Mougins
Situated just 7km (4 miles) north of its 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 AbbeyBs former properties, including hundredBs 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 dBAzur 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 lBAutomobile which houses a large number of classic and racing cars including Ferraris and Bugattis, and for the AsportifB amongst you there are scores of great golf clubs within a short drive.
But one canBt 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 write 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 as 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 C¤te dBAzur (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).
