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.
In the intimate atmosphere of a Haussmann apartment with lovely moulded ceilings, basking in soft candlelight and the warmth of wood, this new well-being address proposes a wealth of made-to-measure treatments to soothe both body and soul. Encounters with a sophrologist and naturopath, sessions of yoga, Pilates, well-targetted massages, lithotherapy, a healthy lunch : for a day or a full month’s cure, this aptly-named centre for urban detox repairs gently while restoring positive energy. L’essentiel, 116 rue La Boétie, Paris 8 (01 42 08 16 01).
The legendary club on Rue du Bourg l’Abbé is reviving its avant-garde stance by inviting performers with promising talent for a series of tailormade concerts on Thursday nights from 8 p.m. Then, to prolong an enjoyable evening, head for the restaurant with a menu that follows the seasons in enticing dishes and proposes a new spin on world flavours. Bonus : honey straight from the roof with its buzzing bees in the beehives of Les Bains ! Les Bains, 7 rue du Bourg L’Abbé, Paris 3 (01 42 77 07 07).
A passionate fan of noble produce, concocting inventive menus that evolve with the seasons, Nicolas Decherchi, the 34 year-old chef who runs the ovens at the Paloma restaurant in Mougins, has been rewarded by a second star in the Michelin Guide 2016. Proposing elegant decor and a lovely shaded terrace, this refined address is the ideal backcloth for excellent cuisine maintaining a perfect balance between authenticity and creativity, which is also reflected in the quality of the desserts proposed by pastry chef Yohan Jara. Paloma, 47 avenue du Moulin de la Croix, Mougins (04 92 28 10 73).
Nestling in a cosy, wooded decor blending curves and alcoves with thick carpetting for the floor and photos of personalities on the walls, this Italian restaurant lays on a chic welcome. In the kitchen, chef Alberico Penati, crowned by a star, pays tribute to the gastronomy of his homeland, backed up by premium products straight from Italy. A virtuoso who re-edits traditions, he concocts inspired dishes such as superb homemade taglioni with Alba truffles, an experience in itself. Undoubtedly one of the best Italian addresses in Paris. Restaurant Penati Al Baretto, 9 rue Balzac, Paris 8 (01 42 99 80 00).
With a floor area of 1,800 m2 dedicated to well-being, the new Spa Odéon offers the quintessence of spearhead equipment for a unique and luxurious experience. On the top floor of the Odéon tower - the highest in Monaco -, this new beautycare address bears the Sisley signature, known worldwide for its expertise in phytotherapy and aromatherapy. Access will be exclusively reserved for a limited number of members. Tour Odéon, 36 av de l’Annonciade, Monaco (odeonspa.com).
To add a touch of temptation to this day dedicated to rest, but also enjoyment, the Brasserie Thoumieux has inaugurated a Sunday brunch. On the menu, an array of superb products carefully selected by chef Sylvestre Wahid : farmhouse bread from Dominique Secco, Bellota Iberian ham "grand cru", home-smoked salmon, warm Viennese pastries, generous brioches, eggs just the way you like them, smoothies and juices... All simply delicious. On Sundays from 12h to 15h, Brunch royal at the Brasserie Thoumieux, 79 rue Saint-Dominique, Paris 7 (01 47 05 79 00).
A 5th star now shines over the Radisson Blu 1835 Hôtel, Thalasso & Spa. Thanks to the enchanting setting and new refinement of this seafront hotel, it has now joined the prestigious elite of the Riviera's 5-star establishments. Radisson Blu, 2 boulevard Jean Hilbert, Cannes (04 92 99 73 20).
Until May 31st, the most privileged of Parisian sports clubs is proposing a detox day among its offerings, waving the dual banner of fitness and relaxation. On the programme, admission to the club (group sessions, bodybuilding, pool and spa), a 90-minute body treatment signed Biologique Recherche to decongest the skin and reactivate micro-circulation, a detox juice and a healthy lunch. Or how to feel brand new in just a few hours ! Ken Reborn formula (260€), Ken Club, 100 avenue du Président Kennedy, Paris 16 (01 46 47 41 41).
A selection of the best Italian cheeses, forgotten vegetables in anchovy sauce, Carnaroli risotto, chicken stuffed with lemon and coriander, a chocolate mousse bar, fruit salads and tarts by the metre... The new brunch at Le Bistrot in the Hôtel Juana proposes a Gargantuan festival of flavours ! By reservation only, Sundays from 11.30 a.m. 39 € par personne, 18 € par enfant. Hôtel Juana, 19 avenue Gallice, Juan-les-Pins (04 93 61 08 70).
An iconic address in the smart 16th arrondissement, Thé Cool has treated itself to a makeover, entrusted to decorator Sarah Lavoine. Subdued lighting, refined fabrics..., everything contributes to that little touch of intimacy, particularly appreciated by feminine guests. Now run by two friends, Elodie and Anny, Thé Cool treats them to its essential light dishes and ultra-fresh suggestions. Thé Cool, 10 rue Jean-Bologne, Paris 16 (01 42 24 69 13).
Walls of sanded cedarwood, ash benchseats and armchairs, marble tables, thick carpetting echoing the natural environment... The decor of the Café de l’Homme has been given a makeover at the hands of the talented pair of architects Gilles & Boissier. Borrowing the Art Deco codes of the 1930’s, this ultra-chic address is also blessed by a terrace of 300 m2 offering a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, Champs de Mars and Trocadéro Gardens. As for dining, enchantment comes in the guise of a high-end brasserie menu paying tribute to French gastronomy with a hint of international flavours. A resounding success ! Café de l’Homme, 17 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, Paris 16 (01 44 05 33 15).
Clever plays of light, cult music, original cocktails and a series of events and evenings in a chic and trendy ambiance... Such is the DNA of Le Chrystie, a new resto-club in Cannes where a certain idea of the the Dolce Vita on the French Riviera should appeal to the most demanding clients in terms of stylishness and comfort. Concocted by chef Laurent Beaumont, the inventive, contemporary menu offers a refined approach to fingerfood. Christie, 22 rue Macé, Cannes (04 93 99 66 91).
Once the beating heart of Saint-Germain, an historic address for partying and culture, L’Alcazar has been given a second lease of life in a very bucolic setting signed Laura Gonzalez. Sofas, benchseats and armchairs in natural materials add warmth to this impressive space designed as a densely vegetalized archipelago of eco-systems, with snug alcoves contrasting with the monumental restaurant area where vegetation is awarded a place of honour. L’Alcazar, 62 rue Mazarine, Paris 6 (01 53 10 19 99).
A few months ago, this Parisian institution headed by chef Guy Martin welcomed a new head sommelier. Patrick Tamisier has in fact made way for Romain Alzy who, like his elder, gives importance to meeting each producer to understand the particular features of each vine. Real complicity, which further enhances one of the capital’s most exalting wine-lists, boasting no less than 800 labels. Le Grand Véfour, 17 rue de Beaujolais, Paris 1 (01 42 96 56 27).
The Casino Café de Paris has just been treated to a complete metamorphosis ! Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it now offers its clients a unique experience with the very latest slot-machines and decidedly modern decor with furnishings in symmetrical and futuristic shapes. Casino Café de Paris, place du Casino, Monaco (00 377 98 06 21 21).
And then there were three ! In the wake of Le Passage 53 and Le Gyoza Bar, Guillaume Guedj and chef Shinichi Sato have inaugurated a new address dedicated to the absolute must of Japanese street food : the “guydon” (bowl of beef). In this chic canteen, “guydons” served with hot rice come in four different versions with a choice of soft boiled egg or grated “daïkon” radish, accompanied as you wish by a “miso” or “edamame” (soybean) soup, sprinkled with a delicous sauce concocted by the chef. Oishinoya, 24 Galerie Montmartre, passage des Panoramas, Paris 2 (www.oishinoya.com).
An Italian restaurant run by a real Italian straight from Lombardy is a rare occasion that certainly deserves a mention ! Chez Oliva, everything is good, genuine, typical, with different recipes for fresh pasta every day, including the iconic “linguine au pesto”. Maria Gloria Brigoni spoils her guests from start to finish with her addictive “Semifreddo au chocolat” dessert ! Oliva, 16 rue des Saussaies, Paris 8 (06 64 83 47 37).
In a setting as gracious as its cuisine, the young star-rated chef Adeline Grattard whets the appetites of gourmets and creates addiction to the subtle associations to which she holds the key. Spell-binding dishes giving precedence to gastronomic Franco-Chinese cuisine, to be savoured in her new restaurant, a pretty cocoon decked out with Carrara marble, gold leaf, paper lanterns and wooden benchseats, where one allows oneself to be guided by divine associations between dishes and teas. Yam’Tcha 121, rue Saint-Honoré, Paris 1 (01 40 26 08 07).
Customized tables made of Finnish wood, a vegetalized wall, velvet sofa and a glass roof listed as an Historic Monument - so much for the decor. It is here in a neighbourhood immediately associated with the art of fooding that chef Alan Geaam unveils his talent in a gourmet menu giving pride of place to France’s finest products, rigorously selected, brilliantly prepared and presented. AG les Halles, 14 rue Montedour, Paris 1 (01 42 61 37 17).
Modern technology has crept into these magnificent vaulted cellars of 600 m2 dating back to the 18th century, which kept Louis XV well-supplied with exceptional vintages. In the guise of an entertaining and interactive tour, the Caves du Louvre have come up with an original concept. Based on an itinerary calling on all five senses, it starts with the soil and ends with the bottle, using an application downloaded onto visitors’ Smartphones, which introduces them to the world of œnology and its mysteries. The tour ends with wine tasting hosted by a “sommelier” and a visit to the boutique which compiles a selection of rare labels to take back home. Les Caves du Louvre, 52 rue de l’Arbre Sec, Paris 1 (www.cavesdulouvre.com)
