of four generations of photographers in Cannes, who have participated in the legend of this capital of the movies since 1919. All in all, over a million photographs tracing this fabulous success story. Now in charge of this prestigious collection, Gilles Traverso is launching a series of by-products. Here are some of these unforgettable shots, now printed on PVC (for your floors), plexiglass and even on tiles for living the life of a star in your home ! Photo Traverso, 13 rue de Bône, Cannes (04 93 38 72 07).
Shigeru Ban enjoys upsetting traditional codes, taking inspiration from origami, drawing a house without walls, exhibition space made of tubes of paper and containers. As well as these offerings, he places his creativity at the disposal of emergency housing erected after natural disasters. Undoubtedly one of today’s most innovative architects. The book by Philip Jodidio is a fine tribute to his work. 100 €. www.taschen.com
Laurent Devivi, highly-qualified fitness trainer, invites you to “La Villa”, a private club of 170 m2 dedicated to your well-being. His motto : “Gone are the days of work-out sessions whose addicts believe in more muscle, less fat, more beautiful. Today, the trend for “feeling better both physically and mentally” has replaced the craze for perfection”. After an initial meeting in which he astutely unveils your innermost needs, you’re on your way to a training programme which will restore your basic motor functions : resistance, balance, strength and suppleness. In a cardio-training and body-building room, fully equipped with Technogym and TRX straps to gently but profoundly strengthen the muscle structure, the aim is to re-oxygenate your body, boost your energy and restore mental equilibrium. The latest novelty : LPG’s “Huber”, the only system that strengthens the deepest muscles of the spine while improving posture and coordination. Private parking, a hammam, sauna and relaxation areas complete the chic, Zen-like premises. A unique concept in Nice. 51 av. Cap-de-Croix (04 92 26 13 92) et www.lavilla.fr.
