On the radar: Paris's new 'concept street'
Opinion is divided in Paris over a controversial new urban development project. French millionaire Cédric Naudon has bought 36 properties spread across three streets in the third arrondissement, with the aim of creating a new gastronomic and cultural hub in the French capital. The project, called La Jeune Rue after a poem by Guillaume Apollinaire, is being fêted as the world's first concept street.
Naudon is collaborating with designers from all over the world, including British designer Tom Dixon, to create an urban village on the northern edge of the Marais district that will include a bakery and a tapas bar (due to open in the next month or two) alongside a cinema, an oyster bar and a covered market.
Dubbed a "modern-day Gatsby", Naudon earned his money in investment and property, but he cites food as his real passion. Already the owner of a successful restaurant on the Île St-Louis (Le Sergent Recruteur), Naudon first targeted the area with plans for an Italian restaurant. "I really wanted this one space," he recalls, "but the guy said I could only have it if I took three other places too."
The empty shop fronts beckoned, and within six months he had bought 36 properties and set about bringing to life what he calls his "humanist dream". Set to be finished by 2015, it marks a world first in bringing entirely French and ethically sourced produce to the heart of Paris.
Naudon admits: "I'm dreaming too much – but I've got a beautiful space to dream."
The space in question is a largely residential neighbourhood in between trendy Canal Saint-Martin and the chic and touristy Marais.
The project has met with mixed reactions. The manager of local restaurant Chez Alain is optimistic, calling it a "revolutionary idea".
Others are less sure and have concerns about escalating rents and the possibility of the neighbourhood becoming too elitist. "This is a quarter for everyone," says Isabelle Leblanc, owner of local bookshop Volume. "And now that's going to change."
Escapism
A yoga centre is opening at Urania Luxury Villas on Lefkada, in Greece. The five stone villas, each with its own pool, are on a hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea; a steep path leads down to a private beach. The scenic outdoor yoga studio is hidden away under olive trees.
• £989 for a week's retreat, including accommodation, breakfast, dinner and yoga twice daily. First retreat 6-13 September, divineyogaretreats.com
What's new
Tours
Foyles bookshop has launched a series of guided literary tours, starting this summer. The UK short breaks include visits to the homes of Shakespeare, Dylan Thomas, Roald Dahl and the Brontës. Marcel Theroux will lead the first overseas trip, to India in January 2015, which includes a visit to the Jaipur literary festival.
• From £49 for day tours and £239 for overnight tours, first tour 3 July, foyles.co.uk
City breaks
Itinerist creates bespoke, hour-by-hour plans for city breaks to London and New York. The company tailormakes the itinerary for each customer: taking in the main sights for first-time visitors, or a selection of lesser-known attractions for more seasoned clients. The daily plans include tips on where to eat and drink and what to do (plus reservations, if wanted), and how to get around.
• £50 for one- to four-day itineraries; £70 for five to seven days, itinerist.com
Homestays
A new project, Meet the Swedes, will make it easy to find an affordable homestay on Sweden's west coast. Host families give guests an insight into local life and offer activities, from foraging for mushrooms to kayaking and seal safaris.
• Prices vary: a cottage in Uddevalla sleeping six is from £315 a week, meettheswedes.com
How much?!
Lots of us like a drink on holiday but not many would spend this much on a tipple. Holidays Please has the ultimate drinker's trip, touring exclusive bars and hotels around the world for the rarest and most expensive booze. £16,000 on cognac? £100,000 on whisky? £330,000 on champagne? That's going to be some hangover.
• £750,000 for 40 days for two, holidaysplease.co.uk
Travel trash
Ever been cold on a picnic (I think we know the answer) or wet at a festival (there's an alternative)? Then you need to get yourself a Gigsak! This waterproof blanket with a fleece top opens up like a giant bag, so you can either decide to sit on it, put your legs in it or shelter inside it. You'll be the envy of Glastonbury, no, really.
• £42, gigsak.co.uk
