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.
This former cabaret with 1900’s decor updated by Franck Maillot, a well-known figure in Parisian nightlife, has welcomed chef Mathieu Poirier to its kitchens (ex-Pré Catelan and Royal Monceau). In his diligent “bistronomic” cuisine giving pride of place to seasonal produce, a new feature is an “apéro” formula dedicated to enticing little dishes for sharing : beetroot hummus, aubergine caviar, fish “rillettes”, melting cheese and tender cold meats. La Belle Epoque, 36 rue des Petits-Champs, Paris 2. www.labelleepoqueparis.fr
Since July 1st, guests have again been able to dine from Thursday to Sunday at Le Train Bleu, the iconic restaurant at the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Chef Thierry Saez-Manzanares proposes cuisine with sunny flavours served in a sumptuous atmosphere recalling a chic dining-car from the “Belle Epoque”. Monaco. Place du Casino. montecarlosbm.com
In the wake of Les Belles Canailles and Loup Bar, the Hôtel Les Roches Blanches has inaugurated its new terrace restaurant called Rocco. In homage to Visconti’s cult film “Rocco and his Brothers”, it is run by Chef Alexandre Auger who worked for ten years alongside Yannick Alléno at Le Meurice in Paris. In chic Bohemian decor on the seafront, guests enjoy cuisine in holiday style, celebrating all Mediterranean cultures. Cassis. 9, avenue des Calanques. roches-blanches-cassis.com
Following the success of Le Piaf Paris at the heart of the elegant 8th arrondissement, the jaunty sparrow has taken flight for a summer season in Saint-Tropez on the legendary beach of Pampelonne. Red benchseats, candlelight and the pianist… it’s all there ! Always inspired by the same philosophy : dancing to the end of the night. Le Piaf, Stefano Forever, chemin de Matarane, les Tamaris, Ramatuelle. (04 22 40 00 38).
Already directing her star-rated restaurant La Scène in Paris and her MAM delicatessen, Chef Stéphanie Le Quellec has taken up her summer quarters on the Croisette in Cannes, at the Grand Hôtel’s private beach. For the high season, she has created a sharing menu paying tribute to the local morning catch and vegetable treasures from the South. Cannes. 45, boulevard de la Croisette.
Nestling in the elegant inner courtyard of Beaupassage, the Coya’s terrace has been transformed into a lavishly flowery setting. For summer 2021, the new menu inspired by Nikkei and Chifa cuisine presents refined dishes, healthy and colourful : vegetarian ceviche, tomato ensalada, chicken empanadas, bao de cerdo… For fun and to quench your thirst, gently intoxicating cocktails to be sipped from 6 p.m. in the Jardin de Coya and at the Pisco Bar. Coya Paris, 83-85 rue du Bac, Paris 7 (01 43 22 00 65).
A kiosque-resto dedicated 100% to homemade delicacies, healthy and seasonal, 240 seats on the terrace with your feet on the grass, all enlivened each day by yoga classes, literary encounters and public talks : such is the programme of this enchanting new Petit Plisson which has revolutionized life in the park. To be savoured from breakfast to dinner, listening to the chirping of the birds and not missing out on super waffles made on the spot or artisanal ice creams. The true art of living ! Petit Plisson, Jardin des Tuileries, Kiosque Nord, Paris 1er.
Ten years after the launch of the Mandarin Oriental Paris, Chef Thierry Marx has completely rewritten the menu at the Camélia restaurant, taking inspiration from the lively atmosphere of Parisian markets. More than a palatial hotel restaurant, Camélia presents a full array of signature cuisine giving a place of honour to produce from the finest French terroirs : potatoes from Noirmoutier, royal seabream from Les Hauts de France, black cherries from the Basque country, Mayenne chicken, and tomatoes from Le Lot et Garonne. Paris 1er. Mandarin Oriental. 251, rue Saint-Honoré. Mandarinoriental.com
The Moma Group has invited Dumbo to one of the loveliest esplanades in Paris, that of the Palais de Tokyo, to offer a terrace of 300 m2 facing the Eiffel Tower. Unquestionably the coolest spot of the summer, where treats include, among other things, Dumbo’s incomparable classic cheeseburger, but also “ice cream sandwiches”, an enticing novelty for chilling out ! Open daily, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., until the end of September. Dumbo Park, Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, Avenue de New York, Paris 16
An outsize terrace with a “guinguette” atmosphere to benefit from the banks of the Seine, and a lively rooftop terrace for summer evenings with an eclectic programme of music and explosive cocktails... Welcome to Flow ! Here you will savour all of life’s pleasures : dining, dancing, and also lazing in the sun while contemplating the sky above Paris and a sublime view of the Alexandre III bridge. Flow Paris, 4 Port des Invalides, Paris 7 (01 44 05 39 50).
Champagne ! If you are looking for an extra-special œno-gastronomic experience, head for the Dom Pérignon table at the famous Nikki Beach Saint-Tropez. This experimental lounge, adaptable to meet individual desires, proposes tastings with a “table d’hôtes” facing the cellar signed Nicolas Francart, with top-notch vintages ranging from Dom Pérignon Vintage to the Dom Pérignon Rosé Gold Mathusalem. Guided by a sommelier, guests choose from tastings specially selected to reveal the most enticing aromas. By appointment only. Nikki Beach, 1093 Chemin de l’Epi, Ramatuelle. (04 94 79 82 04)
At the heart of the Golden Triangle, Cible Skin occupies elegant premises of 300 m2 and offers the benefits of medical and cosmetic treatments, firmly focused on prevention and cure. Here, the needs of the skin are understood, attended to, and anticipated, thanks to in-depth diagnosis and a wide array of innovative treatments. A caring place taking real initiative, and fulfilling the ambition of its founders, Jean Ginefri and Raphaël Aknin, already running their first centre on Rue Marbeuf. Cible Skin, 31 rue François 1er, Paris 8. www.cibleskin.com
Paris Society has joined forces with the Bagatelle Group, moving into Le Stefano Forever on the beach of Pampelonne to present its legendary festive brand : Le Piaf. A restaurant, cocktail bar and a night-time “nest” for dedicated fans of partying, Le Piaf offers in Saint-Tropez the same codes as in Paris : a velvety atmosphere, red benchseats, subdued lighting... Le Piaf, chemin de Matarane, Les Tamaris, Ramatuelle (04 22 40 00 38).
Nestling at the heart of the Vallée des Baux de Provence, the village of Paradou plays host to the Restaurant Bec, a contraction of its founders’ names : Edouard Beaufils and Jessica Cogoni. Following several international experiences, they propose the alchemy of “haute-cuisine” comprised 80 % of fresh produce from this region rich in seasonal specialities. All in a room with stone walls, chic contemporary decor and a generous shaded terrace. Bec Restaurant, 55 avenue de la Vallée des Baux, Paradou. bec-restaurant.com
Awarded 3 stars in the Michelin Guide for her London restaurant “Helène Darroze at The Connaught”, and 2 stars for “Marsan par Helène Darroze” in Paris, the famous Chef will take over the ovens at the Villa La Coste near Aix-en-Provence from July 2nd. The “Helène Darroze à la Villa La Coste” restaurant will occupy different areas in the hotel and its terrace. The menu ? Still a secret, it promises to offer refined “cuisine d’auteur”. Villa La Coste, 2750 route de la Cride, Le Puy-Sainte-Reparade. villalacoste.com
Immersed in peaceful, minimalist decor designed by the Sala Hars and Vorbot architectural firms, this new Parisian address nestling in Montmartre declares its passion for sushi. Hard at work, chef Shunei Kimura follows the rules of the art with typical Japanese rigour behind his wooden counter, telling a new tale each day depending on the morning catch and the seasons. A true experience of subtlety, taste and emotion. Sushi Shunei, 3 rue Audran, Paris 18. www.sushishunei.com
Star-rated chef Florent Pietravalle at La Mirande in Avignon now prepares takeaway dishes in street food style. Each week, he invites a local chef with whom he creates a one-off dish and dessert in Le Mirage, the former garage of La Mirande, transformed into an ephemeral resto with chef Séverine Sagnet at the helm. La Mirande, 5 rue Taulignan, Avignon. www.la-mirande.fr
Ranked by the Michelin Guide as one of the best pastry-makers in France, pastry-chef Maëlle Bruguera of the star-rated restaurant Le Art in the Château de la Gaude in Aix-en-Provence also unfurls her talent at the bistronomic restaurant La Source, inaugurated a few months ago. Just 29 years old, she won her spurs with Bernard Loiseau, Jacques Lameloise and at La Chèvre d’Or, and aims each day to surprise guests with a play on textures and unexpected blends.
In the midst of Aix’s vineyards, a new venue has taken its place. Perched on a hill above an old Roman road and facing the Luberon’s Nature Park, this art-gallery of 120 m2 thus joins the fabulous Art & Architecture circuit of the Château La Coste, alongside pavilions designed by architects such as Renzo Piano, Tadao Ando and Jean Nouvel. Signed Richard Rogers, the gallery has been designed to have the least impact possible on the environment. 2750 Route de la Cride, Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade www.chateau-la-coste.com
The Hôtel Paradiso, designed by brothers Nathanaël and Elisha Karmitz, founders of MK2 and the Paradiso brand, is a highly original experience where the world of the cinema has taken its place in all the different areas as far as the roof terrace with its open-air movie lounge. As for decor, the hotel has called upon a group of artists : architects Daniel Vaniche and Paula Castro of the DVVD agency, interior decorator Alix Thomsen, JR... who have all contributed their talent. Hôtel Paradiso, 135 boulevard Diderot, Paris 12. www.mk2hotelparadiso.com
