Here, the art of living is given pride of place. Artists' portraits, contemporary furnishings, decorative items, beauty products and restaurants meet everypossible desire.
This large “brasserie” in Marseille overlooking the beaches has finally emerged from its lethargy ! Under the guidance of interior architect Bruno Mascolo, it has been treated to transparency with picture windows and a retractable roof. Cosy and mineral, the interior plays on a cream-and-chocolate palette. We especially like the large aluminum bar, but also the ceiling lights whose flexible rods have photos of fragments of the statue of David clipped to their ends. 101 promenade Pompidou, Marseille (04 91 79 99 63).
Specializing in the up-keep and rehabilitation of floors made of natural stone, terra cotta, marble or concrete, Christophe Soriano has worked for private individuals and professionals for 24 years, collaborating in particular with Louis Sorridente d'Etudes et Réalisations on projects for dream villas. After a complete scouring of your floors, he restores their original prestige. ABC Soriano, 19 av. des Orangers, Vence (06 18 70 21 13).
Based in Saint-André-de-la-Roche near Nice, Béton 06 now manufactures and markets a “sustainably correct” material : pumice stone. Not emitting any CO2 while in production, these blocks can be assembled just like traditional concrete with the added advantage of ensuring excellent soundproofing and heat insulation. Béton 06, ZI La Vallière (04 93 27 70 70) and www.beton06.com
With this third “Amour Vinum” address, Philippe Bour is treating himself to a trilogy on the theme of wine and taste. A cellar dedicated to fans of champagne that takes up the same concept behind his two other shops in Nice by inviting artists and designers to participate in a festival of bubbles against a backcloth of lacquer and steel. On the menu : over 65 brands of champagne with almost 400 references (millesimes, “blancs de blancs”, “blancs de noirs”, rare vintages), from quarter-litres to Melchizedeks, the largest of them all (30 litres). 45 rue de l’Hôtel-des-Postes, Nice (04 93 80 20 20).
Design is resorting to the world of fashion. After Lacroix for Marotte, Jean-Paul Gaultier has put his signature to a collection of furniture for Roche Bobois. Re-issues or brand new creations, the series of a dozen pieces reflects the spirit of the couturier, as witnessed by the famous “Mah Jong” sofa, a Roche Bobois best-seller revamped with navy-blue sailor stripes, red tassels, laces, padding… Jean-Paul Gaultier has taken the opportunity to relaunch prototypes he designed in the early 1990’s, such as this Surrealist “Ben Hur” chair and two storage cabinets comprised of an accumulation of suitcases. 3015 route Saint-Bernard, Vallauris (04 92 96 55 70). 6 rue Gubernatis, Nice (04 93 62 32 91). 70 boulevard de Strasbourg, Toulon (04 94 92 82 15).
Connoisseurs of Japanese cuisine who want a change from traditional sushi with salmon and tuna should head for the new Sushi Shop in Avignon. The ingredients are prepared by hand and daily deliveries ensure exemplary freshness. Each original recipe ensures surprises for the taste-buds. More than 120 products including the “Tulip Apple”, lobster tartare, Penja pepper coated with a thin slice of apple, and “Temaki”, small cones of seaweed with rice and fish... A dinner with friends ? Opt for the 54 pieces carefully arranged in the fabulous “blackbox”. Rue de la République, Avignon (0 826 826 826).
The gifted artist Nathalie Dmitrovic models gold and silver. She sculpts the ring around the finger, adorning it with the finest gems. Her latest collection, “Les Précieuses”, combines these metals with rubies, sapphires and multi-coloured diamonds. “Lovely, pure esthetic forms, beauty in motion” are the hallmarks of this sculptor who can be seen at work in her gallery. 28 rue Pastoret, Marseille (06 22 64 19 68). www.nathaliedmitrovic.com
Nestling at the heart of the picturesque neighbourhood of Le Panier in Marseille, this new address is far from lacking in charm. In a typical 3-storey building, formerly a Corsican grocer’s shop, each room has been assigned to a different artist. The one called “New York Balcony” was entrusted to Heng and his tag inspiration. The frescoes of “Travel” are signed by Fred Calmets while the walls of “White Lines” have been covered with portraits by Stéphane Manuel. The overall impression is bright, refined and highly original. A wooden terrace on the roof overlooks the neighbourhood, giving a glimpse of the sea and the Cathédrale de la Major. Attractive pieces of furniture such as the Eames lounge chair are scattered around the lounge. Here, good taste goes hand-in-hand with a restful ambiance. Au Vieux Panier, 13 rue du Panier, Marseille (04 91 91 23 72 et 06 32 19 90 05) et www.auvieuxpanier.com
These attractive little coloured spiral notebooks, school exercise books, photo albums, travel diaries etc. are made in a family production studio at the foot of the Luberon. Appealing colours and shapes characterize the entire range of Maki creations ! All the materials are 100 % recycled and crafted by hand. Not only is the recycled paper very beautiful, it also means savings in water, trees and energy... An approach 100 % eco-friendly ! (04 90 71 55 43) and www.papiermaki.fr.
In need of a good night’s sleep ? Hästens has just opened a new store of 170 m2. Top-notch design, Scandinavian decor in soothing colors, it adapts the philosophy of Sweden’s oldest manufacturer of beds to meet the taste of today’s customers. Hästens has been making beds by hand since 1852, with natural, ecological materials (cotton, wool, linen, Swedish pine…). 36/38 boulevard Carnot, Cannes (04 93 68 94 63).
Following 6 months of restoration work, the Negresco has regained its former brilliance : in her quest for excellence, Jeanne Augier has designed an executive suite in chic classic style and redecorated nine suites and six guest-rooms, henceforth fully domotized. The lobby has been treated to a facelift and the 18,600 droplets composing the Baccarat chandelier once again shed their glow on this historic palace, as original and distinctive as ever. 137 promenade des Anglais, Nice (04 93 16 64 00 et www.hotel-negresco-nice.com).
Calling all collectors ! The Shalimar perfume-bottle which, since 1925, has graced women’s skin with its fragrance evoking fabulous distant lands and voluptuous dreams, has been sensually revamped by Jade Jagger. A Guerlain with hype… From 57 € to 107 €. www.guerlain.com.
If you’re bold enough to ask Christian Pécout what led him to settle near Céret, he’ll simply say that there is no better location than this gateway to the “Mecca” of Cubism ! Leaving Monlouis and his “Grenier de Vauban”, not without regret, for the very charismatic building signed by the Danish architect Petersen, Christian embarked upon a grandiose project that required many sacrifices. Today, the challenge has been won, as he has superbly orchestrated the volumes and magnified the staging of these premises to transform them into a gallery and antique centre focusing on Catalan art. Antic Art is a small, secret lair that has become a haunt for art-lovers. You can find beautiful objects, table services, furniture, vintage books and a fine selection of works by Catalan painters and sculptors. Antic Art, Christian Pécout, 1 route des Caves-du-Château-d’Aubiry (06 08 57 06 92 et www.anticart.net).
Which goes by the enigmatic name of “La Cocotte a des Plumes”… “Cocotte because every day we propose a new dish simmered with passion and based on fresh ingredients,” explains Christelle, in charge of the ovens. The decor is sleek and stylish : white walls, old floors, a veranda to isolate the kitchen, school tables and industrial black lights. Dishes such as “assiettes gourmandes” are a great success, revisiting the classics with just the right dose of originality. 79 rue de la Palud, Marseille (04 91 33 93 78).
Ultra-slim and attractively presented, “LE820” televisions from Sharp have everything to catch your eye : sensitive keys, a powerful audio system and an amazing rendering of colour ! Not to mention a commitment to ecology, a recording function and a USB port to play HD Divx. From 1,499 € to 2,699 €. 0 820 85 63 33.
Photos transformed into furnishings, an off-the-wall idea from Dominique Zoladz. Born in Paris and based in Nice for nearly 30 years, this photographer-artist began by taking an interest in tracking down traces on walls, posters and tags. From these urban scars, he first produced accumulations on flat surfaces, then had a flash of inspiration : why not present this series of work in volumes ? One, two, three cubes stacked on top of each other - his first totem ! Child’s play for Dominique who, with a hand as agile as his eye (he also makes architectural models), developed this decorative niche by designing shelves, tables, stools, chairs, consoles, and even lighting : “Utilitarian objects which are also multi-faceted artworks,” explains the artist, who can also use your own photos to give a highly personal touch to your home. 11 rue Emmanuel-Philibert (04 93 26 89 81).
The Palais des Thés has flourished in France since 1986. To introduce this heritage of natural good taste to the people of Nice, the well-known brand has just opened a store of 76 m2. Natalie Villacampa invites you to come awaken your tastebuds to the joys of "tea time" with 250 varieties selected by her experts all over the world, tasting accessories and gourmet delicacies, all reminding us that an invitation to tea is more than just a habit : an art in its own right ! Le Palais des Thés, 3 rue de la Liberté, Nice (04 93 81 56 16).
N°1 in its field on the Internet, Made in Design owes its success to its rigorous selection of iconic designers and uninhibited young talents ! The main aims of Catherine Colin, the site’s founder, are to encourage surfers to participate and to offer services meeting their expectations. She now invites you to decorate your home to striking effect, with the easy-to-use on-line Playviz application. www.madeindesign.com
Sleek and refined, the “G 980” model from Spanish manufacturer Porcelanosa seems to increase your kitchen space. With this new offering, the “Spanish touch” upgrades its popularity rating among both professionals and individuals with an eye for quality and innovative materials. Beauty and practicality all in one… Porcelanosa, 538 avenue des Paluds (04 42 62 43 30 et www.porcelanosa.com).
The combo steam oven from De Dietrich offers new levels of performance thanks to the association of two methods of cooking : traditional and soft, with superheated steam. Glass and stainless steel give it a sleek design that suits all interiors. 1,500 €. www.dedietrich-electromenager.com.
