What is it about the hilltop village of Mougins that has so enthralled artists and great chefs? Is it the lovingly restored Provencal houses?
The narrow, winding streets? The abundant greenery that bursts into flowers each spring? Maybe it's the entrancing views over the Valmasque forest.
Whatever the secret, Mougins is certainly the destination of choice for epicures of all stripes. Its restaurants offer the finest dining on the Cote d'Azur; several have received coveted Michelin stars and several more are just very, very good. Foodies shouldn't miss the International Gastronomy Festival, Les Etoiles de Mougins, every September.
Back in the day, Mougins was the final home of Picasso before his death and a favorite haunt of artist Man Ray and notables such as Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel and Catherine Deneuve . Now it's known for art galleries, fine handicrafts shops and an excellent Photography Museum.
Four-star Hotels
Hotel de Mougins
Royal Mougins Golf Resort
Le Mas Candille
Les Rosees
Three-star Hotels
Le Manoir de L'Etang
Le Club Mougins
Two-star Hotels
Hotel Balladins
Le Candille in the hotel, Le Mas Candille, and Le Patio de Moulin de Mougins have each received one Michelin star but there are other fine restaurants in Mougins. Try L'Amandier de Mougins, Le Bistrot de Mougins, Le Relais Saint Basile Mougins, and Le Jardin in the Hotel de Mougins.
Mougins is not straightforward to visit from Nice but does make a great day trip from Cannes.
By car
Take the A8 autoroute to the Cannes exit and follow the signs.
By Bus
Take bus line 664 that runs from Vauban Square in Cannes to Sophia Antipolis, stopping at Mougins. Schedule here.
The tourist office at 15 Avenue Jean-Charles Mallet distributes a free town map and tourist guide.