A Cultural Journey Through the Cote d’Azur

When thinking of the south of France, it’s easy to conjure images of stunning beaches and clear blue waters, but this mesmerizing region has much more to offer. Tucked away among the picturesque landscapes are captivating hilltop villages, each with its own unique charm. One such gem we discovered was the old village of Mougins, a place steeped in art and culture. Mougins is a haven for art enthusiasts, boasting a vibrant art scene with galleries showcasing a myriad of artworks and its streets adorned with beautiful sculptures, all of which contribute to the village’s enchanting allure.

Atelier, Mougins

Situated around 15 minutes inland from Cannes, Mougins offers a tranquil escape from the bustling Côte d’Azur. Despite its proximity to popular tourist destinations, Mougins maintains a serene atmosphere, free from the noise and crowds of large tour buses, allowing visitors to truly unwind and immerse themselves in its hidden-gem ambience.

Beautiful Mougins
Upon our arrival in the village, we were instantly taken in by the breathtaking scenery and the delicate scent of pine, olive, and cypress trees lingering in the air.
Our attention was immediately drawn to a magnificent giant head sculpture of Picasso, known
La tête de Picasso Sculpture
The village is surrounded by lush greenery, with olive and cypress trees dotting the landscape. From various points in the village, we enjoyed panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with its rolling hills and vineyards, adding to Mougins’s natural beauty.
Mougins Beautiful street

You can pick up a map from the Tourist office to navigate Mougins, but instead, we allowed ourselves to be captivated by the charm of the winding cobblestone streets, pretty squares, hidden passages, art galleries, workshops, boutique shops, fountains, restaurants, museums, churches, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, eventually uncovering everything at our own pace.

La Place De Mougins

One notable feature is the absence of cars in the old part of the village.

Mougins has captivated numerous artists, but Pablo Picasso became the village’s most renowned resident. The celebrated Spanish painter and sculptor spent the final 12 years of his life in Mougins (1961-1973). His home was just a stone’s throw away from Notre-Dame-de-Vie Chapel, and his studio was situated in the heart of the village, in a building that now houses the Tourist Office. This sheds light on why Mougins is so immersed in art and why there is an abundance of art galleries and workshops in this beautiful village.

Le Petit Fouet, Mougins
Throughout its history, the old village has been a thriving centre for artists. Pablo Picasso, the most renowned resident, was not the only artist who found inspiration in Mougins. Other celebrated artists such as Cesare Baldaccini, Jean Cocteau, Yves Klein, Yves Saint Laurent, and Christian Dior have also visited Mougins, leaving their artistic imprints. The village’s artistic heritage is evident in its numerous art galleries and workshops, each showcasing a unique aspect of the art world. In addition to its artistic charm, Mougins has also emerged as a culinary destination, with several talented chefs in the town being honoured with Michelin stars in the 1970s. In 1992, Mougins claimed the title of France’s most-starred village, boasting 7 Michelin stars.
L'etage, Mougins

Mougins is situated in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region in Southeastern France and is a short drive from popular places like Cannes, Grasse, Antibes, and Nice.

Serge Renaudier, Mougins

The easiest way to get to Mougins is by car. The nearest airport is Nice, about 25 mins from the village. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus connection to the village, so your best option is to take a taxi or get to Cannes via train/bus and then take a bus/taxi to Mougins.

Lili Rose, Mougins

There is a large car park right next to the entrance to the village, which is free.

Mougins

Campsites

There are a couple of campsites close to Mougins. Camping Yelloh Village Saint Louis or Camping Parc Des Monges
With its rich history, breathtaking views, and quaint cobblestone streets, Mougins is an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of the French countryside. Of all the medieval villages we visited on this trip, Mougins was my favourite.

GALLERY

Mougins Sculpture
II Grande Silenzio Sculpture, Mougins
Mougins
Art Gallery shop, Mougins
Sculpture, Mougins
Mougins doorway
Mougins blue sculpture
House in Mougins