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