A Haven For Golf & Gastronomy
The hilltop village of Mougins was once more popular than Cannes and served as a Roman staging post for the Via Aurelia; evidence is recorded in old Roman tombstones displayed in the town’s Musée Municipal. Today, the Roman influence has slipped into the pages of history books but step inside the Porte Sarrazine – the last intact gateway in the medieval village fortifications – and you’ll discover a picturesque village that still retains lots of appeal.
An attractive town that name drops Yves Saint Laurent, Catherine Deneuve and Picasso as past residents, Mougins is pleasantly Provençal with streets that curl around in a spiral layout showcasing cosy art galleries, street sculptures, restored houses carpeted in jasmine and enough renowned restaurants to pack a gastronomic punch for diners that come from near and far.
Greens to Envy
Mougins has an enviable location just 25 minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and 15 minutes from Cannes Vieux Port that makes it an ideal location for a round of golf on some of the best French Riviera golf courses.
Golf Country Club de Cannes-Mougins, opened in 1923 and redesigned in the late 1970’s is an 18-hole beauty that is set across the forested terrain of the Parc de Valmasque with the Bouillide River adding challenging water hazards along the course. The course is unique in the region, being entirely owned by 500 members though visitors are welcome.
Royal Mougins Golf & Resort, designed by famous golf architect the late Robert von Hagge, is an exceptionally beautiful 18-hole (Par 71) course with varying landscapes including 8 lakes with streams. The facilities are excellent and include a Pro Shop, the Prime Golfing Academy with golf tuition available, a Spa, hotel accommodation and a great restaurant overlooking the course.
6 of Mougins’ Best Places to Wine & Dine
Mougins is referred to as the ‘Capital of Gastronomy’ in this region and has a large number of splendid restaurants – book ahead in peak times such as May when the Cannes Film Festival brings the industry crowd rolling into town jostling for reservations at the best tables to devour the latest menus du jour.
Here are 6 of Bespoke Yacht Charter’s recommended Mougins food and drink addresses featuring some top eateries:
L’Amandier de Mougins : One of Mougin’s better dining establishments, this restaurant located in an old olive mill has efficient service and fairly priced menus with beautifully presented food keeping both the regulars and tourists happy.
The tasting menu dedicated to Roger Vergé is an ode to Provençal cooking at its finest – reservations are strongly advised and Bespoke Yacht Charter recommend asking for an outdoor table on the top terrace as the views of the valley are exceptional.
Interestingly, the L’Amandier building itself has a little-known link to fashion not food – it was previously owned for over 40 years by late French shoe designer Roger Vivier who created the stiletto heel.
Restaurant Le Candille : Part of the 5-star Relais & Châteaux hotel Mas de Candille, Michelin starred Le Candille has a pleasant terrace open for dining in fine weather (or you can comfortably dine indoors during cooler months) with both à la carte and set menus available.
Bespoke Yacht Charter recommend the ‘Menu du Marché’ that changes weekly based around what Chef David Chauvac sources locally, or for a special treat on a Friday or Saturday evening book the ‘Chef’s Table’ for an 6-course discovery menu accompanied by full course explanations by the Chef himself.
Top Tip: Check the restaurant’s website before reserving a table as they often have special offers and themed evenings.
La Cave de Mougins : A superb wine cellar-cum-wine bar, this lovely establishment previously stored olive oil from the times when L’Amandier restaurant was an olive mill.
Find a bottle of wine to buy in the 12,000-plus selection in the vaulted cellar (including some special French vintages), or order wine to drink onsite as you snack on light meals such as Spanish charcuterie and cheese platters.
www.facebook.com/LaCavedeMougins/
Le Clos Saint Basile : One of the best outdoor courtyards in Mougins, save a date for special occasion dining where you can satisfy your appetite on innovative choices including chestnut soup, hake fish with chanterelle mushrooms and quail with juniper berry sauce.
Top Tip: The restaurant also retails smoked Scottish smoked salmon, jams and foie gras for clients to buy and take home.
Resto des Arts : If you’re looking for good French bistro food at great prices, Resto des Arts has mastered this over many of their culinary competitors. Their location close to many of Mougins’ Vieux Village attractions and genuine hospitality means tables book out quickly.
Paloma : Outstanding food and menus (try the beef tenderloin with truffle-flavoured Stilton, or lobster linguine with Thai basil and Mentonnais lemon), Paloma is on the gourmet radar for all the right reasons. Get in quick before news spreads that Chef Nicholas Decherchi has recently received his second Michelin star in recognition of his talent.
www.restaurant-paloma-mougins.com
Things to See & Do
Wandering the old village is a pleasant experience passing fountains and artists studios. If you need further inspiration beyond restaurants and art galleries, Mougins offers a handful of varied things to see and do.
Musée d’Art Classique de Mougins : Open 7 days a week, the museum was founded by Christian Levett, a British investment manager passionate about ancient art who opened the museum to share his private collection. You’ll find an eclectic array of artworks from Matisse, Picasso, Dufy, Dali and Warhol alongside antiquities ranging from coins to vases and the largest private armoury collection worldwide.
Chapelle Notre-Dame de Vie : Historically listed since 1927, this chapel located southeast of Mougins village was built in a lovely cypress tree-lined domaine and subsequently rebuilt with a hermitage in the 17th century. The hermitage was a subject of an artwork completed by Winston Churchill who was, surprisingly, an avid painter.
The garden at the chapel houses a tomb for Bridget Guinness, who was the wife of Benjamin Guinness who was one of the descendants of the Irish brewing family famous for their Guinness stout beer. The Guinness clan restored a mas opposite the chapel which was later lived in by Picasso; he spent the last 12 years of his life there at the villa nicknamed ‘L’Antre du Minotaure’ (The Minotaur’s Lair) though the house is not open to public today.
mougins-tourisme.fr/mas-notre-dame-de-vie-mougins-antre-minotaure/
Musée de la Photographie André Villers : Adjacent to the Porte Sarrazine, this small museum was born thanks to donations from photographer André Villers. The displays host old cameras and photographic equipment and there are temporary exhibitions through the year from emerging and established photographers. Upstairs, you’ll find photographs of Picasso including candid shots of him working in his studio.
Les Étoiles des Mougins (Festival International de la Gastronomie et des Arts de Vivres) : Mougins is a buzzing hive of cuisine-centric activities each year when a hugely popular food festival welcomes world-class master chefs and up-and-coming culinary stars. 2016’s guest of honour is Thierry Marx, the Michelin starred chef of the Mandarin Oriental in Paris.
Slip in and out of the tented pavilions with a glass of rosé as you enjoy tastings, cooking workshops and chef competitions. Usually held annually in September, in 2016 the festival moves forward to June – we highly recommended it as a must-visit festival for any gourmet!
This article was written by Rebecca Whitlocke, who with over 10 years travel industry experience loves to share ‘must-do’ destination tips and hidden spots to discover in France and beyond.
To discuss yacht charters in the south of France, please contact:
Alexander Coles
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