Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
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.
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).
