Mougins Between Art and Village History

If you’re looking for a hotel in Mougins, exploring the different sides of the town can help shape your choice: the old village, art venues, an annual event featuring top chefs, and opportunities to enjoy nature and get active each offer a different focus. Consider which of these interests matter to you during your stay, and plan time accordingly.

The Old Village and Its Long History

Mougins’ old village stretches across the rocky promontory, with squares and lanes that wind in a spiral around the bell tower. This layout gives the village its distinctive shape: squares and lanes are just as much a part of it as the bell tower. Muginum was established as early as the 1st century BC on a rocky promontory 260 metres above sea level. This historical context dates back well before the documented construction history of individual buildings.

The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Vie is one example. Built in the 12th century, it was reconstructed in 1655 in its original layout, with slight extensions. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1927. These dates distinguish its medieval origins from its later reconstruction; together, they offer a concrete insight into the village’s architectural history.

Access to the village is also relevant when planning your visit: Mougins’ village is reserved for pedestrians, and free parking is available at the entrance. If you’d like to explore the village layout and its squares, bear this in mind when you arrive.

Art in Different Forms

FAMM and the Levett Collection have different focuses. Since 21 June 2024, FAMM has displayed around 100 works by nearly 90 women artists from around the world. The Levett Collection is separate: it comprises exclusively paintings, sculptures, photographs and drawings created by women artists, and is dedicated to modern and contemporary art.

The Centre d’art de Mougins also presents modern and contemporary art, including painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture. The Lavoir, built in 1894 and used until 1970, regularly hosts changing art exhibitions. Those particularly interested in photography can find contemporary photography at the Centre de la photographie de Mougins, which presents three major exhibitions a year. The art offerings therefore differ not only by venue, but also by the media on display.

Walking, Activity and Nature

There are several ways to get active outdoors, each described differently. The Parcours pédestre between the two villages of Mougins is 6.2 kilometres long and accessible to the whole family. Check local trail conditions before setting out. Another fitness trail in Mougins is 2.2 kilometres long and has 16 exercise stations; check its availability locally.

The Parc de la Valmasque extends across the municipalities of Valbonne and Mougins. Among wooded hills and gentle valleys, it offers a fitness trail and various walking paths. For birdwatching, the Étang Fontmerle is a destination in its own right: around 60 bird species live there or stop temporarily. The species you may see vary with the season. Alongside designated activity options, there are walking paths and opportunities to observe nature—different ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Cuisine and Guided Tours

Les Étoiles de Mougins is an annual event featuring top chefs, held in the village’s squares and lanes. It began in 2006 as a tribute to chef Roger Vergé of Moulin de Mougins. Dates and programme vary by edition, so check the dates for the relevant edition if you’d like to include the event in your travel plans.

The «Mougins & ses secrets au fil du temps» guided tour takes you through the lanes and squares of the old village, sharing its history, heritage and anecdotes. Dates and booking requirements may vary. As part of a guided tour, you can also visit exclusively the room at the former Hôtel Vaste Horizon where Pablo Picasso lived with his Surrealist friends in the 1930s. This visit depends on the availability of the guided tour and requires a reservation.

Discover more destinations: Breil-Sur-Roya, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Saint-Sauveur-Sur-Tinée, Sallagriffon, Cuébris, Saint-Antonin, Saint-Auban, Utelle.

For the broader travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.