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.
Designed by Monaco architects Humbert & Poyet, the Grand Hôtel’s new “Hyde Beach” in Cannes offers elegant decor in perfect harmony with the azure blue of the Mediterranean. Chefs Hervé Busson and David Robert propose a lunchtime and evening menu with a Sicilian accent, giving priority to the bounty of the sea, including tuna in several variations. Hyde Beach, 45 boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes (04 93 38 19 57).
Inaugurated in June, this Provençal “bastide” built in the 18th century, a few kilometres from the heart of Maussane-les-Alpilles, has been expertly renovated by architects Liliana Atilova and Alain Meylan of the K-Architectes firm. Its five rooms and suites offer unspoilt views of the Alpilles mountain range. A charming and luxurious address to be discovered immediately. From 8.000 €/week. La Bastide de Fléchon, hameau de Fléchon, route du Destet, Maussane-les-Alpilles (06 51 52 09 99).
Nestling near Parc Monceau between the walls of the town mansion housing the museum of the same name, the Camondo restaurant is one of Paris’ finest addresses. Prized for its setting and enticing terrace, this elegant spot has welcomed a new chef to its kitchens. Fanny Herpin has in fact taken up the torch in this restaurant with high potential. Previously chef at the Restaurant Allard, she has polished her talent with the foremost “toques” (Bristol, Meurice) and here concocts gourmet French cuisine on a regularly changing menu. Exquisite ! Le Camondo, 61 bis rue de Monceau, Paris 8 (01 45 63 40 40). www.lecamondo.fr
Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez opens its doors on June 18th. Among this year's new suggestions, 3-star chef Arnaud Donckele prepares Thursday lunches inspired by Guerlain fragrances complementing the flavours of his cuisine. Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez, plage de la Bouillabaisse, Saint-Tropez (04 94 55 91 00).
Designed as a duo by gallery-owner Jessica Barouch and designer Francesco Balzano, the Damyel chocolate shop attests to its special character with pure, minimalist decor. The aim of this address launched by David Uzan is to offer a range of 100% vegan, low-sugar chocolate with vegetable-based creams, milk and butter : it is a subtle balance between strong tastes and simplicity. As for the homemade chocolates, they offer a profusion of spellbinding, addictive flavours. Yummy ! Chocolaterie Damyel, 87 avenue de Wagram, Paris 17 (01 40 54 84 07).
In the breathtaking setting of a convent built in the 19th century in the historic centre of Avignon, this gastronomic Italian restaurant consists of three dining-rooms, a cigar club-bar, and a huge terrace. The menu is a faithful reflection of genuine, rigorously prepared trans-Alpine cuisine. A new must address in the Papal City. Nonna Maria, 83 rue Joseph Vernet, Avignon (04 90 85 99 04).
A newcomer on the gastronomic scene, this first address of young chef Jason Gouzy (ex-Bristol, Burgundy and Le Galopin) already has its fans. In intimate decor giving a view of the kitchens, Pantagruel proposes creative menus in which each dish is served in three stages to master ingredients in all their different states. Lobster, sea-urchins, duck and pork thus offer themselves to the chef’s talent, and delight gourmet palates with real elegance. A promising new address. Restaurant Pantagruel, 24 rue du Sentier, Paris 2. (01 73 74 77 28).
A cool, essential port-of-call on the French-Riviera, the Monte-Carlo Beach is opening its Spring/Summer season 2020 on a decidedly local and ever more “green” note with the arrival of Chef Benoît Wiltz at the helm in the restaurant Elsa. On the menu : Mediterranean gastronomy, 100% organic, giving priority to locally-produced ingredients. Monte-Carlo Beach, avenue Princesse Grace, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin (04 93 28 66 66).
Never once but twice for chef Alan Geaam, already running the star-rated restaurant of the same name, who here shows his fondness for Lebanese cuisine. Designed by the Honneur Society agency, this cool spot called Qasti with its lovely frescos gives priority to wood, warmth and congeniality. On the menu, flavoursome Lebanese bistronomy featuring famous “mezze”, “chiche barak”, chicken “Mougrabieh”… Plus a fine selection of Lebanese wines and a Sunday brunch with an all-you-can-eat buffet. Qasti, 205 rue Saint Martin, Paris 3 (01 42 76 04 32).
Éric Frechon and Arnaud Poette have just announced the arrival of Sébastien Broda as Chef of the gastronomic restaurant at the legendary Cap-Eden-Roc on Cap d’Antibes. Well-known by the Riviera's gourmets, this talented Chef has officiated in the region's finest star-rated addresses. Starting in early January, he is now working hand-in-hand with his elders to propose outstanding gastronomic offerings when the palatial hotel re-opens on April 17th. Cap-Eden-Roc, 165-167 boulevard John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Antibes (04 93 61 39 01).
A well-kept promise of seasonal, local, vegetable and ultra-gourmet cuisine signed Steve Burggraf (Big Fernand) and star pastry-chef Christophe Michalak, Polichinelle is a warm, open address. On the menu, a marvellous buffet where cooked vegetables rub shoulders with tasty desserts (knock-out chocolate mousse)..., not forgetting a cocktail menu concocted by the talented young Jennifer Le Néchet. Polichinelle, 51 quai de Grenelle, Paris 15 (01 87 44 69 14).
Taken over by the joyous Bonjour/Bonsoir team, already running Le Badaboum and Panic Room, this former temple of Parisian nightlife has been transformed into a festive neo-bistro. La Casbah is a bar where one enjoys cocktails by Tarek Nini (ex-Experimental Cocktail Club), a lounge behind mashrabiyas and a dining-room with Bohemian chic decor signed Lola Ferrara-Wyszkop in a duo with Les Autruches. In the kitchens : chef Abdel Alaoui accompanied by the young chef Yassmine Yssef offers delicate and refined oriental cuisine. La Casbah, 20 rue de la Forge Royale, Paris 11 (01 88 33 41 78). www.lacasbah.paris
Comprised of a restaurant, tea-room, a top-notch grocery store and a boutique dedicated to tableware, La Maison Française nestles in former stables in the Mazarin neighbourhood, paying tribute with finesse and elegance to the tradition of hospitality "à la française". La Maison Française, 2 rue Fernand Dol, Aix-en-Provence (04 43 12 69 09).
A new festive and cultural project from the creators of Le Silencio, Joséphine is the first permanent club to be opened in a cultural institution. On the menu, an innovative programme of concerts, DJs, performances and art videos in a setting of 900 m2 offering original decor, plus a screening room, cocktail bar and amazing terrace. Joséphine, 1 place du Châtelet, Paris 1. Programmation sur www.club-josephine.com
An iconic address hosting deliberations of the juries for the Goncourt and Renaudot literary prizes, Drouant, taken over by the Gardinier brothers, unveils new decor by architect Fabrizio Casiraghi and artistic director Franck Durant. Together, they have re-interpreted the setting's iconic Art Deco codes while adding a good dose of modernity. In matching style, the menu renews great classics of French gastronomy, entrusted to the competent care of chef Emile Cotte. All surfing with elegance beween souvenirs and stylishness. Drouant, 16-18 place Gaillon, Paris 2 (01 42 65 15 16).
The Basque-Landes chef Hélène Darroze is again centre-stage after re-opening her historic restaurant on Rue d’Assas. Entirely revamped by architect Patrice Gardera, Marsan offers refined decor and an intimate ambiance with muted colours. Proposing a unique menu, this “haute cuisine” address reflects Hélène Darroze’s roots and terroir more than ever with iconic recipes carefully tuned over the years, such as oyster with caviar or young pigeon with “foie gras” from the Landes. Cuisine marked by sincerity and generosity, bursting with flavour. Marsan, 4 rue d’Assas, Paris 6 (01 42 22 00 11).
A charming address at the very centre of Bayonne, the Hôtel des Basses Pyrénées offers truly awesome cuisine. Chef Sébastien Oudill offers an ever-changing menu, allowing himself spur-of-the-moment impulses while promoting regional products. A special mention for farm-raised pigeon cooked on the bone, a light mousseline of potatoes and chanterelle mushrooms, and for the excellent wine-list giving local producers pride of place. Restaurant Hôtel des Basses Pyrénées, 13 rue Tour de Sault, Bayonne (05 59 25 70 88).
Nestling at the heart of a landscape composed of vineyards, forests and mountains, this new luxury boutique hotel near Saint-Tropez offers distinction and originality. Designed by Monaco architects Humbert & Poyet, "UP" combines the attributes of an exceptional vineyard with contemporary design. The Atmos restaurant guarantees creative, tasty culinary fare for this this charming port-of-call. Ultimate Provence, 7270 route du Luc, La Garde-Freinet (www.ultimateprovence.com).
Near the Palais Royal, this new Kitsuné hot-spot is a fresh take on the iconic Parisian bistro. Designed by the Ciguë firm of architects, this inviting address welcomes guests from 8.30 a.m. with delicious breakfasts. Chef Chihiro Yamazaki concocts cuisine with French and US influences, with touches of Japanese flair. Try the semi-cooked salmon served lukewarm. And leave room for a mochi with seasonal fruit for dessert ! Café Kitsuné Louvre, 2 place André Malraux, Paris 1 (01 40 15 99 65).
Nestling in the hill-top village of La Cadière-d’Azur, the charming Hostellerie Bérard opened 50 years ago. Flaunting a star in the Michelin Guide, the restaurant created by René Bérard and now run by his son, Jean-François, cultivates the quintessence of refined Mediterranean cuisine. Meanwhile, the spa opened by Danièle Bérard offers a cocoon of well-being with Carita signature treatments, including an exclusive protocol created for the 50th anniversary of this family institution, ideally located between Cannes and Marseille. Hostellerie Bérard, 6 rue Gabriel Péri, La Cadière-d’Azur (04 94 90 11 43).
