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.
Proud of its first star in the Michelin Guide, Paloma is a refined restaurant at the entrance to the old village of Mougins. Opened a year ago, it is in an elegant 1960’s villa proposing baroque decor. In its leafy setting, guests are treated to creative dishes by chef Nicolas Decherchi in the dining-room or on the streamlined terrace hung with white sails. You won’t be able to resist the boiled egg coated in powdered morel mushrooms and accompanied by asparagus spaghetti and stock with smoked bacon. 47 avenue du Moulin de la Croix, Mougins (04 92 28 10 73).
Nestling a short walk from L’Etoile and the bustling Avenue des Champs-Elysées, this cosy-chic address designed by the architectural firm Gilles & Boissier basks in unique stylishness with its woodwork, stone floor, noble fabrics and lovely patinas. Its main attractions are, however, a vast terrace all decked out in white, offering a clear view of the Arc de Triomphe, and a club for night-owls, open on weekends. La Villa, 37 Avenue de Friedland, Paris 8 (01 82 28 75 08).
Now open to non-resident guests, the confidential Hôtel Muse at the entrance to Saint-Tropez proposes a “Sunshine” formula throughout September comprising lunch and access to the pool for 50 euros. A welcome opportunity to benefit from this corner of paradise in the Var with its sumptuous ecological garden and an elegant pool of 100 m2. By reservation only. Route des Marres, Ramatuelle (04 94 43 04 40).
Emmanuel Ryon, “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” and World Champion in pastry-making, joined up with Olivier Ménard, another highly-rated pastry-maker who has worked for Pierre Hermé and Harrods, to dream up this gourmet boutique dedicated to ice-cream. In this sanctuary of “haute gourmandise”, the ice-cream counter offers an explosion of flavours : orange-carrot-ginger, Japanese Matcha green tea, crunchy caramel... These delectable ice-creams and sorbets in a bewildering choice of flavours are proposed alongside delicate frozen pastries such as a “vacherin” et baked Alaska pie to be taken home or enjoyed on the spot in the tea-room. Une glace à Paris, 15 rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie, Paris 4 (01 49 96 98 33 - www.une-glace-a-paris.fr).
Decorated by architect France Billel of Nice, the Giuseppe & Pepino brasserie proposes new interior decor, both contemporary and trendy. Here one feasts on traditional land/sea dishes with Mediterranean accents, inspired by fresh local ingredients. At the heart of Place Garibaldi in Nice, this address deserves a visit from gourmets or reservation of its private dining-room for a family occasion or corporate event.18 place Garibardi, Nice (04 93 56 66 59).
Precise and well-textured, the dishes concocted by talented chef Vincent Crépel invite guests to taste highly creative offerings in this bistro sheltered from prying eyes in a former lingerie workshop. In a sober but airy setting, guests feast on superbly executed signature dishes, accompanied by a selection of fine wines both rare and delicious. Porte 12, 12 rue des Messageries, Parsi 10 (01 42 46 22 64).
Made-to-measure furniture, lighting, designer sofas, sandstone bathrooms with bathtubs set on the floor… Each detail in the new suites at the Byblos has been carefully studied to give renewed splendour to this palatial hotel in Saint-Tropez without affecting its soul. This new generation of contemporary rooms will gradually be extended to encompass the entire hotel. The first are already ready for booking, prior to the winter closure. Hôtel Byblos. 20, avenue Paul Signac, Saint-Tropez (04 94 56 68 00).
With its perfect consistency, dense texture and authentic taste, this Chantilly cream is totally addictive ! All in blue and white, this pretty address has dedicated its offerings to the cream, making it as per the rules of the art. It can be relished by the spoonful for a divine return to childhood, in small cream puffs or the most exquisite coffee. Maison de la Chantilly, 47 rue Clerc, Paris 7 (www.maisondelachantilly.com).
Dreamt up by Mathieu Pacaud, chef of L’Ambroisie, the Hexagone restaurant overthrows accepted ideas about the classic nature of French cuisine. A place apart of 1,000 m2, it invites its guests on a unique tour of experimentation through a cocktail bar, gastronomic restaurant and a workshop for culinary research. Thanks to the decor, both sumptuous and off-the-wall, entrusted to the duo of architects Patrick Gilles and Dorothée Boissier, each area echos the spirited, surprising and very elegant cuisine of this 3-star chef. Hexagone, 85 avenue Kleber, Paris 16 (01 42 25 98 85).
Japanese chef Atsushi Tanaka has inaugurated a wine bar with a vaulted stone ceiling in the basement of his restaurant. Over 100 references from ten different countries share the wine list, cultivating his refined approach to gastronomy and giving an exclusive place to to organic vintages. Guests savour rare pearls such as Bernard Van Berg wines, wines from the prefecture of Yamanashi in Japan, unusual orange wines... To accompany them all, small plates of carefully selected products (thin slices of Wagyu beef, cheese, oysters…) and a simplified version of dishes on the restaurant menu. Bar à vins du restaurant A.T, 4 rue du Cardinal Lemoine, Paris 5 (01 56 81 94 08).
The Spa at the Château de la Messardière invites you to discover or learn more about the fundamentals of yoga in two sessions of asana postures. A “Suppleness and Illusion” workshop will be held on August 13th, and an “Acceptation” session on August 27th, to do away with conflicts between mind and body. Each session (40 €) offers a wonderful opportunity to take real care of yourself in this idyllic setting offering sublime panoramic views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Château de la Messardière, 2 route de Tahiti, Saint-Tropez (04 94 56 76 00).
Revamped and renamed, this restaurant run by Cyril Lignac has been treated to successful transformation while adopting a menu inspired by travel. Classic dishes are still there : prime rib of Simmenthal beef for two, sweetbreads and rum babas. They are now joined by recipes with aromas from elsewhere, such as veal cooked in spicy tomatoes and "stracciatella". A special mention for the Sunday brunch, very popular on the Left Bank, unfurling an array of very appealing and tasty dishes. Aux Prés, 2 rue du Dragon, Paris 6 (01 45 48 29 68).
Just ranked 17th Best Restaurant in the World by Condé Nast International, the gastronomic Asian restaurant “Song Qi” in Monaco has created a new formula called “All in One Lunch” to mark the occasion. Star-rated chef Alan Yau has come up with a light menu comprised of steamed rice with jasmine, small bites of shrimps, chicken salad with sesame seeds, and a choice of dishes of the day accompanied by a glass of wine. 29 €. Song Qi, 7 avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco (00 377 99 99 33 33).
Cointreau is inviting itself to the sumptuous Garnier Opera House for a one-off series of cocktail workshops and tastings. The sparkling fresh world of Cointreau Fizz enters the majestic setting of the Palais Garnier in a refined bar where participants will discover on these two unique dates the secrets and variations of this bitter-sweet liqueur revealing a thousand-and-one flavours. Bookings taken from September 1st. October 15th and 16th, Opéra Garnier. http://opera-paris.cointreau.com
All the nobility of Italian ice-cream is to be found in this irresistible Baroque address, where master ice-cream maker Romain Marco Radicioni has concocted all the recipes with top-quality ingredients straight from his homeland. Divine pistachio, awesome black liquorice, amazing anchovy cream, refreshing tomato with basil... Served in handmade cornets, these ice-creams whisk us straight away to the land of dreams ! Il Gelato del Marchese, 3 rue des Quatre Vents, Paris 6 (01 46 34 75 63).
Laid out around a large stainless steel bar offering a clear view of the Eiffel Tower and the Molitor’s legendary pool, this elegant roof-terrace of 500 m2 has a charming summery atmosphere. Chef Julien Mercier proposes dishes for those feeling a bit peckish and those who are simply ravenous, with a wide palette of fresh offerings and divine skewers such as the chic “gambas/pepperoni”. Sorbets, ice-creams, fruit and signature cocktails extend your break from the city. Molitor, 8 avenue de la porte Molitor, Paris 16 (01 56 07 08 50).
A legendary site right on the sea in Nice, Le Plongeoir is part of the Côte d’Azur’s heritage. After many long years of studies, applications for authorizations, then renovation work, it is now reborn in the guise of a restaurant. Basking in azure-blue, this unique address is directed by Marc Dussoullier, an expert in high-class establishments on the Riviera. Open for lunch and dinner, Le Plongeoir proposes convivial Mediterranean cuisine (several dishes to share : focaccia, gaspacho and shrimps with almonds, hummus with chips of aubergines and honey...), served in a refined decor with a hint of glamour. An obligatory port-of-call. 60, boulevard Franck Pilatte, Nice (04 93 26 53 02).
A luxury restaurant in La Monnaie de Paris, a building which is part of the national heritage ? That’s the challenge taken on by Guy Savoy, a chef with 3 stars in the Michelin guide. Facing the Seine, this gem of architecture entrusted to Jean-Michel Wilmotte contains an elegant apartment in which the architect has preserved the rhythm of the rooms and the layout of the space. At the entrance to the restaurant, a few words from Guy Savoy in neon : “Cooking is the art of instantly transforming ingredients steeped in history into joy”. Joy which is experienced while tasting each of his dishes offering perfect presentation and spell-binding flavours. Guy Savoy à la Monnaie de Paris, 11 quai de Conti, Paris 6 (01 43 80 40 61).
Skilfully blending the codes of the bistro with those of a Haussmann apartment, the “Gabrielle” brasserie in the 17th arrondissement is designed by the Studio Emma Roux. It offers a wam and intimate ambiance with its Havana leather sofas, amazing chandeliers and wooden counter. On the menu, well-balanced French brasserie classics and other snacks from elsewhere (fish’n chips...) accompanied by a good selection of wines. Gabrielle, 70 avenue de Villiers Paris 17 (01 47 63 35 75).
The 5-star Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa in Théoule-sur-Mer has just inaugurated a private penthouse on its roof. The living space of 170 m2 consists of three luxurious en- suite bedrooms, while the three terraces - one with jacuzzi - enjoy 180° views of the Bay of Lérins and the Estérel hills. Available for a weekend or a week, it is accessible by boat via the hotel’s private beach. 2,000 € per night in the high season. 47 avenue de Miramar, Théoule-sur-mer (04 93 75 05 05).
