Do you know when and where the cigar was born? Contrary to popular belief, it was born in Seville in the 17th century, and it was not until 1799 that the first tobacco factory was established in Havana.
In France, 16 years later, Napoleon launched the manufacture of cigars.
In 1961, with the American embargo on Cuba, many factories opened elsewhere in the world, such as in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica or Mexico, but the quality of Cuban cigars remained unmatched.
Why are Cuban cigars always the most appreciated? Not only the microclimate of Havana is ideal for the tobacco leaf, but also the soil, which is conducive to giving the tobacco leaves flavors that cigar lovers cannot do without.
However, today, the most expensive cigar in the world is no longer Cuban. It is the American brand Gurkha Cigars which created the cigars "His Majesty's Reserve", made of exceptional tobacco and leaves infused in Louis XIII cognac, a very rare cognac at 5000$ per liter.
For those who do not like to smoke, but who want to find the taste of cigar in their mouth, Bruno Laffargue, the Azurean Pastry Chef, has created a cigar, cognac and chocolate macaroon, "The Gentlemen's Club".
The cigar, like the French Riviera, evokes not only refinement and luxury, but also enjoyment and carefree behaviour. Here are a few addresses where you can enjoy it with style:
The most "Côte d'Azur" facing the sea:
The Crystal Bar, Hermitage Hotel, Monte-Carlo
Facing the sea, in a refined and very romantic atmosphere, with background music, come and relax while enjoying a cigar with a wonderful cocktail, or a rare cognac.
Heated terrace, great wines to taste, very good music and the sea in background. You will spend an idyllic evening.
The most Anglo-Saxon:
Bar Gordon Bennett, La Réserve Beaulieu-sur-Mer
This brand new bar of the mythical La Réserve hotel has been completely renovated. More modern decoration but still as elegant and art deco.
On the magnificent terrace, in winter, a heated cabin to taste one of the very good cigars proposed on the card.
A great choice of cigars that will satisfy the great amateurs.
The most stylish:
American Bar, Hotel de Paris, Monte-Carlo
Lovers of Monaco and its chic and timeless atmosphere are regulars of this bar which transports us into a magical atmosphere.
Refined clientele, rare drinks and top-of-the-range cigars for the fussiest. A sublime terrace facing the Casino and the Opera.
Prohibition atmosphere:
Old Sport Club, secret address
No, you're not dreaming, you won't get the address! After New-York or Paris, here is the first Secret Bar on the French Riviera... in Nice. How to proceed? You have to connect on : https://www.oldsport.club, and register; you will receive a confirmation email and you will just have to follow the procedure.
After getting the address, you will arrive in a cozy place with a subdued atmosphere, very good music and an atmosphere "the incorruptibles". You will taste one of the proposed cigars (at cost price) with an excellent cocktail, perhaps prepared by Matthieu Christophe Pluta, finalist of the Bacardi Legacy 2017 and co-manager of the bar (from 10€). Amazing!
The most V.I.P:
The Rampoldi's smoking room, Monte-Carlo
The famous gourmet restaurant Rampoldi has created two spaces on the lower floor, a smoking room and a music lounge, as well as a members' club with access to special attention.
For these members, a cigar club composed of a hundred chests, that you come to taste with an excellent cognac, and in all intimacy, after a delicious meal... the absolute luxury.
"The cigar is the indispensable complement of any idle and elegant life". Georges Sand
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