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.
A new chapter begins for the former star-rated François Gagnaire who has left the kitchens of the Hôtel du Collectionneur to devote himself to a cool, congenial bistro called Anicia, whose decor and furnishings are signed by designer-cabinetmaker Pascal Michalon. The chef offers a gourmet reflection of the Upper Loire and Auvergne in a tribute to natural cuisine subscribing to the cult of taste, simplicity and wholesomeness. Authentic and comforting !
Of worldwide renown for its concept blending luxury, partying and a delightful atmosphere, Nikki Beach has taken up its summer quarters on the roof of the Fairmont Hotel in Monaco. From 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day, the restaurant-club lays on a holiday ambiance around the pool. Original cocktails, champagne, creative salads, sushi, platters of seafood, and specialities from the barbecue all feature on the menu. Fairmont Monte Carlo, 12 avenue des Spélugues, Monaco (00 377 93 50 65 00).
To celebrate its first anniversary, La Maison Plisson is inviting 14 of France’s greatest chefs to feature on its restaurant menu. Emmanuel Renaut, Eric Frechon, Pierre Sang, Stéphanie Le Quellec, Cyril Lignac, Mathieu Pacaud, Bruno Doucet, to name just a few, who will all propose an original creation exclusively based on ingredients sold on the premises. May from 1st to 31st. La Maison Plisson, 93 bd Beaumarchais, Paris 3 (01 71 18 19 09).
Of Florentine inspiration, this hotel gracefully blending charm and luxury offers its guests the privacy of a very beautiful retreat just a few minutes from the hubbub of Saint-Tropez. With its star-rated restaurant, a private park of 7,000 m2 and breathtaking view of the bay, the Villa Belrose has announced for its summer opening its entrance into the prestigious collection of “Small Luxury Hotels of the World”. A well-deserved privilege. Villa Belrose, boulevard des Crêtes, Gassin (04 94 55 97 97).
On the banks of the Seine, treating itself to an intimate face-to-face with the Eiffel Tower, L’Antoine unveils a rich decor. At the helm, the young chef Thibault Sombardier, with a passion for the savours of the sea. On a lively menu which changes weekly with new proposals for lunch, this ode to the bounty of the sea features the very best fish, star shell-fish and a few rare specimens. Worth noting, real prowess in land/sea combos, inspired suggestions for fans of meat, and spell-binding desserts such as a warm grilled peanut soufflé. All accompanied by a wine-list in perfect harmony with the dishes. Restaurant l’Antoine, 10 Avenue de New York, Paris 16 (01 40 70 19 28).
The Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel has just lifted the veil on its novelties for the 2016 season. Its famous star-rated gastronomic restaurant “Les Pêcheurs” has been repositioned on the seafront and welcomes a new Chef : Nicolas Rondelli. In addition to the 27 existing rooms, eight rooms and suites have also been added in a new wing, offering a unique view of the Port du Croûton. Cap d’Antibes Beach Hôtel, 10 boulevard Maréchal Juin, Cap d’Antibes (04 92 93 13 30).
This lovely warm address gives a place of honour to the transalpine culinary art. Premium cold meats, cheeses and wines, imported directly from the boot of Italy, can be shared on the spot or taken home. Also on the menu, tasty dishes concocted by Sicilian chef Angelo Curatolo, giving priority to classics of Italian cuisine : risotto, lasagna, gnocchi, luke-warm octopus, gratin of aubergines... As a bonus, Meriggio opens at 8 a.m. for morning espresso, accompanied by a cheerful slice of Panettone. Meriggio, 3 rue Rougemont, Paris 9.
The elitist restaurant Le Clarence has elected domicile in a 19th-C. mansion restored throughout by Le Domaine Clarence Dillon and decorated by the finest craftsmen. A royal ambiance, with walls lined with fabrics, thick carpets and interconnecting rooms, giving the impression of being welcomed into a private home. At the helm, a talented duo : chef Christophe Pelé, formerly 2-star chef at La Bigarrade, and sommelier Antoine Pétrus, “Meilleur Ouvrier de France”. On the menus, dishes offering inspired interpretations of the great classics of French gastronomy. Noble ingredients, astute compositions, fine wines and distinguished service, everything deserves the highest marks. Le Clarence, 31 avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt, Paris 8 (01 82 82 10 10).
Nestling in Lorgues in Le Var, this 5-star rated “Relais & Châteaux” proposes a new 3-day stay in which you can not only enjoy the refined cuisine of Benjamin Collombat, the new, already star-rated chef, but also test his talent as a cook by attending the workshops in the brand new cookery school on the hotel premises, surrounded by a vegetable garden of 3,000 m2. Le Château de Berne, route de Salernes, Lorgues (04 94 60 48 88).
Paying tribute to Louis XV, nicknamed “le Bien-Aime” (or “Well-Beloved”) by his subjets, this high temple of the culinary art surprises for its decor recalling the era of the French monarchy. Gilding, moulded ceilings, paintings, chandeliers…, it’s all there ! In the kitchen, Irwin Durand, a young chef very much of today who has honed his talent at L’Oustau de Baumanière, Joël Robuchon’s Atelier and Le Relais Bernard Loiseau, unveils a menu in perfect harmony with the “grand chic, grand genre” atmosphere : quail with Armagnac, a “jachère” of vegetables and “brûlis” of leeks, a “treasure” of black truffles with Andoa... Precise and refined cuisine, complemented by a wine-list with equally compelling labels. Le Bien Aimé, 18 rue d’Anjou, Paris 8 (01 42 65 45 99).
A “bistronomic” experience at this appealing address with Yoann Dinh at the helm and Brazilian chef Alexandre Furtado, a pupil of Alain Ducasse, manning the ovens. On a straightforward menu offering five starters, five main dishes and four desserts, the chef offers a melting-pot of flavours and fragrances, sprinkling traditional French recipes with souvenirs of Brazil, such as a tempting dish of cod, “moqueca” style. Bistro Paradis, 55 rue Paradis, Paris 10 (01 42 26 59 93).
Recently awarded a Michelin star, the restaurant at the Hôtel Belles Rives in Juan-les-Pins has just been treated to a revamp. Decorator Olivier Antoine has had lots of fun playing with transparencies, lighting and chrome-plated chandeliers. Preserving its Art Deco soul, the newly enhanced dining-room offers a panoramic view of the crystal-clear water of the Mediterrnanean, in total harmony with its frescos and artworks. Hôtel Belles Rives, 33 bd Edouard Baudoin, Juan-les-Pins (04 93 61 02 79).
Both a chic canteen, a cocktail bar and club, this new address with contemporary decor evolves throughout the day and vibrates on weekends until the early hours. In the kitchen, Franco-Israeli chef Daniel Renaudie sets the pace, concocting dishes with a Mediterranean accent, a fondness for spices and audacious associations. Love at first sight for his Cordon Beach dessert, a variation on the theme of the water-melon and feta cheese. Delicious ! Else, 49 rue Berger, Paris 1 (01 40 41 08 78).
For beautycare and well-being, Claire Courtin, grand-daughter of the founder of Clarins, has a wealth of plants up her sleeve ! Creator of the CJuice brand, she has invented each recipe of these juices blending plants, fruit and vegetables, meticulously selected to detoxify the body. As a one-off shot or a whole cure, these beneficial juices certainly hit the spot ! C Juice, 21 rue du Dragon, Paris 6 (09 82 52 97 33 - www.cjuice.fr).
Nestling in the former Drouot auction room, this outlandish new address whisks us off to Peru ! Manning the ovens, chef Gaston Acurio, worldwide ambassador of Peruvian cuisine, lays on a feast proposing a delightful gustatory tour amidst exotic decor signed Laura Gonzalez. On the menu, fish and meat enhanced by spell-binding sauces and spices with an enticing array of flavours, while the cocktail bar prolongs the trip by raising the temperature with magic potions bearing enigmatic names. On weekends, a show in the style of Parisian cabarets of yesteryear. Manko, 15 avenue Montaigne, Paris 8 (01 82 28 00 15).
On the third floor of BHV Marais, this new “Artisan de la Truffe” spot in chic canteen style proposes generous dishes and authentic recipes. On the menu, appetizing dishes in which the noble tuber adds its aroma to a slender pizzetta, scrambled eggs for gourmets, chubby ravioli, or refined risotto… And for dessert, a “fromage blanc” straight from the farm with truffle-flavoured honey and shards of hazelnut, capable of satisfying all those with a sweet tooth. Artisan de la truffe, BHV Marais, 52 rue de Rivoli, 3e étage, Paris 4 (www.artisandelatruffeparis.com).
Until May 31st, the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo proposes a pop-up suite signed Dom Pérignon. This luxurious setting occupying Suites 321-322 of this palatial hotel beautifully interprets the legend of the P2 1998 champagne. Clad in bronze and black and noble materials, the ephemeral suite features a magnificent table for sharing the ultimate refinement of an exceptional art of living. This gastronomic experience dreamt up by Alain Ducasse is prepared by the hotel’s Executive Chef, Franck Cerrutti. From 4,500 € per night, including dinner for two. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Place du Casino, Monaco (00 377 98 06 30 00).
Following the success of its evenings last season, Eléphant Paname is again inviting music-lovers to its wood-panelled salons for a series of one-off concerts. Each evening starts with a glass of champagne in this private mansion and continues in the sublime “dome” beneath a sparkling glass ceiling for an intimate experience of music with world-renowned performers. Eléphant Paname, 10 rue Volney, Paris 2 (www.elephantpaname.com).
A breath of novelty wafts over the menu of this establishment ranked for it excellence, a treat for fans of the bounty of the sea. In chic street food fashion, Pétrossian has come up with a new spin on a few essentials : “croque-monsieur” with caviar, royal crab roll, sandwiches with Beluga sturgeon, pastrami-style... Pétrossian best-sellers and delicious pastries extend the menu and guests’ enjoyment. Petrossian, 106 boulevard de Courcelles, Paris 17 (01 47 66 16 16).
This adorable pocket-sized bistro called “Marcel” has just opened in the Old Town of Nice. On the menu, refined and tasty cuisine comprised of French classics astutely brought up-to-date and served in an elegant, equally classic atmosphere with tasteful decor ! An address for esthetes. Marcel, 11 rue de l’Abbaye, Nice (04 97 20 14 84).
