The short answer is, yes it does. As with their food produce (take Brie de Meaux for example), they protect their wine styles fiercely, ensuring their wines speak of their area of origin. ‘Gut de terroir’ they call it: the taste of the grape in that particular soil in that particular area.

Given, then, that the French work so hard to protect their wine styles and our UK wine buyers have made it increasingly ‘safe’ for us to buy them, it seems that there’s never been a better time to head for the shops.

Here below are some of France’s great white wine styles with a fabulous example of each to try.

Best French White Wines

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Tom Gilbey has over 30 years of experience in the wine trade. In 2020 he founded his eponymous wine company, which curates wine-focused events in venues across London, plus sells wine online. Find out more at tomgilbey.com

Main image: Getty Images

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Maybourne La Plage: Europe’s Hottest New Beach Club

Built above the picturesque town of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, it’s positioned right on the edge of the Cap Martin, between Monaco and the dramatic Italian coastline, so there are views of the Mediterranean Sea aplenty – and what better way to take in the sights than kicking back on a lounger at Maybourne La Plage.

Of course, the Maybourne Hotel Group is known for its elegance, design, and top-notch service, and continuing with this theme, the beach club has been inspired by the golden age of the French Riviera and Slim Aarons pictures of the Amalfi Coast.

Here, there’s a restaurant space and a beach with sun loungers, and in true style, guests can arrive directly at the sunbathing area by boat, mooring to the club’s wooden pontoon. For some bites, there is an intimate restaurant led by Michelin star Argentine chef, Mauro Colagreco; expect an informal seasonal menu with dishes such as linguine alle vongole, grilled lobster and octopus, burrata, and a reimagined Tropezienne. There is also a driftwood pergola, rattan furniture, fringed umbrellas, and hues of coral set against the aqua blue sea, call to summer, Mediterranean living. 

The first French hotel from The Maybourne Hotel Group, who also owns Claridge’s in London, The Maybourne Riviera opened last year after a lengthy construction project. As expected, it’s endlessly glamorous, with multiple top-class restaurants and bars, a dreamy spa and a standout infinity pool offering one of the best views in the South of France.

Maybourne La Plage is open until 24 September, from 10am to 6pm. It will be home to 80 seats, 40 deckchairs, valet and skipper services, DJ sets and live music.

BOOK IT: Open from 10am till 6pm daily. Reservations can be made by phone on +33 4 93 37 50 00 or maybourneriviera.com.

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InnTravel: From The French To The Italian Riviera Review

Things I will never understand: people who drive when they can walk, and people who fly when they can take a train. Luckily for me, the rail renaissance shows no signs of slowing, and as new routes and sleeper services continue to spring up all over Europe, there’s never been a better time to become au fait with the European railways. I am, however, easily overwhelmed with foreign ticketing services, large rail stations and, generally, being in the right place at the right time. Enter InnTravel, who not only arrange your entire trip from start to finish, book your hotels, rail tickets and connections, but pre-print your tickets and itinerary in a helpful folder packed with travel guides and advice for you to carry with you. As long as you remember your passport, you can’t go too wrong. The three stops along the way on this rail tour are Menton, Genoa and Monterosso al Mare, and while the tour itself is limited to travel and hotel bookings, the pre-departure information contains plenty of advice of places to explore and eat in each destination.

Menton, image courtesy of InnTravel

Days 1-3: Menton, France

A real lollipop of a town: small, sweet, yellow and lemony. I immediately started Googling property prices. InnTravel’s full and action-packed walking tour will ensure you don’t miss a single one of the lush botanical gardens, impressive palaces or historical landmarks. Of course, you could also just stroll along the promenade, wade into the ocean, sample seven ice cream flavours and buy exotic-looking fruits you can’t figure out the translations for and have no intention of eating. I chose the latter, and as a result, day two of the trip was one of my favourites of all time. The area is known for its fruit trees, so sample anything lemon-flavoured and seek out the orange drizzle cake from one of the (obviously outstanding) bakeries in the neat and hilly town. You can walk from end to end of Menton in half an hour or so, but be prepared for the hills, everything is stacked on top of each other in this colourful seaside gem, topped by the iconic yellow clock tower. 

STAY

Hotel Prince de Galles

This Best Western outposting is the only option offered in Menton by InnTravel and while it’s not the most luxurious or interesting accommodation in town, it is nicely positioned, comfortable and friendly. The exterior walls are painted a pretty peach and many of the rooms feature spacious sea-view balconies overlooking the palm-lined Mediterranean promenade. The road separating the hotel from the sea is quite busy though, so the balcony isn’t a peaceful oasis you’ll want to linger on, but no matter: you’ll want to get out and explore this picturesque town rather than staying put in the hotel. Rooms are clean and quiet, and the breakfast buffet is a crowd-pleaser. It’s a pretty 25-minute walk along the seafront to get into town, so if you intend to (/accidentally) do the walk six times in one day, you’ll be grateful for comfortable shoes.

Boccadasse, Genoa, image: Rebecca Cox

Days 3-5: Genoa, Italy

Genoa is the sprawling city between two small and (in theory) sleepy spots on this venture, and its streets are loud and bustling, packed with cruisers from enormous ships, hustlers trying to gain a few coins from them, and locals in a hurry. The old town is a maze of narrow alleyways and steep staircases, with crumbling facades contrasted against stunning carved archways, marble statues popping up between ramshackle buildings when you least expect them: a reminder that in Italy, there is always time for art. Speaking of which, art lovers will delight in the many and varied museums and palaces to explore in the city, from the Galata Museo del Mare to the Palazzo Ducale, in which you could lose hours (or days) at leisure. 

As in Menton, though, it is possible to park cultural pursuits in favour of following your feet (/nose). Mine led me to Boccadasse, a stunning (and famous) ancient fishing village with a small stony beach about 4km from the old town. Reminiscent of the equally famous (and crowded) Polignano a Mare on the opposite side of Italy in Puglia, it’s worth braving the crowds (mostly locals) to catch a glimpse of this beautiful minute bay surrounded by candy-coloured buildings. Grab a slice (read: three slices, minimum) of focaccia and an ice cream (two-scoops or more) and head to the rocks to take it all in in relative peace and quiet. Or have a bite at the charming trattoria playing Italian classics and cooking up hearty food alongside a cute beach bar serving up Aperol Spritzes from its narrow facade by the beach. No researching of property prices here, but there’s plenty for everyone in this city, and since it’s the birthplace of focaccia and pesto, the food alone is enough of a draw. The combination of the two was all too tempting: pesto focaccia for breakfast, lunch and dinner is not a sustainable diet. Time to move on. 

Proof of just how much focaccia we had to eat. Image: Rebecca Cox

STAY

Grand Hotel Savoia

The roof terrace of this central hotel is its biggest draw, with gorgeous views and two jacuzzis in the absence of a pool, though the hot tubs were often occupied by a loud child during my visit. Since he belonged to me, however, I was unable to lodge a complaint, but I can imagine a sunset dip with a romantic partner would be absolutely glorious. If the bar is open, here you can enjoy a sun-downer (opt for a Ligurian wine) and nibbles and watch as the moon takes the place of the sun, high above the hills of peach and orange buildings and ship funnels beyond. 

Rooms are individually styled with Italian charm and a touch of pizazz, heavy embroidered curtains and colourful sheer drapes, antique wooden chairs and tapestry headboards. Staff are friendly and welcoming (and great with noisy children), with a breakfast as stupendous as the dining room in which it’s taken, featuring pretty frescoed ceilings where goldfish swim and cranes take flight. No flights for us, however, and it was just a three-minute walk to the train station and on to the next stop. 

View of Monterosso al Mare from Hotel Porto Roca. Image: Rebecca Cox

Days 5-7 (or 8): Monterosso al Mare, Italy

This is the perfect jumping off point from which to explore Cinque Terre, one of Italy’s most stunning stretches of coast, famous for its rugged cliffs topped with too-pretty-to-be-real (but real none-the-less) candy coloured buildings sloping steeply toward the topaz water below. By this point in the trip I was ready to take things easy and decided on the train (which takes under 1.5 hours) that if the hotel room had a nice balcony (as promised in the itinerary) we would take things slowly for the remainder of the trip. Alas, though the terrace – gloriously quiet and with a view no photograph could do justice – was heavenly, the urge to explore the Cinque Terre was irresistible. So out we went. Hop between villages by train, or take a break from the railway and buy a ferry ticket and take them in by sea. Spotting dolphins jumping out of the water in our boat’s slipstream and watching local children cliff-diving satisfied opposite ends of the thrill-spectrum, but both were unforgettable. I won’t waste your time listing off which villages you should spend time in: all are beautiful, bustling with boat and rail traffic and bursting at the seams with pretty shops, pesto-pasta pit-stops and plenty of gelatarias. Monterosso itself hosts the region’s best beaches, long and with stony and sandy stretches to choose from. Your hotel stay includes a spot on the beach under a chic green and orange umbrella in front of the (incredibly photogenic) old town, but it’s also worth walking through the underpass to the new town to grab a cone of fried anchovies, a local favourite, and to check out Il Gigante, where the ruins of a colossal Neptune overlook the beach below. Because how does one know one is in Italy if not within touching distance of a work of art?

Il Gigante. Image: Rebecca Cox

STAY

Hotel Porto Roca

As locations go, they don’t come better than Hotel Porto Roca, perched on a cliff at the very edge of Monterosso al Mare, overlooking the smaller of the town’s beaches, on the old-town side of the tunnel. Reaching it with luggage, however, is no holiday. A steep, narrow driveway leads to the property, with seemingly only one taxi driver mad enough to make the trip to transport arriving and departing guests. Hikers leap out of the way as he revs impatiently and rides the clutch to the mechanical brink, the wheels inches from the cliff edge (and my nerves already over it). Since there’s the possibility of meeting said taxi half-way up if you choose to pull your luggage yourself, however, it’s better to be inside it. Once safely checked in, rooms are basic but clean and bright, though small upgrades (glasses to replace plastic cups, china in place of disposable paper) would enhance both the luxury and the eco-credentials of the property. No time for putting the kettle on though, since rooms feature stunning sea views from balconies or spacious terraces, and with a gorgeous beach below and an enticing panoramic pool to enjoy, there’s little to hang around inside for. The rest of the hotel features charming decor with colourful rugs, chic velvet sofas and nautical treasures throughout. The pool and hot tub facilities are top notch, with a superb pool bar that stays open until midnight. Book an extra night here if you can, and enjoy a full day of laying out by the pool for a bonus taste of the fly-and-flop (/rail-and-exhale?) holiday life.  

Monterosso al Mare. Image: Rebecca Cox

THE FINAL WORD

A postcard-perfect view every-which-way you look, including through the window of the train between stops. If you see yourself as something of an intrepid explorer, but your brow starts to bead after five minutes of navigating a foreign public transport website (let alone tackling the thing unaided in person), this InnTravel Riviera rail tour is the perfect way to keep you flap-free and on-track, as you travel along one of Europe’s most beautiful coastlines. 

BOOK

Inntravel (inntravel.co.uk  01653 617000) offers From the French to the Italian Riviera – A Touring Holiday by Rail from £1,155pp based on 2 sharing, including 6 nights’ B&B in two 4-star and one 5-star hotels, rail tickets between hotels,  notes for walking tours of Menton & Genoa, and cultural notes. Available 2 April – 31 October.

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Chateau Figeac, The New Star Of Saint Émilion – Review

Image credit: Alain Benoit

Chateau Figeac, one of Saint Émilion‘s most celebrated estates, boasts a long history. The name traces its origins to the 2nd century AD when a Gallo-Roman villa stood on the site but vines have been grown here since at least the sixteenth century. The elegant chateau which stands at the centre of the estate dates from the last years of the 18th century. The Manoncourt family, owners of the estate since 1892, has constantly improved the quality of the wine through minute but unwavering attention to detail. Despite this long and distinguished past, the last two years nonetheless represent a significant moment in Figeac’s history.

In September 2022, Figeac was promoted to join the highest rank of Saint Émilion’s classification of wines, Grand Cru Classé ‘A’, thereby joining the grand dukes of the appellation, Chateaux Angelus, Ausone, Cheval Blanc, and Pavie. This promotion was recognition of the exceptional character, quality and consistency of Figeac’s wines over many vintages.

The 2021 vintage was notable as the first to be produced in the magnificent new winery. The 5000-metres-squared building combines the latest technology with a felicitous design which minimises the visual impact of the structure in the landscape by sinking it into the ground. This allows the 18th century chateau to retain its time-honoured dominance over its surroundings. 

The incorporation of many elements of the old building in the new – for example, the former Renaissance cellar was dismantled and the stones reused – is an aesthetic triumph which reflects the Manoncourt family’s determination to minimise the impact of human activity on the environment. Figeac comprises a single block of 54 hectares – a large estate by the standards of Saint Émilion – of which 41 hectares are planted with vines. Much of the rest of the land is the estate’s ‘green spine’ – a registered wildlife reserve – consisting of woods, meadows, an orchard, a vegetable garden, parkland, and a lake which between them provide habitats for a wide range of flora and fauna. There are also 3 kilometres of hedges on the estate. Such biodiversity is unique among wine estates in Saint Émilion and exerts a vital influence on the character of Figeac’s wines.  

Image credit: Raphael Zimmermann Oryx

The design of the new winery is both beautiful and functional but was determined from the outset by the technical requirements of modern winemaking. Eight French oak vats and 40 blunt-nosed conical stainless steel vats allow the variety and subtlety of Figeac’s terroir to be more accurately reflected in the wines. Formerly, there were perhaps 25 samples of wine from the three grape varieties used in the blending process; now there are typically 45. 

The new building includes two tasting rooms with fine views over the vineyards and into the winery, two subterranean barrel rooms, and a cellar for storing the family’s collection of historic Figeac vintages which date back to the late 19th century. The west wing of the chateau itself has been remodelled to form a large entertaining space consisting of a music room and a drawing room. The new winery is designed to be as energy efficient as possible and to provide an agreeable working environment for Figeac’s staff. For example, the subterranean barrel rooms are lit by natural light: ‘The human aspect of sustainability should not be forgotten,’ says Blandine de Brier Manoncourt. 

Ultimately, Figeac’s reputation will stand or fall on its wines and they are fabulous. The estate has been blessed with an unusual geology: three gravel hills set upon different types of subsoil overlaying blue clay. The Figeac vineyards have four identifiable microclimates as well as reaping the ecological benefits of the estate’s ‘green spine’. ‘Our purpose,’ says Mme. de Manoncourt, ‘is to serve the terroir and the wine.’ 

Figeac’s wine is a blend of cabernet sauvignon –a grape not usually found in Saint Émilion – cabernet franc and merlot. As the wines age, they grow in complexity and reveal different aspects of themselves, developing different characters – in some cases markedly so – which reflect the unique conditions of each vintage. 

Hotel Grand Barrail

During my visit I stayed at Hotel Grand Barrail, just across the road from Chateau Figeac. It is a glorious early twentieth-century pastiche in honey-coloured stone of a sixteenth-century chateau.  The hotel sits on the edge of the vineyards of the neighbouring Chateau La Marzelle, another Saint Émilion Grand Cru Classé estate. Grand Barrail has been a hotel since 1993 but has now been extensively and luxuriously refurbished. Nine of the 46 rooms are in the original chateau, the remainder being located in various annexes in the grounds. There is also a spa and wellness centre.

The hotel’s peaceful grounds include a small lake, home to a pair of swans. The garden front is planted with a quartered wild flower meadow, bordered by roses and trimmed evergreen bushes. It is a haven of tranquility, a stolen moment of douceur de vivre, away from the hectic world beyond.  

To find out more about Chateau de Figeac, visit chateau-figeac.com. To find our more about Hotel Grand Barrail, visit grand-barrail.com.

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Wellness Retreats: The Best Places in the World to Meditate in 2023

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And if you can’t travel…

We also called on Dominique Antiglio, Sophrologist and founder of BeSophro to get some expert advice on choosing meditation locations…

‘Sophrology is a type of dynamic meditation that I love to practice because it can be easily incorporated into daily life. I have had amazing Sophrology experiences at the Ghats in Varanasi, India which faces the Ganges River, as well as being wrapped up among the mountains of Courmayeur facing Mont Blanc, and also in Ibiza when facing the sea. I also love practising early morning on Primrose Hill as it offers such a beautiful view over London, and no two days are ever the same so I have a unique view each time.’

But you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home. ‘For best practice at home, I advise people to create a private space at home or in the office with a comfy chair. If you have a small, shared space only, don’t let it stop you, as you can put your headphones on and listen via a guided practice.

‘You may wish to personalise your space with a photo of a loved one or have an item of sentimental value nearby to enhance the connection of the space to your inner world. You could also light a scented candle to create a sense of calm and tranquillity in your space.

‘Personally, I have a comfy chair in my light, airy and minimalist office where I love to sit and start my Sophrology meditation practice mid-morning. I usually have a cup of herbal tea nearby to drink when I finish too. I also practice in between meetings, and even on the Tube and in taxis – if I feel tense, just five minutes of simple breathing and relaxation techniques is enough to relax me.’

So if you do make it to one of our ultimate meditation locations, you’ll have to pack the memories up to take home with you, back to your hardwood floor with the number 32 bus outside, to conjure up the images of your retreat as you find your inner calm on demand…

Featured Image: Palm Rock.

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Discover more like this on the C&TH Sustainability Hub

Swimming In The Seine: How Paris Is Cleaning Up Its River

Spurred by the fast-approaching Paris 2024 Olympic games, the French capital is cleaning up the River Seine and its surrounding streets, aiming to make the river so clean that it is swimmable. The efforts follow the likes of Zurich, Munich and Copenhagen all opening their inner-city rivers to swimmers. If Paris is successful, it will be the ‘world’s first giant urban area to have inner-city bathing’, according to TIME.

Investing over €1.4 billion towards the effort – most of which will be spent on a new storm drain – it’s a goal France has been pursuing as early as 1988, when Mayor Jacques Chirac promised to swim in the Seine within five years, a promise that was never fulfilled. But interest was renewed in 2016 when, according to Bloomberg, part of the city’s Olympic bid hinged on a clean River Seine, with a suggestion that the triathlon could be held in the murky waters. It’s a romantic dream, mirroring Paris’ first Olympic Games in 1900, when athletes took to the river to compete.

How Is Paris Cleaning The Seine?

The following measures will contribute to a spick and span River Seine:

• A new underground rainwater storage tank, capable of holding up to 45,000 cubic metres of water. During rainstorms, the tank will hold rainwater, preventing it from overwhelming Paris’ sanitation network, which currently pulls untreated waste flow into the river.
• A tunnel linking the new rainwater tank to the sewage system, where it will be treated before entering the river.

This, along with a city-wide clean up to prevent waste of all kinds finding its way into the water, will ensure the River Seine is swimmable in time for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. From 2025, Parisians will additionally benefit from 26 new swimming pools bracketed off from boat traffic in the Seine, four of which will be in the city centre.

Which Olympic Events Will Take Place In The Seine?

The 10K swimming marathon, the swimming portion of the triathlon, and a Paralympics swimming event will all take place in the Seine. They will start at a new venue under the Alexandre III bridge. This is also where the opening ceremony will commence, with athletes bobbing along the river on a flotilla of boats for 6km, firmly rooting the Games in the historic city and sailing past most of its famous landmarks.

Would you swim in the River Seine? When polled in 2021, Parisians were reluctant to don their swimsuits and take a dip in the famously filthy river, calling it dirty, polluted and smelly, even despite these plans being well underway. Perhaps it’ll take a little more convincing before our feeds are flooded with swimming pics snapped under the Eiffel Tower.

Featured image by Jarod Barton.

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European Wedding Venues For An Idyllic Destination Wedding

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Featured Image: Villa Sola Cabiati, Grand Hotel Tremezzo

The post Viva L’Amore: The Best European Destination Wedding Venues appeared first on Country and Town House.

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Le Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and endless patisseries – there’s plenty to do in Paris to satisfy the explorer (and hunger) in you. But when your legs are tired from walking and you’re looking to escape the crowds, visiting a chic day spa is high up on the list of to-do’s. 

The Parisian salons have long been a staple for the most stylish residents of the city as a way to relax, socialise with friends and get some much needed skin TLC. So, grab your towel turban and swimsuit because we’ve found five of the best day spas in Paris.

The Best Day Spas In Paris

• The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
• La Maison Valmont pour Le Meurice
• Dior Spa at Cheval Blanc
• L’Institut Guerlain, Champs-Elysees

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

It may be one of the largest spas in Paris – boasting 900 square metres – but you’ll never notice: each guest has their own private spa suite complete with a changing area, treatment room, shower and WC. With a personal therapist, bespoke consultation and poolside cabanas, you’ll be in your own little relaxation pod. If you do feel like mixing with the masses, there’s a 14 metre pool to enjoy, or the Oriental herbal steam room is a must (you may also spot the odd celeb in there).

Mixing traditional Chinese treatments with more contemporary methods, the treatment menu is a comprehensive offering of relaxing treats. By incorporating aromatherapy, acupuncture pressure, bamboo and tiger eye rollers, you can be sure that whatever you choose will be laden with surprises.

Not sure where to start? The full body massage is incredible – you’ll feel like a Parisian local in no time. mandarinoriental.com

La Maison Valmont pour Le Meurice

An iconic hotel that’s considered a Parisian landmark in its own right, La Maison Valmont pour Le Meurice is home to Spa Valmont – a popular choice for tourists and locals alike looking to unwind and escape the bustle of city life. 

Surrounded by the 5-star palace’s famous garden, the spa does a stand-up job of immersing guests in a tranquil oasis far from the traffic and crowds. Using products from Swiss skincare brand Valmont, you can expect more targeted skin treatments that focus on anti-ageing and luminosity over mere relaxation. Using mostly natural ingredients, Valmont’s mind-body connection adds an extra level of wellness to the treatment menu – you’ll find it difficult to leave without a purchase or two.

White walls, clean lines and gold accents: the spa décor is classic Le Meurice, and gives a glimpse of old school Parisian glamour in a contemporary setting. Although there’s no pool or heat facilities (keeping with very typical day spa traditions), there’s a relaxation room and a pretty terrace on which to enjoy a cup of tea or fruit juice post-treatment. lamaisonvalmont.com

Maison Souquet

The impossibly chic boutique hotel that is Maison Souquet is home to one of Paris’ most exclusive spas. A former, ahem, ‘pleasure house’, it is located just a minute from the Moulin Rouge, and features eclectic décor and a decadent spirit.

Nestled away in a private corner of the maison, the spa is reserved for guests who request the key, saturating the whole experience with a sense of secrecy, enigma and intrigue. Once inside the basement chamber, you’ll be treated to what has to be the most aesthetically appealing wellness retreat on our list. The spa’s ceiling is celestially inspired, featuring gold stars glinting across a cobalt blue sky. You can lie on your back in the 10-metre swimming pool and pretend you’re swimming in the ocean on a cloudless night. It’s like something out of a fairy tale and has a definite wow-factor.

There’s also a hammam where you can enjoy a massage to wake up weary limbs, and a beautiful mosaic steam room where you can decompress and destress. Treatments include a facial spa, manicures and pedicures, make-up, and hairstyling. maisonsouquet.com

Dior Spa at Cheval Blanc

When you think of Paris, it’s impossible not to think of Dior. Synonymous with the capital of fashion, the luxury design house has partnered with the impeccable Cheval Blanc boutique hotel group to create a spa that’s every inch as elegant as you’d expect. 

Housed in a refurbished Art Deco building located on the banks of the Seine, the serene and intimate hotel and spa space is home to an exclusive client base that value quiet discretion above all else. This may explain why the fitness suite and mirage-adorned swimming pool is for exclusive use of hotel guests and local residents only – to maintain the air of elite we’ve come to know and love from Dior. The spa, however, is open to new visitors, and provides an unforgettable experience.

Once you make your way down the cascading staircase, through the butterfly-adorned hallway and past examples of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s couture designs, you’ll be greeted by a calming scene of buttery soft furnishings, boucle chairs and Dior printed blankets. You’ll need to take a seat to peruse through the extensive treatment menu, complete with 50 offerings (no wonder it took five years to create).

Just one of the highlights is the exclusive Sapphire Crystal Micro-abrasion facial. Using a specialist tool coated with sapphire particles (what else?) that vibrates across the surface of the skin, this treatment gently exfoliates the skin and promotes healthy cell turnover to reveal glowing, plump, smooth skin. A bespoke concoction of sheet masks, lymphatic massage and hydrating serums later, you’ll be left with a visage that continues to improve weeks after the treatment has ended. chevalblanc.com

L’Institut Guerlain, Champs-Elysees

As the oldest perfume maker in France, dating back to 1828, it’s fair to say that Guerlain knows a thing or two about beauty. Taking residence within the iconic Champs-Elysees flagship boutique, the brand is as well-known for its bespoke treatments as its iconic heritage. 

A calming oasis with neutral décor, upon entry, you are greeted by the spa’s famous winter garden with orchids in a bow window overlooking the beautiful Champs Elysées. Here, you’ll be introduced to the ritual of soft cotton slippers before being invited to try a selection of Guerlain teas, accompanied by sweets from chef Guy Martin.

When you embark on your personal treatment, you can settle in to one of the spa’s nine treatment rooms – complete with opulent wall muruals, luxurious marble accents and all-white linens. Private vanity stations give the impression that you’re in your own Parisian abode, while the subtle scent of  Eau de Cologne Imperiale, one of Guerlain’s top fragrances, fills the air. guerlain.com

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Inspired by his parents’ bistro, Yannick grew up in their kitchen, and saw first-hand how food garnered connections and conversations. Unsurprisingly, Yannick made his way into the industry, and his method of combining tradition, excellence, and a dash of modernity, saw him gain not only notoriety, but also twelve Michelin stars over the course of his career. His most recent opening is Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, a destination where sustainable sourcing meets creativity.

Q&A with Yannick Alléno

Tell us about your journey to Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, un restaurant de Yannick Alléno à l’Hôtel Hermitage?

A destination like Monaco welcomes so many international guests throughout the year – the challenge of such a destination is to attract a loyal local clientele, with an offer that is intended for them. I designed Pavyllon Monte-Carlo with this in mind and tried to play with a menu of poetic dishes as the restaurant’s offering. On the menu, we find dishes that have inspired me, unique creations designed with the destination in mind. With a view of the sea, Pavyllon Monte-Carlo has a unique setting conducive to reverie and creativity.

What or who inspired you to become a chef?

My parents owned a bistro, and I grew up playing with my mother’s pans! I loved the friendly atmosphere in my parent’s bistro and remember early memories of chatting to guests on the counter at of the restaurant. This evoked my desire of wanting to be a chef and wanting to work to create food for enjoyment. The concept of Pavyllon stems from my parents’ bistro, Pavyllon has a large counter for guests to come together and allows conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. 

How do you go about menu planning and sourcing ingredients?

The Mediterranean soil is rich and abundant. We work with local suppliers, who provide us with products of exceptional quality. MCSBM and I are keen to ensure we support local fisherman and farmers and are committed to sustainable sourcing. For example, we work with Mr. Goodfish, a local fisherman in Monaco, who like his father and father before him is committed to sustainable fishing practices. In order to preserve the sea’s ecosystem, Mr. Goodfish recommends wild species only when they are outside of the reproduction periods – we try to change our menu seasonally to support him.  

How would you describe your personal cooking style?

Tradition, striving for excellence and touches of modernity. I often say that the sauce is the verb of French cuisine because it is the sauce that allows the dish to sing to each other. I have developed methods of extraction, fermentation and cry concentration that capture and bring out the taste of the produce I am cooking with. I feel this is what gives my sauces an incredible and unique tastes.

What is it about French cuisine that you love?

We have an extraordinary respect for tradition, which we must continue to challenge. Every method of cooking has been identified in French cuisine, for example in Escoffier’s book, I love relearning and identifying old ways of prep and bringing a modern touch to these methods. The same goes for sauces: Escoffier understood that sauces are not an accompaniment, but a main component to the dishes. This is what excites me about French cuisine: using our heritage as a base but allowing for reinvention and proposing new interpretations that are modern and in tune with our times.

BOOK:

Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, a restaurant by Yannick Alléno at Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo is open every day, for lunch from 12pm to 3pm and for dinner from 7pm to 10:30pm. 1 Square Beaumarchais, Monte-Carlo 98000 Monaco. montecarlosbm.com

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Alexandre Mazzia

Alexandre Mazzia, ©Matthieu Cellard

After growing up in the Republic of Congo, Alexandre moved to France to study gastronomy. He went on to work in kitchens across Europe, while also balancing a career as a professional basketball player, and in 2014 opened his own restaurant, AM par Alexandre Mazzia. Here he focuses on vegetables, fish and seafood, with unusual flavour combinations forming what Alexandre describes as ‘a cuisine of emotion’. 

As well as running his restaurant, Alexandre regularly appears as a guest judge on Top Chef – and in 2022, he was awarded ‘The One To Watch’ at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Best Restaurants in Marseille: Alexandre Mazzia’s Pick

AM par Alexandre Mazzia, ©Matthieu Cellard

Chez Paul

Chez Paul is one of my favourite restaurants in Les Goudes, which is a little fisherman’s village on the edge of Marseille. It reminds me of L’Île de Ré, an island off the West coast of France. It’s where I spent most of my childhood, next to the sea and eating lots of freshly-caught fish. At Chez Paul, they serve fabulous fish caught daily which make cornerstone of their menu. Their food makes you come alive, it feeds your soul and, for me, the nostalgia keeps bringing me back.

35 Rue Désiré Pelaprat, 13008 Marseille, France

Bar des Goudes

Bar des Goudes is iconic, from the 100 year old tiled flooring to its owner, Didier Tani. From his voice to his generosity to his stories, you know this establishment is founded by a legend, and still delivers the same warmth of familiarity and passion around food as expressed by the man himself. It’s a legendary spot.

28 Rue Désiré Pelaprat, 13008 Marseille, France, grandbardesgoudes.fr

Boîte à Sardines

This is Fabien Rugi’s place, and it’s always the best place to taste local fish. It’s small and local, so sit back and enjoy what Fabien has to offer from today’s catch. 

2 Bd de la Libération, 13001 Marseille, France, laboiteasardine.com

l’Épicerie Idéal

Located in the Noailles district, l’Épicerie Idéal uses fresh produce from its own shop to compose its daily menu, so you can shop the deli while also tasting the delicacies on offer. The walls inside are lined with jars and vessels, and another fridge displaying cheeses and meats, all made and produced locally. A comprehensive taste of Marseille. 

11 Rue d’Aubagne, 13001 Marseille, France, epicerielideal.com

Food at AM by Alexandre Mazzia, ©David Girard

Markets

If you come to Marseille, you must visit some of the markets. I would definitely recommend the market at La Plaine: it’s lovely and shows some of the great produce of Marseille, from people like Fabien Gardon, a leading sustainable fisherman. Or, Pistole, who offers a fantastic selection of Bonitos – their speciality. In the 15th district of Marseille, Geoffroy’s stall offers the freshest herbs you can find. All of these people play an important role in the lives of the restaurants in Marseille, so it’s worth visiting the markets to see the fresh produce first hand.

AM par Alexandre Mazzia

My restaurant, AM par Alexandre Mazzia, is at 9 Rue François Rocca, tucked away on a residential street in Marseille. The cuisine is influenced by Marseille’s cosmopolitan side combining the global influence of spices as well as the daily catch from our local fishermen. The menu is served in sequences, combinations of small dishes, which changes daily depending on that morning’s catch and harvest. It is a representation of myself and of Marseille, growing and changing and alive.

9 Rue François Rocca, 13008 Marseille, France, alexandre-mazzia.com

L’Estaque

This is a small town just West of Marseille, and I recommend visiting before you leave for the airport and picking up some Chichis Fregis for the journey. This French street snack is similar to churros, made from deep-fried yeasted dough and rolled in sugar. Sticky, but worth the effort.

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