All about Mougins Village

Mougins Village

Mougins Village is a true jewel of the Côte d’Azur located just 7 km from the coast in the hinterland between Cannes and Grasse. A stunning medieval village perched on a hilltop surrounded by pine, olive and cypress trees and art galore.

Mougins in France aeerial photp — *Mougins Village is beautifully situated on a hilltop and offers unforgettable experiences – ©Mougins Tourisme*

Experiences in Mougins

This is what you can experience in Mougins Village

With its narrow streets, stone-paved passages and stunning views of the Côte d'Azur, Mougins Village is an oasis of peace and beauty. Here visitors can enjoy a rich history, beautiful surroundings and a world-class gastronomic scene.

Mougins is particularly known for its artistic heritage and the town has attracted many famous artists over the years, including the world famous Pablo Picasso. Picasso lived in Mougins during the last years of his life and his presence has had a lasting impact on the cultural life of the town.

Art shop in Mougins Village — *The streets of Mougins Village are like a firework display of art with its many galleries and workshops - ©cityxee.com*

The narrow streets of Mougins Village are also home to many galleries and workshops where local artists exhibit and sell their work. Walking through the village is like wandering through a living gallery, where every little shop and corner reflects the creative spirit that the town is known for.

The galleries
Church of Saint-Jacques le Majeur
Museum for Women Artists - FAMM
Museum of Photography
City gate La Sarrazine
Le Lavoir (The Washhouse)
Tourist office
Notre-Dame de Vie Chapel (2 km outside the city)
Saint-Barthélémy Chapel (2 km outside the city)
Royal Mougins Golf (6 km east of the city)
Etang de Fontmerle Park (outside the city)

Watch the video from Mougins at the end of the page.

History of Mougin

Mougins Village - A history through the ages

Mougins Village, located in the heart of Provence close to Cannes, has a rich and fascinating history stretching back thousands of years. The town was first inhabited in antiquity by the Ligurians, a pre-Roman population that settled in the area due to its strategic location on a hilltop. Later, under Roman rule, Mougins developed into an important defense post overlooking the Mediterranean coast.

*The original Saracen gate from the 12th to 13th century ©villedemougins-AH-2*

In the Middle Ages, Mougins grew around its fortifications, which protected the town from invasion. The round, fortified structure of the town can still be seen today with the narrow, winding streets leading up to the central square. At this time, agriculture flourished, especially olive oil production, and Mougins became a small but agriculturally important village in the region.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Mougins remained a peaceful, rural town until artists began to discover its beauty and tranquility. The most famous of these was Pablo Picasso, who moved to the town in 1961. His presence attracted a stream of artists, writers and intellectuals, transforming Mougins into an important center of creativity and art.

Today, Mougins is known for its artistic heritage, gourmet restaurants and well-preserved medieval charm, making it a popular destination for those seeking an authentic Provencal atmosphere with a historical touch.

Picasso's life in Mougins

Picasso's legacy

Pablo Picasso spent the last years of his life in Mougins, leaving a huge imprint on the town and its cultural heritage. Picasso moved to Mougins in 1961, at the age of 80, with his second and last wife, Jacqueline Roque. They settled in the large country house Mas Notre-Dame-de-Vie, located just outside Mougins Village and close to the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Vie. Picasso lived here until his death in 1973.

Picasso's house in Mougins — *Picasso lived here in Villa Mas Notre-Dame de Vie from 1961 until his death in 1973.*

Picasso's life in Mougins

In Mougins, Picasso found the peace that allowed him to focus on his art. He spent many of his days at the villa, painting, sculpting and working on ceramics. His home became a creative sanctuary where he could create some of his late works in peace and privacy. While living in Mougins, his art often became more personal, reflecting his own feelings and thoughts about old age, love and the transience of life.

The villa also became a gathering place for Picasso's friends and family, and many famous artists, writers and intellectuals visited him here. Guests included the likes of Joan Miró, Jean Cocteau and many others from the cultural elite. Mougins therefore became a center of artistic exchange where Picasso could cultivate his friendships and continue to explore new creative expressions.

Picasso and Mougins' artistic scene

Picasso's presence in Mougins played a key role in establishing the town as an artistic center. His international fame drew attention to this small Provençal village and many other artists began to settle in the area or exhibit their work here. Mougins has since evolved into a place filled with galleries, art studios and art festivals, and Picasso's legacy is still evident in the town's art scene today.

Although Picasso's villa is not open to the public, you can still feel his presence in the city. For example, you'll find several galleries exhibiting reproductions of his works, and the city's historical connection to Picasso is often mentioned in cultural events.

Picasso's death and legacy

Picasso died in Mougins on April 8, 1973 at the age of 91. He was buried in the nearby Vauvenargues castle in Provence, which he had also owned. Even after his death, his spirit is present in Mougins and the town is still revered as one of the last places where Picasso found peace and creativity.

The town's connection to Picasso is celebrated today through exhibitions and artistic events, and his time in Mougins is considered one of the most creative periods of his life, even though it was in his later years. Visitors can still wander through the streets where Picasso walked and sense the artistic inspiration that made Mougins his home in the last years of his life.

Gastronomy

Mougins - The gastronomic jewel of Provence

When you think of France, gastronomy is inevitably part of the picture. From delicate wines to refined dishes, the country is a mecca for food lovers. One place that truly captures the essence of French gastronomy is Mougins.

With its unique location in the rolling hills near Cannes and a history rich in culinary heritage, Mougins has become a must-see destination for food enthusiasts from around the world.

A city rich in culinary traditions

Mougins has long been known as a gastronomic stronghold in the south of France. The town has attracted world-famous chefs and food lovers for decades and has a reputation for being home to some of the finest restaurants in the region. Many of these restaurants are recognized with Michelin stars and offer creative interpretations of Provençal cuisine, with fresh, local ingredients taking center stage.

Today's gastronomic tradition in Mougins started in the 1900s when legendary French chef Roger Vergé opened the iconic restaurant Le Moulin de Mougins in 1969.

Vergé was one of the pioneers of "Cuisine du Soleil" (Sunshine Cuisine), which emphasized simple yet flavorful dishes made with sun-ripened vegetables, herbs and fresh Mediterranean fish. His influence on the city's culinary scene remains an important part of Mougins' food culture today. Even though the restaurant now has new owners and goes by the name "Le Patio du Moulin de Mougins".

Gastronomy Festival

Mougins' love of food and the importance of gastronomy to the town reaches its peak during the annual Festival de la Gastronomie, also known as Les Étoiles de Mougins (The Stars of Mougins). This festival attracts some of the most famous chefs from around the world and presents an impressive array of culinary presentations, workshops and tastings. The narrow, cobbled streets of the town fill with the smell of freshly prepared dishes, while visitors can attend cooking classes and learn from the world's leading culinary experts.

The festival is a celebration of the art of gastronomy, but it's also a celebration of the Provençal lifestyle, where cooking and eating are an essential part of social life. Local products such as olive oil, lavender honey, truffles and fish from nearby ports are some of the ingredients often featured.

Gastronomy and lifestyle

The gastronomy of Mougins is closely linked to the lifestyle in this part of France. Here, food is not just something to eat, but an experience to be enjoyed and shared. From the lively markets where fresh produce is sold directly from local producers to the small cafés and bistros where people gather for long lunches, food is an inevitable part of daily life.

Surrounded by lush vineyards, Provence is known for its delicate rosé wines that perfectly complement the local cuisine. A typical meal in Mougins might start with a fresh bouillabaisse or rich ratatouille, accompanied by a glass of chilled rosé, and finish with a dessert such as tarte tropézienne or candied fruits.

A destination for food lovers

For the traveler who wants to explore gastronomy in depth, Mougins is an unbeatable destination. The city's culinary offerings range from Michelin-starred restaurants to small, authentic bistros serving traditional dishes. At the same time, Mougins offers an idyllic atmosphere with its beautiful historic buildings, breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and quiet Provencal charm.

In Mougins, you won't just find exceptional food; you'll find a culture where gastronomy is integral to the rhythm of life and a central part of the town's identity. Every meal is a feast for the senses and every visit is an opportunity to taste the best that Provence has to offer.

Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just curious to experience something new, a visit to Mougins will be an unforgettable culinary journey.

See all the restaurants in Mougins and book a table here via Tripadvisor