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.
The legendary Fouquet’s restaurant at the Majestic Barrière Hotel in Cannes reopened in March after being treated to a facelift. The Parisian firm EDO was selected to redesign this temple to refinement in Art Deco style, dotted with Egyptian motifs and touches of gold. Hôtel Majestic Barrière, 10 boulevard de La Croisette, Cannes (04 92 98 77 00).
Designed by jbmn architectes, this top-notch bar nestling in the basement of the Maison du Saké contains an exclusive collection of over 1,000 whiskies, Scotch, of course, but also Japanese, American, Irish and even Indian. In this classy setting, malts are consumed neat, on the rocks, in highballs, as shots or cocktails, accompanied by a menu of Japanese tapas. A vaulted shrine of 600 m2 revealing all the various facets of the famous golden brew with flair and modernity. Golden Promise, 11 rue Tiquetonne, Paris 2 (09 67 61 97 03).
Chef Christian Etchebest has crossed the Seine to launch his sixth "Cantine du Troquet" in the 17th arrondissement. With its signature red decor, this new brasserie retains the authentic feel that guaranteed the success of the first five addresses. On the programme, delicious cuisine using products sourced from the best producers and breeders. On the menu, the chef's classics such as shrimps and razor clams "à la plancha", Eric Ospital's famous cold meats, Basque-style hake…, rubbing shoulders with seasonal dishes which change with the market and the chef's inspiration. Tasty and fun. La Cantine du Troquet Pereire, 46 rue Bayen, Paris 17 (01 42 67 05 11).
In the midst of a remarkable natural site in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, three buildings with iconic architecture form Cap Moderne, which reopens its doors on May 2nd. The villa of Eileen Gray (E-1027), the Cabanon and camping units built by Le Corbusier, together with Thomas Rebutato’s bar-restaurant L’Etoile de Mer, provide a setting for discovery and exhibitions which should simply not be missed. A listed Historic Monument, this address paying tribute to the 20th century’s greatest architects and designers is the only site in the Alpes-Maritimes forming part of UNESCO’s World Heritage. Cap Moderne, esplanade de la gare, avenue Le Corbusier, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin (www.capmoderne.com)
Working hand in hand with Indian chef Manoj Sharma (Cinammon Club, Desi Road), chef Akrame has arrived to enliven this smart neighbourhood with a new address blending cultures and genres. In the spirit of sharing dear to the chefs, the menu unfurls a series of dishes with exotic spices, brimming with sunshine and knock-out flavour. This ambiance of cosmopolitan sophistication is echoed in the decor with materials offered in all their purity, while the restaurant hums to the ballet of the kitchen brigade in their open kitchen. Shirvan, 5 place de l’Alma, Paris 8 (01 47 23 09 48).
Since 1946, this shrine of impeccable taste has played host to Monaco’s high society and celebrities from all over the world who appreciate its refined cuisine, intimate atmosphere, and its exclusive club. Revamped in “Belle Epoque” style, the dining-room now has an open kitchen, and a removable terrace will be installed as from June. The young Chef Antonio Salvatore has been chosen to further enhance its gastronomic fare with French and Italian flavours. Rampoldi, 3 avenue des Spélugues, Monaco (00 377 93 30 70 65).
Berthed in a former hardware store in the 18th arrondissement, this restaurant gives a place of honour to fish. The short menu changes with the seasons and morning catches : raw, poached, steamed or smoked fish, subtly seasoned and served with tasty side dishes. To quench one's thirst, a great selection of organic and biodynamic wines, homemade beers and tempting cocktails. Fichon, 98 rue Marcadet, Paris 18 (09 70 94 52 14).
At the heart of Paris, both a private club, hotel and restaurant, this place apart acquired in 1892 by the widow of Président Thiers has been treated to superb renovation under the aegis of French-American decorator Bambi Sloan. Between classicism and modernity, she draws inspiration from Napoleon III, Visconti, “My Fair Lady” and “The Avengers”. Now welcoming non-member guests for dinner on weekdays and Sunday brunch, the Restaurant du Saint James Paris is headed by chef Jean-Luc Rocha (MOF and winner of two stars). High gastronomy, noble and delicate. Restaurant du Saint James Paris, 43 avenue Bugeaud, Paris 16 (01 44 05 81 81).
Lété is the name of a new address in Monaco comprised of a restaurant, bar, lounge and cabaret. Against a glamorous, theatrical backdrop designed by Chantal Thomass, there is a constant flow of Moët et Chandon, including the brand’s most sought-after vintages of wines and champagnes. The cuisine, service and amenities are all on a par with this venue, one of the most expensive in the world. Calling all connoisseurs ! Lété, 18 route de la Piscine, Monaco (06 07 93 96 73).
Fine groceries, a caviar table, salmon bar, restaurant and delicatessen corner : the Maison Nordique has united all the products that have built its renown in an elegant space of 180 m2, to treat discerning gourmets and fans of briny flavours. An address that offers an initiatiatory experience in the bounty of the sea, highlighting the iconic house caviar which occupies a majestic table presenting different varieties at the entrance, and is guest of honour on the restaurant menu alongside tasty recipes such as penne with lobster and a salmon burger-blini. Luxury from start to finish. La Maison Nordique, 221, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8 (01 47 23 00 00).
On February 9th, the Michelin Guide awarded a star to the restaurant at the Château de Berne Hôtel et Spa. Opened less than a year ago, this address headed up by 39 year-old Provençal chef Benjamin Collombat, backed by a brigade of 40 professionals, proposes cuisine inspired by local produce and giving pride of place to that grown in the hotel’s vegetable garden of 3,000 m2. Château de Berne Hôtel et Spa, route de Salernes, Lorgues (04 94 60 43 60).
The Bar à Huîtres is transforming the cocktail hour with a choice of spectacular molecular cocktails. Regressive Mojito, Volcano Maritini, Spritz Moléculaire and Spider-man Clamato, these cutting-edge creations with subtle tastes are causing a stir ! Explosive cocktails to be sipped while enjoying another speciality of the bar : oysters with ginger and lemon, flambée'd with vodka ! Bar à huîtres Saint-Germain, 33 rue Saint Jacques, Paris 5 (01 44 07 27 37).
A vineyard estate and 5-star hotel, the Château de Berne reopened its doors on February 14th after its winter break. Guests can now discover its new Spa Cinq Mondes in premises of 800 m2, laid out around an indoor infinity pool and offering a view of the estate’s vineyards and olive-grove. Two jacuzzis, a sauna, hammam, solarium, relaxation area and gym complete the spa's array of treatments based on beauty care rituals taking inspiration from all five continents. Le Château de Berne, route de Salernes, Lorgues (04 94 60 43 60).
A small restaurant (18 seats), immense talent ! Chef Raphaël Régo reinterprets Brazliian cuisine in sophisticated style on a single menu in four parts, offering multiple variations depending on market arrivals. Delicate dishes prepared with exemplary precision, inspired touches of modernity and creativity, such is the signature of this chef who orchestrates flavours with sheer brilliance. Exoticism even down to the drinks, with an astutely selected choice of South American wines. Maloka, 28 rue de la Tour d’Auvergne, Paris 9 (01 45 23 99 13).
Elegant and refined, the Hôtel Ellington on Boulevard Victor Hugo in Nice has just blown out its tenth candle. For the occasion and throughout 2017, the Duke Bar & Lounge is proposing an original cocktail by the name of "Ten". Created by head barmaid Jessica Gemignani, it is comprised of 10 ingredients including lime and aniseed on a base of vodka, tequila and Grand Marnier. To be sampled in moderation. Hôtel Ellington, 25 boulevard Dubouchage (04 92 47 79 79).
One of the finest addresses in Parisian “bistronomy”, Office is writing a new chapter in its history by entrusting its ovens to the young chef Benjamin Schmitt, who won his spurs alongside Yannick Aliéno and Pierre Gagnaire. He orchestrates modern French cuisine with an accent from the Rhône, inspired by fresh local produce such as remarkable calf sweetbreads with burnt lemon and awesome desserts. A real gem of an address ! Office, 3 rue Richer, Paris 9 (01 47 70 67 31).
Fans of Scandinavian design will appreciate this showcase address decorated by the iconic couple Stine Gam and Enrico Fratesi. A green marble counter, huge inner patio, velvet benchseats, shrubs and plants... all the various components of Flora Danica enter into a dialogue expressing famous Scandinavian serenity. On the menu, enticing food from breakfast to dinner, with little dishes that change with the seasons and time of day. Not to be missed : tasty “smørrebrod” sandwiches and classic marinated salmon “Gilbert Bécaud style” ! Flora Danica, 142 avenue des Champs Elysées, Paris 8 (01 44 13 86 26).
From L.A. Sex Appeal and Sunset inspirations to “menthe à l’eau” from the Art Deco neighbourhoods of Miami or the tropical ambiance of the Everglades in Florida, the new Klay restaurant basks in a very exotic decor designed by architect-decorators Toro & Liautard. Well-being is the main focus here, especially on the menu proposing well-balanced dishes with a touch of green, vegan suggestions, and popular classics with a twist, such as “Vitello Tonnato” and “Suprême” of farm-raised chicken. Restaurant Klay Saint Sauveur, 4 bis rue Saint-Sauveur, Paris 2 (01 40 26 69 66).
Designed by the duo of architects Pascale Bartoli and Thierry Lombardi of the Architecture 54 firm in Marseille, the spa at the 5-star Hôtel du Castellet is a luxurious contemporary setting entirely dedicated to the sea. It is comprised of six treatment cabins, a relaxation area, a boutique, indoor pool, salt grotto, sauna, hammam, and solarium terraces. Materials such as stone from Barcelona, light oak and slate endow the spa with a pure, refined atmosphere. Le Castellet, 3001 route des Hauts du Camp (04 94 98 37 77).
With its chic black counter and mural fresco, this elegant new spot for gourmets gives a place of honour to a classic among French desserts : “crème caramel”. On the menu, milk, real eggs, caramel, Madagascar vanilla, and lashings of love ! Thank-you, Florence Fontaine and Franz Potisek, accomplices behind the ovens and the authors of this heart-warming initiative. Pâtisserie les Bonnes crèmes, 13 rue Manuel, Paris 10 (01 40 37 68 71).
