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.
At the heart of the Sainte Musse neighbourhood in Toulon, the first “brasserie” of Bernard Lemaître (President of the RCT) forms part of the extension of the new campus of the Rugby Club de Toulon, one of Europe’s largest sports training centres. The Brasserie Le Muguet welcomes players, managers, supporters, partners, and the curious, in an elegant setting of 600 m2 designed by Bureau Lacroix Architecture. Toulon. 53, rue Melpomene. (07 88 85 56 33)
An institution on the Côte d’Azur since 1969, this legendary restaurant, the star on the harbour of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, has been reinvented at the initiative of its new directors : Riccardo Giraudi, Philippe Schriqui and Patrick Gioannini, three friends from Monaco in the restaurant world. The soul of the African Queen has been preserved, though the setting has been redesigned with maestria by architects Humbert & Poyet. The new menu pays tribute to authentic dishes, guarding the identity of each ingredient. Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Port de plaisance. (04 93 01 10 85)
On the Port of Saint-Tropez, the restaurant La Petite Plage proposes casual-chic decor in wickerwork and wood, and a Mediterranean menu of sheer excellence signed by Eric Frechon, multi star-rated Chef and “Meilleur Ouvrier de France”. Saint-Tropez. 9, Quai Jean Jaurès. (04 94 17 01 23)
Open until October, this new address for partying recalls delightful, carefree evenings in the ‘sixties and ‘seventies which built the reputation of the French Riviera. In the bay of the Monte-Carlo Beach, Maona proposes Mediterranean cuisine with specialities from Monaco, a cocktail bar, and a delightful soundtrack signed “Belle Époque”. Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Avenue Princesse Grace. (+ 377 98 06 56 00)
Following extensive embellishment orchestrated by architects Virginie Friedmann and Delphine Versace, the Hôtel La Pérouse now offers flair and finesse. With Chef Damien Andrews, a disciple of Escoffier, at the helm, the restaurant Le Patio & Terrasse offers a sunny dining experience, refined and generous. Nice. 11, quai Rauba Capeu. (04 93 62 34 63)
In the shade of the plane trees on the Place des Lices, in an atmosphere conducive to escapism and sharing, Le Café proposes an array of dishes with Provençal accents, to be relished from mid-day to midnight. Saint-Tropez. Traverse des Lices. (04 94 97 44 69)
Acclaimed when heading up the Parisian restaurants Fripon and Arboré, Chef Pauline Séné sets her name throughout the summer to the menu of the ephemeral table at the Hôtel de Sade, nestling at the heart of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (until October). At Songes, she proposes impassioned, short-circuit cuisine along with a keen interpretation of the Provençal repertory. All savoured in an intimate, dreamy and ultra-romantic setting. Jusqu’en octobre, Songes, Hôtel de Sade, 1, rue du Parage, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. www.songes-restaurant.fr
In tandem with world ice-cream champion and “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” Alain Chartier, the Chapon “chocolaterie” enchants the tastebuds with its icy collection. Reinterpreting the rare cocoas and iconic candies that built its success, Chapon invites us to rediscover chocolate ice-cream in five “crèmes glacées” and five cornets with powerful, aromatic notes. Irresistible… Dans toutes les boutique Chapon. www.chapon.com
The first restaurant opened by Chef Matan Zaken, previously at Frenchie Covent Garden, Le Cinq and Saturne, now injecting a high dose of the unexpected into this gastronomic address facing the Palais Royal gardens. In decor designed by Studio leLad, Nohme welcomes its guests at one and the same table, seating 18 ! The experience continues with a “carte blanche” menu and eight services liberated from classic ceremonials, with the chef embarking us on a gastronomic experience high in flavour and surprises. Unique and unforgettable. Nohme, 41 rue Montpensier, Paris 1er. (01 89 33 48 43). Ouvert du mardi au vendredi soir.
Facing the Bourse du Commerce, the Irasshai concept store of over 800 sq.m contains the very essence of Japan’s culinary cultures. In laid-back contemporary style, this enticing place for living proposes a unique experience all day long, focusing on Japanese food and drink. The centrepiece is the grocery store brimming with imported products where you will find exceptional artisanal “miso” and “kawaï” junk food. The bonus ? Cookery classes dispensed on the spot. Irasshai, 40 rue du Louvre, Paris 1er. (01 84 74 35 30).
Lively, warm and festive, this wine bar dedicated to gems of nature scores lots of points. Unpolished mineral decor is highlighted by a majestic round counter revealing the kitchen where Chef Masahide Ikuta (formerly at L’Ami Jean, L’Agapé, and chez Bruno Verjus) prepares delicately crafted dishes. Plus an eclectic selection of wines bearing insider labels, and - Donna’s DNA -, an upbeat soundtrack mixing disco, house and techno. What more could one want ? Donna, 157 rue Saint-Martin, Paris 3. Ouvert du mercredi au dimanche. (06 60 19 48 28)
Tucked away in the gardens of the Apicius restaurant and run by Mathieu Pacaud, Laurent de Gourcuff and Paris Society, this highly bucolic spot offers an unsuspected digression at the heart of the 8th arrondissement. Congrats to architect Hugo Toro (Gigi, Hôtel de la Minerve) for his ultra-romantic decor inspired by the loveliest addresses in Rome. The magic continues in dishes offering sun-blessed cuisine by Chef Mathieu Pacaud who reinterprets Mediterranean flavours with great flair, underscored by freshness and seasonings to which he holds the secret. Superb. Riviera Paris, 20 rue d’Artois, Paris 8 (07 72 43 83 92). Ouvert du mardi au samedi de 12h à 15h et de 19h à 2h.
Second time around for the group Brasserie à la Mode ! Following the success of Brasserie Rosie in the Bastille neighbourhood, Juliette Cerdan and Kevin Caradeuc double up with this address on the Grands Boulevards. Immediate boarding for the Atlantic coast in this bright spot clad in a palette of high-vitamin colours, graphic design and items recalling the beach and surfing. In perfect harmony with the cuisine of Chef Xavier Blanc and Pastry Chef Geremy Ramdani, paying tribute to the marine delicacies and treasures of the Basque country. Brasserie Rosie Lou, 31 Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle, Paris 2 (01 42 36 00 20).
A stone’s throw from Pigalle, the burger is attired in its smartest sequined costume and proves to be more gourmet than ever. So what’s new ? At Disco Burgers, you savour toasted bread, very “briochey” and flattened so that nothing escapes ! Inside, well-sourced ingredients and lots of creativity. High marks for “Kool & the Lamb” with shredded shoulder of lamb and yoghurt lemon/mint sauce. Disco Burgers, 26 rue de Douai, Paris 9. Ouvert du mardi au dimanche de 12h à 22h.
Philippe Conticini and Jeffrey Cagnes add enchantment to summer with their delicious, sugary suggestions at the aptly named “Terrasse”, nestling in the shade of chestnut trees on the lovely Place Dauphine. At all times of day, yield to temptation with signature pastries by these two renowned chefs, proposing a selection of their iconic creations to relish on the spot. La Terrasse, 27 place Dauphine, Paris 1er. Ouvert tous les jours de 9h à 20h.
Each summer for the past five years, Le Fouquet’s has given its Marta rooftop terrace a new look. This year, direction Miami Beach, with ‘seventies decor in soft tangy colours. On the menu, Pop cocktails such as “Only Good Vibes” based on tequila bianco, lemon juice, raspberry purée and bubblegum syrup. Along with dainty treats to spoil gourmet appetites : tarama with Bellota Bellota lobster, creamy “burrata” with tomato jam, smoked salmon heart... Not forgetting DJ sets entrusted with raising the temperature all evening long. Yeah ! Le Marta, 46 avenue George V, Paris 8 (01 40 69 60 85). Ouvert du mercredi au samedi de 17h30 à 1h.
The venerable Veuve Clicquot Maison de Champagne and the palatial Hermitage Monte-Carlo have just inaugurated a remarkable lounge inspired by the “Belle Époque”. Until October, guests can relax on loungers, enjoy lunch in Clicquot colours, and discover the Icons Pop-up presenting exclusive and iconic boxed sets. Monaco. Square Beaumarchais. (+ 377 98 06 40 00)
Nestling in the bay of La Petite Afrique in Beaulieu, this new seaside address, created by Hugo Lloris and his prestigious associates, offers a get-away-from-it-all atmosphere somewhere between Indonesia and the Mediterranean. The beach offers comfortable sun-loungers and double beds, while the menu composed by Chef Jean-Philippe Blondet (3-star Dorchester London) and executed with maestria by Mehdi Aroua explores tasty cuisine giving credit to the Mediterranean terroir. Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Plage Petite Afrique. 15, boulevard d’Alsace Lorraine. www.lajavanaise.com
This summer, Gucci has installed its Florentine café and cocktail bar in Ceto, the prestigious, star-rated bar-restaurant of the Maybourne Riviera in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Unfurling the world of Gucci, Martina Bonci, head mixologist at Giardino 25, proposes 11 signature cocktails in tastefully designed decor paired with a breathtaking view. Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. 1 551, Route de la Turbie. (04 93 37 50 00)
Ideally located at the foot of the legendary 5-star Palais de la Méditerranée hotel on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, Bocca Mar proposes very enticing dining in chic but laid-back decor blending wood and woven wickerwork. Here, sharing is the key word. Guests are treated to a plethora of delicious tapas, grilled fish straight from the morning’s catch, tender meat “à la plancha”... In the evening, you can dance at the water’s edge, late into the night. Open year-round, this address is unquestionably the Riviera’s new hotspot. Nice. 15, promenade des Anglais. www.boccamar.com
