Luxurious, bewitching, inspiring, spell-binding… Our selection of addresses is aimed at pleasure and ideas ! From absolute essentials to wonderful surprises, new experiences to enjoy and share.
Last December, Daniel Halifax inaugurated a second Milon centre on the Côte d’Azur, in Nice. These luxurious, new generation fitness centres use a German training method consisting of doing different exercises in fast rotation, going from one machine to another in a precise order, in exactly 17.5 minutes. Automated and very hi-tech, each device is activated by a smart card containing data on the user’s physical condition. Milon, 8 rue Boyer, Nice (04 93 85 75 82).
In this tea bar you will find a very wide choice telling the 90 years of history behind the elegant establishment of Betjeman & Barton. Fans of the noble brew are invited to personalized tastings accompanied by delicious pastries and other homemade treats. This season’s temptation is the exquisite “Paris s’éveille”, a tea tasting of chocolate, toffee, cereals and helianthus flowers with chips of caramel. Boutique et bar à thé Betjeman & Barton, 24, boulevard des Filles du Calvaire, Paris 11 (01 48 05 07 36).
A real source of calm and relaxation, the new ritual at the Menard Institute in Monaco detoxifies the skin and gives an instantaneous facelift effect. On the programme, a scalp massage, a treatment for the face and décolletée, application of an exceptional cream, then warm stones, transforming this ritual called “Authent” into a rare moment of divine relaxation. Ideal after over-indulgent festivities. 200 €. Menard Institute, 5 avenue Saint-Michel, Monaco (00 377 93 25 04 70).
The most exciting culinary event of the fall ! At the age of 45, chef Jean-François Piège has opened a highly personal restaurant. A showcase of 200 m2 with uncluttered layout, rounded design, and a majestic kitchen enthroned in the middle. In this intimate decor welcoming only 25 guests, there is no fixed menu but dishes “à la carte” giving everyone the chance to compose their own meal. Rooted in the long tradition of French cuisine, the dishes pay homage to noble, local produce. A “cuisine d’auteur”, freed from constraints, with a tendency for audacity offering, among other treats, delicious, slow-cooked “modern stews”. Grand restaurant de Piège, 7 rue d’Aguesseau, Paris 8 (01 53 05 00 00).
Crowned with 28 stars, Joël Robuchon is a Chef of worldwide renown. After making gastronomy a highly congenial affair, he has now become the advocate of cuisine focusing on healthiness and well-being. His latest book, “Food & Life”, co-written with doctor-acupuncturist Nadia Volf, is a treasure-trove of sound advice and high-vitamin recipes. The Chef is currently launching his new menu, also christened “Food & Life”, in his gastronomic restaurant at the Hotel Metropole in Monaco. Comprised of eight vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, this innovative cuisine sees itself as simplified, healthy and tasty. Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, 4 avenue de la Madone, Monaco (00 377 93 15 15 15).
“Apesanteur”, “Exaltation”, “Sueurs Froides”, “Désorientation”..., four families of cocktails proposed “à la carte” in this bar for fans of strong sensations. Concocted by the brilliant Michel Mas, formerly of L’Expérimental and Le Mary Céleste, these examples of liquid nourishment contain an array of ingredients perfectly calculated to enrapture the palate and tastebuds. In a cocoon-like setting clad in wood, guests not only sip but also relish tasty little dishes proposed by chef Frederick Boucher. Gravity, 44 rue des Vinaigriers, Paris 10.
Awarded a star in the Michelin Guide 2006, this restaurant opened by chef Christian Constant now benefits from the talent of the young Julia Sedefdjian, a virtuoso aged 21 who now commands the ovens. Proposing new decor with clean lines signed Luis Aleluia, this very elegant address gives a place of honour to cuisine with the taste of the sea, subtly tweaked with hints of Provence. Sunny dishes recalling the chef’s Niçois origins and offering the enjoyment of real flavour and new discoveries. Les Fables de la Fontaine, 131 Rue Saint-Dominique, Paris 7 (01 44 18 37 55).
This autumn, the Hôtel de Paris at the heart of Saint-Tropez has come up with a special “Workout & Detox” offer devoted to in-depth relaxation, ideal just before the Christmas bustle. On the programme : personalized treatments at the hotel’s Clarins spa, well-balanced menus prepared by Chef Philippe Guérin in the Mediterranean “Pationana” restaurant, and 3 nights in one of the sublime rooms in the contemporary 5-star hotel. L’Hôtel de Paris, 1 traverse de la Gendarmerie, Saint-Tropez (04 83 09 60 00).
Line-caught hake from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Sisteron lamb... Gourmet cuisine prepared by young chef Paul-Arthur Berlan offers a sunny escapade prolonging holidays in the sunny South. Not to be missed, his “black diamond egg” coated with black breadcrumbs and surrounded by a mousse of trumpet mushrooms, a “Paris-Brest” revamped and renamed “Paris-Carcassonne”, crowned with hazelnuts and pralines from Le Languedoc. L’Escudella, 41-43 avenue de Ségur, Paris 7 (09 82 28 70 70).
Not one but two ! Following the success of the address close to Place Iéna, the capital’s smartest yoga club has launched a new centre in Saint Germain. In premises of 600 m2, it echoes the esthetic look of the first Tigre, but also the highly demanding quality of its teaching. On the menu, various types of yoga take pride of place with exclusive variations such as Yoga at the Bar, while massages and in-depth treatments prolong relaxation. Le Tigre Rive Gauche, 101 rue du Cherche-Midi, Paris 6 (www.tigre-yoga.com).
On the sixth floor, this smart new restaurant proposed by La Philharmonie de Paris overlooks the Parc de la Villette. Designed by architect Frédéric Druot, the impressive dining-room is bathed in light and offers a stunning view of Paris through its picture windows. Manning the ovens, chef Karil Lopez, who won his spurs with Michel Rostang at L’Absinthe and Eric Fréchon at Le Bristol, concocts high-flying “bistronomic” cuisine for fans of melodious scores. Le Balcon à la Philharmonie de Paris, 221 avenue Jean-Jaurès, Paris 19 (01 40 32 30 01).
The gastronomic restaurant at the Grand Hôtel in Cannes has just added its first vegetarian menu to its offerings. Called “Veggie” and concocted by star-rated, triple-toque Chef Sébastien Broda, it is comprised of green beans in vinaigrette with fresh almonds and curry-flavoured bread, tomatoes mixed with strawberries, “ratatouille”, crushed polenta with Parmesan cheese, rocket salad and truffles, followed by an assortment of red berries. Le Grand Hôtel de Cannes, 45 boulevard de La Croisette (04 93 38 15 45).
Nestling in a pretty cobbled courtyard which is home to Le Café de la Gare and the dance studios of Le Marais, this chic bistro offering an amazing terrace is run by Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco (Le Mirazur in Menton). A chef who enhances flavours in spell-binding dishes characterized by precise and consistent cooking. Diligent, heartwarming cuisine, a real treat for the tastebuds ! Grand Cœur, 41 rue du Temple, Paris 4 (01 58 28 18 90).
A theatre in the 19th century, a casino in the 20th, then the Sacha Guitry Theatre and finally a “brasserie”, this legendary building at the heart of Nice enjoys a unique atmosphere. Henceforth a chic Parisian-style “brasserie” with waiters sporting black waistcoats and bow-ties, the Brasseries Georges has up-graded its tea-room area. Clients indulge in delicious pastries and refined teas. An attractive address address with non-stop service from 11.30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. 2-4 rue Sacha Guitry, Nice (04 92 00 90 40).
With interior architect Laura Gonzalez at the helm, the old Pub St Germain has been converted into an attractive modern trattoria. These extra-large premises of no less than 900 sq. metres on three floors, with, as a bonus, an area dedicated to kids, now hit the spot with furnishings unearthed in markets providing a chic-industrial ambiance. On the menu, cold meats and Italian dishes take pride of place (burrata with tomatoes, osso bucco, pasta with truffles…), while pizzas with sun-blessed garnishings guarantee a feast. Margherita, 17 rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, Paris 6 (01 56 81 13 13).
Winner of a star this year, Marcel Ravin, “Chef des Cuisines” at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel, is proposing 17 cookery and pastry-making classes in a programme entitled “Spice up your talent”, from October 16th to April. Dispensed by the Chef and seven assistants, the classes will be followed by an aperitif and dinner at the restaurant Las Brisas, with the screening of a mini-film of the day’s activities. From October to April, 2016. By reservation only. Monte-Carlo Bay, 40 avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco (00 377 98 06 06 99).
With the welcoming look of an old holiday residence with a lovely terrace basking in the sun, Le Pavillon is a cosy, warm and “well-connected” address where people come for drinks, a bite to eat, but also to work. On the side of the Canal de l’Ourcq, this inviting and colourful spot offers the perfect balance between a functional office and the friendly atmosphere of a café. Le Pavillon also proposes a varied agenda of events : concerts, cookery classes, literary evenings, “pétanque” tournaments... Pavillon des Canaux, 39 quai de la Loire, Paris 19 (01 73 71 82 90).
From November 5th, the walls of the Haussmann Invest agency, partner of the yacht NAN, will be hung with photographs by Laurent Rabé. In about 30 prints in both colour and black-and-white, he offers a retrospective of this major event in Saint-Tropez. From traditional sailboats to majestic Wally yachts, Laurent Rabé invites us on board this fleet celebrating “gracefulness, magic and competitive sport”. From November 5th to Decembre 10th, Haussmann Invest, 29 rue Greuse, Paris 16 (01 53 65 10 25).
One of the largest cellars in Europe has just been inaugurated in the Yacht Club de Monaco. The Wine Palace boasts almost 2,300 references of wines and spirits to be sampled at home or on the spot in this luxurious setting clad in natural wood : decor signed by architects Humbert & Poyet. On the upper floor, a private lounge-club with benchseats in wine-coloured leather invites guests to taste the most illustrious vintages in an intimate room. Yacht Club, Quai Louis II, Monaco (00377 97 77 05 05).
Under the direction of the French group “Evok Hôtels Collection” and interior architect Christophe Tollemer, the restaurant at the Palais Royal has been treated to new decor in contemporary style. Opening out to the gardens of the Palais Royal, the ground-floor dining-room is extended by a vast terrace, while the first floor has been designed in the guise of a Parisian apartment for very intimate dining. Manning the ovens, the young chef Philip Chronopoulos, formerly of the Atelier Robuchon and L’Arpège, proposes a flavoursome menu with dishes of real refinement paying tribute to French cuisine. Le Restaurant du Palais Royal, 110 Galerie de Valois, Paris 1 (01 40 20 00 27).
