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 a complete facelift, the Prunier boutique on Place de la Madeleine has re-opened its doors. With its decor in bluish tones recalling the famous listed mosaic in the restaurant on Avenue Victor Hugo, the boutique features a majestic work in Art Deco style by artist Floriane Lisowski. Henceforth dedicated to the sale of iodine products, it proposes divine Prunier caviars, Balik salmon and a selection of seafood products such as fabulous “rillette” spreads. Irresistible ! Prunier, 15 place de la Madeleine, Paris 8. www.prunier.com.
The first immersive cocktail bar in Paris, Unplug arouses all the senses with an innovative sound-and-vision system plunging guests into the most wonderful places : on land, beneath the sea, in the stars. In scenography designed by the Mur.Mur duo, this retro-futuristic setting offers a real voyage beyond the reach of time. On the menu, globetrotter mixology with cutting-edge cocktails such as “Le Tigre qui Pleure” served as a long drink with a lovely leaf of coriander, or “Le Coral” in a pretty glass in the shape of a sea-urchin. Wow ! Unplug, 57 rue d’Anjou, Paris 8. www.unplugbar.com
A fervent defender of traditional pastry-making, Chef Sébastien Gaudard adds a touch of enchantment to the start of the year with two versions of a frangipane “galette” : one with almond cream and a light fragrance of “grand agricole” rum from Martinique, or cocoa with frangipane cream flavoured with chocolate. For the king or queen who finds the white porcelain “bean”, a sublime crown to be chosen from three iconic creations, re-edited this year. Sébastien Gaudard, 1 rue des Pyramides, Paris 1er. www.sebastiengaudard.com
In homage to the Paris of yesteryear, capital of partying and vaudeville, Le Minet Galant refers in its title to a play by Feydeau, “La Puce à l’Oreille” ! In a chic, velvety atmosphere composed of navy blue benchseats, gilded mirrors and items from antique markets, this bistrot headed up by Jérôme Jeusselin and Adrien Briot treats guests to traditional bistronomic cuisine deeply grounded in classics : “terrine de campagne” with green pepper, pork loin “confit”, grilled veal cutlet, even onion soup ! A sincere address. Le Minet Galant, 8 rue Monsigny, Paris 2 (01 40 20 42 16).
Democratizing coffee specialities and restoring coffee roasting to the heart of the experience, such is the ambition proclaimed by Loutsa, a brand created in Lyon in 2018, which has just inaugurated a new address in Paris. Tucked away in the Passage Jouffroy at the heart of the 9th arrondissement, this address proposing bespoke coffee emits intoxicating fragrances. Clients treat themselves on the spot to their favourite coffee (filtered, latte, expresso), do their shopping, and can even attend a “caféologie” workshop. Loutsa, Passage Jouffroy, 10 boulevard Montmartre, Paris 9. www.loutsa.fr
In the midst of the patio of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the ephemeral Taera restaurant invites guests to immersion in Venezuelan culture through its cuisine, ambiance and craftsmanship, 7 days a week, from noon to 7 p.m. This colourful address is designed by the talented Victoria Vallenilla, Executive Chef at the Coya Monte-Carlo restaurant. Monaco. Place du Casino. (00 377 98 06 88 45)
Until January 7th, the Carlton Cannes - Regent Hotel celebrates the magic of the festive season with a wide variety of activities and experiences designed to create precious memories. A skating-rink of 120 m2 is to be discovered in its gardens - a first for a Côte d’Azur hotel ! A gourmet Chalet then offers a selection of pancakes, waffles and warm wines... Finally, Christmas and New Year brunches in the Grand Salon guarantee an enchanting break. Cannes. 58, boulevard de la Croisette. (04 93 06 40 06)
From December 21st, the beach restaurant of the Beau Rivage in Nice will open for lunch in the festive period and until January 7th, and then re-open at the end of January for the entire winter. The seasonal menu gives priority to local flavours with locally sourced and meticulously selected ingredients. Nice. 107, quai des Etats-Unis. (04 92 00 46 80)
A real institution in the life of Monaco, the Café de Paris has just re-opened its doors on the Place du Casino after 19 months devoted to its metamorphosis. The philosophy inspiring this new Café de Paris ? Great classics of the French “brasserie”, stylishly interpreted in an historic “brasserie” atmosphere re-invented by the design and interior architecture firm, David Collins Studio. The bonus is a new terrace of 200 m2 on the upper floor, offering a one-off view of the Place du Casino. Monaco. Place du Casino (00 377 98 06 76 23)
On the upper floor of the 3-star restaurant La Villa Madie, La Brasserie du Corton run by Chef Dimitri Droisneau proposes seasonal dishes that are ultra-comforting, elegant and generous. A haven of tranquillity facing the sea, above the creek of Le Corton, this “brasserie” promises a warm gourmet experience orchestrated by a star-rated Chef. Cassis. Avenue de Revestel-Anse de Corton. (04 96 18 00 00)
After gigantic renovation lasting a full year and directed by architect Franklin Azzi, La Tour d’Argent has re-opened its doors, revealing four new spaces. Its brand new, the Bar des Maillets d’Argent, is open all week long from an early “café-croissant” to the last sip of the evening. Then Le Toit de la Tour, hitherto unexploited, offers one of the most stunning panoramic views of Paris. Guests settle down here at the cocktail hour to enjoy a glass of champagne and admire the view. Orchestrated by chef Yannick Franques, the gastronomic restaurant on the 6th floor still extends its promise of an experience beyond the reach of time. La Tour d’Argent, 15, quai de la Tournelle, Paris 5 (01 43 54 23 31).
First noticed at Tekés, Israeli-Marseillaise chef Cécile Levy has taken off and now unfurls her talent at home in La Baignoire. Tucked away on a quiet street in the 2nd arrondissement, a short walk from the Grands Boulevards, this adorable address recalling a family home, intimate and hushed, with pretty tables and candles, offers a gastronomic experience unlike any other, blending refinement with simplicity. On the menu, written in ink in a little notebook, treasures that cannot fail to please. Dive in, you’ll love it ! La Baignoire, 7 rue Notre-Dame de Bonne Nouvelle, Paris 2 (06 76 81 65 91). www.cravanparis.com
At the very heart of the lively 11th arrondissement, Le Vieux Carré welcomes night-owls with a fondness for special cocktails, in a space of 100 m2. On the list, 10 proposals inspired by seasonal products with little dishes of quality to share. The bonus : bottled cocktails based on iconic recipes (Negroni, Black Russian), to be savoured on the spot or taken home. Le Vieux Carré, 59 rue de Montreuil, Paris 11. www.vieuxcarre.fr
At the very centre of Bayonne, the Hôtel des Basses Pyrénées hosts a real gem of a restaurant orchestrated by Chef Sébastien Oudill. Already benefiting from an outdoor area, it has doubled up by acquiring that of another just next door, and now proposes the enjoyment of an XL terrace. Focusing on freshness and the seasons, Sébastien Oudill’s decidedly bistronomic cuisine is based on regional produce of quality in punchy dishes brimming with taste and flavours. Restaurant Hôtel des Basses Pyrénées, 13 rue Tour de Sault, 64100 Bayonne. (05 59 25 70 88).
An kitchen opening out to the dining-room, highly polished dishes, fine wines, a hip-hop playlist, eco-responsible approach… This young address is joyfully managed by a pair of friends/accomplices. Both formerly working at Ze Kitchen Galerie, Chef Bruno Laporte and Restaurant Manager Florentin Fraillon overthrow dining codes with two unique menus that change every day. Focusing on taste, this playful, gourmet cuisine with hints of Asian flavours is much appreciated by discerning clients. Chenapan, 28 rue de la Tour d’Auvergne, Paris 9 (01 45 23 99 13).
A majestic 5-star “Relais et Château” with a rich history three centuries old, Fonscolombe is just a few minutes from Aix-en-Provence. On November 29th, it turns on its loveliest lights and unveils an enchanting programme : a Christmas market, gospel concerts, and a sound-and-light show projected on its facade, to plunge into the magic of Christmas for a weekend or longer. As for gastronomy, Chef Marc Fontanne proposes wonderful menus in the restaurants, making it a point of honour to sublimate noble products accompanied by seasonal fruit and vegetables. Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade. Route de Saint Canadet. www.fonscolombe.com
For its 15th anniversary, the Asian Mayabay restaurant nestling in a natural setting in the Principality of Monaco presents its new menu, still pursuing a single watchword : the excellence of Japanese and Thai cuisines served with unique refinement. Accompanied by classic cocktails retweaked with Asian flavours and exquisite mochi, Mayabay extends the promise of a moment of enchantment in a setting of surprising design. Monaco. Le Rocabella, 24, avenue Princesse Grace. www.mayabayrestaurant.com
For the launch of the new Pierre Hermé boutique at the heart of Aix-en-Provence, Pierre Hermé and Walter Butler – financial backer of gastronomy - have dreamt up an exclusive new macaroon called “Infiniment Calisson”. Aix-en-Provence. 1, rue Gaston de Saporta. (04 84 93 08 56)
To discover this restaurant, head east in the Principality to the Mona Résidence, a new development by the Groupe Pastor with architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte and interior fittings signed Ora-ïto and Daniel Buren. Initially intended for residents and their guests, the Mona Restaurant is open to other clients for an evening, by reservation. In a refined, laid-back setting, they are treated to Mediterranean cuisine roving between oriental and Provençal shores : mezze, falafel, baked cauliflower... Each week, Chef Tristant Romain adds new surprises reflecting the seasons. Monaco. 1, bis rue des Giroflées. www.mona.mc
Chic and warm, the new bar at Le Château de Berne invites you to enjoy a delightful pause in the decor of a British club with leather armchairs and woodwork. Every day from 3 p.m. to midnight, this new address surrounded by vines proposes a choice of cocktails, wines, champagne, and meticulously selected spirits. Flayosc. Chemin des Imberts. www.chateaudeberne.com
