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.
After two years of renovation, the world of Sothys unveils its new showcase at the heart of the 8th arrondissement. On two floors, the Institute hosts the Salon 128 proposing a holistic experience in tune with nature, Parisian suites in which treatments are dispensed, and a space dedicated to bespoke cosmetic diagnoses and make-up. All treated to the luxury of new technologies with care rituals on a touchscreen menu. Don’t miss your polysensory experience at the fragrance bar. Institut Sothys, 128 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8 (01 53 93 91 53). www.sothys.fr
Cookies by French pastrymaker Damien Leroux that have already conquered London are finally being exported to Paris ! In a boutique designed by architect Dorothée Meilichzon, these awe-inspiring cookies are now lined up. Our favourite ? The one with miso and white chocolate ! Sheer temptations also include Soft Ice Cream, custard infused with cereals, and an awesome hot chocolate with chamallows. Yummy ! Café Nuances, 22 rue du Vieux Colombier, Paris 6.
Nestling amidst the rooftops of Paris, on the 6th floor of a Haussmann building, this insider address has undergone revision by treating itself to the services of designer Raphaël Navot who has rethought its decor. Organic shapes clad in wood, silk and velvet endow this unusual setting with a soothing ambiance. Manning the ovens, chef Frédéric Vardon perpetuates the culinary identity of the renowned 39V in cuisine firmly anchored in the great French tradition, enhanced by the finest ingredients and crowned with the fine art of hospitality. So good ! Le 39V, 39 avenue George V, Paris 8 (01 56 62 39 05). www.le39V.com
After Dalia, Benjamin Cohen followed up with the vibrant 11e and has opened the doors to his new address. Sunny and elegant, Jolia proposes enticing oriental cuisine concocted by French/Israeli chef Steve Zylbersztejn who pays tribute to Mediterranean flavours sublimated by braising. Jolia also means partying with well-balanced cocktails, a joyful disco and glamorous decor designed by the Jaune architects. Jolia, 123 rue du Chemin Vert, Paris 2. Réservations : www.zenchef.com
A 5-star Relais et Châteaux resort & spa in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Le Domaine de Pierre has just presented the 2023 menu for its gastronomic restaurant, La Table de Pierre. Complying with the hotel’s Eco-Label commitment and the promise of locally-sourced ingredients upheld by Executive Chef Emmanuel Lehrer, Chef Maxime Leconte conjures up dishes based on raw products giving precedence to short-circuit sourcing. Saint Paul de Vence. 2320, Route des Serres. (04 93 59 00 10)
Celebrating produce from the region’s terroir grown by local producers, the cuisine of star-rated Chef Alain Llorca is to be savoured in fine weather on a terrace basking in sunlight and staged by decorator Jacqueline Morabito. A sound value. La Colle sur Loup. 350, route de Saint-Paul. (04 93 32 02 93)
Marseille’s culinary scene has the wind in its sails ! The creator of Onassis is publicity specialist Georges Mohammed-Cherif, also heading up the Kennedy fishmonger and the restaurant Yima. In homage to the Greek shipbuilder, billionaire Aristotle Onassis, this new restaurant seating 22 guests with a private table for eight introduces a new experience to the picturesque neighbourhood of Malmousque. Marseille 7e. 245, Corniche Kennedy. (06 44 84 93 91)
The legendary Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat has just reopened its doors for the spring/summer season with the launch of two exceptional villas and the creation of a new gastronomic experience surrounded by nature : La Table du Potager. Guests are treated to a country menu devised by star-rated Chef Yoric Tièche, in the hotel’s vegetable garden on the hills of Villefranche-sur-Mer. The show stopper ? A breathtaking view. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. 71, boulevard du Général de Gaulle. (04 93 76 50 50)
A new 5-star hotel on the Croisette, Le Mondrian plays host to the restaurant Mr. Nakamoto which proposes a concept evoking New York in the 1950’s with a touch of Japanese inspiration. Signed by London Chef Alex Craciun, the menu focuses on the bounty of the sea and top-quality meat, not forgetting sushis made by a distinguished sushi master. Cannes. 45, boulevard de la Croisette. (04 93 38 15 45)
The first address of chef Sukwon Yon accompanied by Barnabé Lahaye in the dining-room (ex-Maison Rostang), Perception sends French gastronomy on a trip to Korea, the chef’s birthplace. Sheltered from the electrifying Rue Blanche, the restaurant offers alcoves and a soft, intimate ambiance. In the dishes, vibrant cuisine to tempt the palate, together with French classics. Precise and delicate. Perception, 53 rue Blanche, Paris 9 (01 40 35 78 32).
Maxime Frédéric, pastry-chef at Cheval Blanc Paris, has taken over this highly desirable “chocolaterie”. Here, desserts, eclairs and pastries bear the iconic motifs of Louis Vuitton. They are joined by chocolate bars in Checkerboard style, Vivienne marshmallows made of chocolate, Monogram candies... So chic. LV Dream, 26 Quai de la Mégisserie, Paris 1er. Ouvert du lundi au dimanche de 11h à 20h.
Not once but twice for Café Nuances, which has just opened a little come-and-get-me bar at the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés with a colourful facetted ambiance designed by Uchronia. On the menu : Expresso, latte, flat white, and original recipes such as “coffee à la rose”. With American-Nippon pastries to double the fun. Café Nuances, 22 rue du Vieux Colombier, Paris 6.
A new address signed Paris Society which has joined up with Jamel Debbouze for this project high on flavour, Dar Mima offers oriental treats for discerning gourmets. At the top of the Institut du Monde Arabe, this hot spot unveils comforting, glam’chic decor signed Laura Gonzalez. As a bonus, a real gem of a terrace designed as a Mediterranean garden, offering a spectacular view of the city. Dar Mima, Institut du Monde Arabe, 1 rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, Paris 5 (01 85 14 79 25).
Where to find the best “Pastéis de Nata” ! Founded in 1982, Canelas has installed its delicacies in a charming “échoppe” close to the Canal Saint-Martin. Inside, everything is a treat with sweet and savoury specialities, top products of “épicerie fine”, and even a few tables to enjoy these gems on the spot. Canelas, 8 rue de Grange aux Belles, Paris 10. www.canelas.fr
Two years after opening the Forest restaurant in the Museum of Modern Art in Paris, Forest has now dropped anchor in Marseille. On the quaysides of La Joliette, facing the sea, Les Voûtes de la Major now play host to Forest Marseille, the new restaurant of chef Julien Sebbag. On the menu ? Cuisine fond of local products, reflecting the different facets of Marseillaise culture. Including the finest Mediterranean fish and flavours from the Middle East and southern Spain. www. restaurants-forest.com
On your marks ! From April 15th, the star-rated Christophe Bacquié restaurant at the Hôtel du Castellet will become Lavinia, a gastronomic address focusing on delicate cuisine with marine and vegetable flavours. In the kitchen, Fabien Ferré has risen to the rank of “Chef des Cuisines”. Reservations are now open, and in the meantime the San Felice bistro of this 5-star Relais & Châteaux has been welcoming guests since March 3rd. www.hotelducastellet.net
A new Parisian-style terrace now adds to the appeal of the urban-chic brasserie in Nice, Le Magenta. Its outer structure has been entirely redesigned to offer a blue-grey effect, both modern and inviting. This new style is pursued on the large seafood counter where guests can order whelks, lobster and other shell-fish to relish on the spot or take away. A lifestyle to be savoured daily, from 8 a.m. to midnight. www.lemagentanice.fr
The Bellefeuille restaurant at the Hôtel Saint James in Paris has announced the arrival of its new Pastry Chef, Jeanne Lecourt. Highly creative, this dedicated fan of honey, chocolate and fruit aims to experiment with a new kind of French pastry, local and plant-based, in this 5-star Parisian establishment. www.saint-james-paris.com
Since March 1st, the “Seen by Olivier” concept of restaurant-owner/entrepreneur Olivier Da Costa has taken over the top floor of the Anantara Plaza on Avenue de Verdun in Nice. A concept proposing immersion in a vibrant atmosphere conjured up by a panoramic view, an intimate setting, eclectic cuisine and a cocktail bar. With decor inspired by Art Deco, Seen by Olivier Nice offers a 360° view of the town and sea from its dining-room and terrace, where the rule is to see and be seen. On the menu, flavours from all four corners of the world. www.seennice.com
Formerly a personality in Parisian nightlife and already running the charming brasserie La Belle Epoque, Franck Maillot is doubling his stakes on the same street by whisking us off to the sea. At Mer & Coquillage, sea spray wafts over urban chic and total comfort in a very enticing ambiance. At the helm, chef Mathieu Poirier fills his menu with oysters, crayfish, crab, sea urchins, blue lobster, and beautiful fish served whole. A special mention for his sole in a pistachio crust served with roast celery and Parmesan emulsion. Mer & Coquillages, 36 rue des Petits Champ, Paris 2 (01 42 33 00 22).
