Mougins can be explored through several themes: the winding lanes of the old village, art in different media, paths through green spaces and an annual event for top chefs. You can take in the history of the place and its exhibitions, as well as enjoy exercise and nature watching. The focus you choose depends on how you would like to spend your stay.
Old Town, Architecture and History
The old village of Mougins extends across a rocky spur, with its squares and winding lanes spiralling around the bell tower. Muginum was founded in the 1st century BC on a rocky spur 260 metres high. The village is reserved for pedestrians; free parking is available at the entrance to the village. Plan your visit to the town centre accordingly as a walking visit.
Individual buildings also tell stories of different periods. The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Vie was built in the 12th century and reconstructed in 1655, following its original layout but in a slightly expanded form. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1927. The Lavoir dates from 1894 and was used until 1970. Today, the preserved building regularly hosts changing art exhibitions, bringing historic architecture and art displays together in one place.
Art in Different Media
Since 21 June 2024, FAMM has displayed around 100 works by nearly 90 women artists from around the world. The FAMM Levett Collection is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Its paintings, sculptures, photographs and drawings are exclusively by women artists. The Centre d’art de Mougins also presents modern and contemporary art, including painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture. The Centre de la photographie de Mougins focuses specifically on contemporary photography and presents three major exhibitions each year. Art lovers will therefore find a range of media and formats rather than a single exhibition theme.
Walking, Exercise and Birdwatching
For a walk, the 6.2-kilometre Parcours pédestre between the two villages of Mougins is available and suitable for the whole family. Check local trail conditions before setting out. The fitness trail in Mougins is a different option: it is 2.2 kilometres long and includes 16 exercise stations. Check locally whether this facility is available.
Birdwatching is the main attraction at Étang Fontmerle. Around 60 bird species live there or stop over temporarily; which birds you can see naturally varies with the season. The Parc de la Valmasque extends across the municipalities of Valbonne and Mougins. Between wooded hills and gentle valleys, it offers a fitness trail and various walking paths. The pond, park and two different exercise options therefore offer different ways to spend your time, without requiring the same kind of outing to be the main focus.
Gastronomy and Guided Visits
Les Étoiles de Mougins takes place every year in the village squares and lanes and is dedicated to top chefs. The event began in 2006 as a tribute to chef Roger Vergé of Moulin de Mougins. Dates and programme vary; if you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check the dates for the relevant edition.
The guided tour “Mougins & ses secrets au fil du temps” takes visitors through the lanes and squares of the old village, sharing its history, heritage and anecdotes. Schedules and reservation requirements may vary. As part of a guided tour, you can also enjoy exclusive access to the room at the former Hôtel Vaste Horizon where Pablo Picasso lived with his Surrealist friends in the 1930s. This visit is subject to the availability of the tour and requires a reservation. If this glimpse is important to you, check in advance whether it is possible.
Discover more destinations: Courmes, Bairols, Roure, Fontan, Saint-Auban, Chateauneuf-Villevieille, Valbonne, Cuébris
See the main travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.
