Why You Should not Sleep On This Little-Identified City

The favored French Riviera village of Saint-Tropez is known for its seaside golf equipment, nightlife, and glitzy ambiance that has lengthy lured well-heeled jet setters. And, actually, most individuals are conversant in Cannes, the resort metropolis placed on the map by the glamorous movie pageant that brings droves of celebrities strutting down the crimson carpet every year. Followers of luxurious perfume — the long-lasting Chanel No. 5., Dior, and Hermès to call a couple of — have doubtless heard of Grasse, aka the fragrance capital of the world, the place treasured Might roses and jasmine bloom. However what about Mougins? This enchanting hilltop village doesn’t have the identical widespread worldwide notoriety because the aforementioned vacationer hubs — although, to be clear, I wouldn’t classify it as a secret as a result of it’s fairly beloved inside France.

Earlier than my go to in June, I didn’t know a lot about Mougins. Having had the pleasure of visiting, it’s undoubtedly a spot I might extremely suggest including to any Provence itinerary. “You go to Mougins for the artwork, the historical past, the structure, the meals, but in addition in your personal inspiration. There’s a sure magic within the air,” says Oliver Blacklay, head of leisure at luxurious journey firm Black Tomato. “It’s actually uncommon and singular in that a part of France, in that it’s neatly tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the coast but massively accessible.” Positioned about quarter-hour inland from Cannes, Mougins is a simple day journey from many of the big-name Côte d’Azur locations vacationers sometimes hit. Although, it nonetheless retains an off-the-beaten-path attraction in some ways. It’s quiet — not bustling with big tour buses that I doubt may even match on the slim streets resulting in city — and that undoubtedly preserves the hidden-gem type of really feel. On the similar time, it’s very atmospheric and welcoming of vacationers.

So what makes this city so particular? “It has a deep historic background starting within the Roman Empire and the village was fortified within the Center Ages. These crumbling partitions and ramparts nonetheless stand immediately, together with the Porte Sarrazine.” The medieval ruins add to the picturesque surroundings, which introduced many notable artists to the world. Pablo Picasso spent over a decade of his life in Mougins and is credited with beginning its creative legacy. Edith Piaf and Christian Dior additionally fell for its charms.

Upon arrival, I used to be struck by the views, that are take-your-breath-away lovely, and the refined perfume of pine, olive, and cypress bushes that crammed the air. Even from the parking zone, it’s an eyeful of those rolling hillsides and houses that seem like floating. Subsequent, a group of larger-than-life fruit sculptures caught my consideration. The enormous artworks look much more magical set in opposition to a backdrop of greenery and stone facades.

It is perhaps tempting to submit up close to an outsized, bronze-cast Picasso head by Gabriël Sterk and simply soak within the beautiful vistas and gawk on the sculptures, nonetheless, I implore you to enterprise additional into the snail-shaped medieval middle. It was constructed that means ages in the past to defend in opposition to invaders. Right this moment, the cobbled alleys of the vieux village home many boutique retailers, galleries, and artists’ workshops.

The Musée d’Artwork Classique de Mougins (MACM) boasts an distinctive everlasting assortment, from rooms crammed with historical Egyptian, Greek, and Roman treasures to the works of masters together with Henri Matisse and Salvador Dalí. “Actually, it’s the right type of place to amble and ramble by way of at a relaxed tempo. Deeply peaceable however with a palpable buzz.” On the up to date facet of issues, the Centre de la Photographie de Mougins reveals off the skills of many trendy photographers from around the globe. For the reason that exhibitions are momentary, there’s all the time one thing new to admire.

Hungry vacationers don’t need to look far to seek out one thing scrumptious to devour. Mougins has main epicurean cred. Foodies learn about it due to the world-class eating and the annual meals pageant Les Etoiles de Mougins (extra on that beneath). For a city this small, it’s tremendous spectacular that there are three Michelin-rated eating places.

Eager to style the standard flavors of Provence? Head to L’Amandier de Mougins, a culinary pressure that was based in 1969 by legendary French chef Roger Vergé (who sadly died 17 years in the past). I’d suggest reserving a desk on the second-floor terrace so you possibly can get pleasure from completely cooked fish and a crisp native rosé whereas watching cinematic panoramas of the countryside. It additionally comes with the advantage of attending to ascend the grand spiral staircase and move by way of everything of the elegant interiors.

Set on the stunning village sq., La Place de Mougins provides company a really elevated gourmand expertise. Chef Denis Fétisson rolls out an ever-changing coursed menu of dishes that highlights seasonal elements. Relying on the time of 12 months you go to, that may appear to be a fresh-shucked oyster topped with caviar, adopted by langoustine carpaccio, after which smoked black Angus or asparagus with bottarga, a light-weight but decadent truffle creation, and crème brûlée for dessert. The wine pairing is a splendid accompaniment.

Helmed by a husband and spouse duo, Le Clos St-Basile stands out as a spot that additionally, you will wish to return to many instances over. It’s heat and alluring with main gastronomic chops. It’s straightforward to fall in love with the traditional pigeon pithiviers — and present me an individual who doesn’t love grated truffles on pasta! I’m keen on the sunny patio, however the French country-chic indoor eating space actually doesn’t disappoint both.

“Mougins has a wealthy identification with a global sensibility with regards to the culinary choices that transcend simply unbelievable French meals. This gem of a city is residence to one among my favourite Indian eating places, Curry Home,” remarks Blacklay. And, after all, the aforementioned annual gastronomic pageant, Les Etoiles de Mougins, which started in 2006 as a solution to honor Roger Vergé, attracts famous person cooks and culinary giants from around the globe. The 2-day occasion consists of demonstrations, workshops, and conferences that discover meals from all angles.

If this all sounds so magical that you simply really feel compelled to spend a couple of days in Mougins, relaxation assured that the beloved Le Mas Candille, which Blackalay described as “an attractive place to stick with an unbelievable restaurant by itself grounds proper exterior of the middle of Mougins,” will reopen upon completion of the renovation in July 2023 — simply in time for a sun-splashed summer season vacation. Can’t wait till subsequent 12 months? Two of probably the most beloved B&Bs, Le Mas de Mougins and Les Roseés, are presently open and welcoming company with heat Provencale hospitality.

Whereas the brand new 12 months remains to be months away, it’d b e time to begin planning your travels for 2023, and Mougins undoubtedly deserves a high spot in your bucket record.