If you find Nice none too nice and Cannes a little over-run then a visit to
Mougins might just remind you why the French Riviera remains one of Europe's
premier holiday destinations.
Situated just 7km (4 miles) North of Cannes, Mougins is considered as chic as
its more famous neighbour, yet it offers a haven from the over-commercialisation
and over-development that affects certain parts of the region.
Mougins is very much the destination for those in the know and has attracted
some of the greatest cultural figures of our time. Yves St. Laurent, Jean
Cocteau, Isadora Duncan, Christian Dior, Winston Churchill and Catherine Deneuve
have all called Mougins home at some point in their lives and it was here that
Pablo Picasso chose to spend the final fifteen years of his life.
Though occupied since Roman times, the majority of the village dates from the
15th century when it was the property of the Monks of Saint Honorat from the
nearby Iles de Lerins, located just off the coast of Cannes. Nowadays many of
the Abbey's former properties, including hundred's of luxury villas and
apartments, are available to rent in Mougins.
Many people use the town as a base from which to explore the region and,
during the Cannes Film Festival, villa rental in Mougins is big business, with
luxury villas only available at premium prices. Fortunately, being blessed with
a warm and sunny climate, the Cote d'Azur is a viable destination year round and
off-peak villa rental in Mougins is not only affordable, but can provide value
for money for people who require more than just a hotel room.
Set atop a hill overlooking the bay of Cannes, this former fortified village
is also a wonderful destination in itself. Its narrow alleys, cobblestone
streets and beautiful vistas give it an air of a movie set perfection that makes
it an ideal destination for a romantic break.
The beauty of the village is complemented by a wealth of boutiques and cafes,
while the more cerebral will enjoy the Museum of Photography which contains work
from such famous photographers as Lartique, Cartier-Bresson and Robert Doisneau.
Just outside of town, on the A8 Autoroute, one can find the Musee de
l'Automobile which houses a large number of classic and racing cars including
Ferraris and Bugattis, and for the 'sportif' amongst you there are scores of
great golf clubs within a short drive.
But one can't talk about Mougins without mentioning the food. The village is
home to more Michelin rated restaurants than any other region in France. The
best known of these is Le Moulin de Mougins, owned by the celebrated chef and
writer Roger Verge and considered to be amongst the best restaurants in all of
France.
Although Mougins has a number of good hotels, perhaps the best way to enjoy
the area in an authentic a way as possible is by considering using one of the
companies that provide rental villas in Mougins. They offer a great choice to
suit all budgets and all requirements, whether you are looking for a luxury
villa with swimming pool, or a smaller apartment to rent in the centre, Mougins
has something for everyone.
Getting There:
By Air
The region is extremely well served and boasts two nearby
airports, Nice Côte d'Azur (15 miles) which serves 10 million passengers a year
and Cannes- Mandelieu which serves a more exclusive clientele.
By car
The journey from Paris takes 8 hours via the A8 motorway; from
Monaco and Nice, the same road provides access from the opposite direction.
By rail
The TGV rail services provide access to Cannes from major French
cities. Other cities with rail connections include London (9hours), Brussels (6
hours), Milan (5 hours), Basel (10 hours), Rome (10 hours) and Venice (10
hours).
