The medieval hilltop village of Mougins in the French Riviera is set in the countryside, surrounded by lush forest and with views of the mountains. The Riviera is a stretch of Mediterranean coastland that goes between Cannes in France and La Spezia in Italy, and the French Riviera is the portion of that stretch that’s in France.
Just 15 minutes from Cannes, Mougins is as lovely as the rest of the Cote d’Azur, and since it’s home to the international Mougins School, it’s particularly popular with expats. You can also enjoy close proximity to renowned golf courses, the Nice Cote d’Azur International Airport and Grasse, another medieval town, which is situated on the edge of Provence.
A portion of the Sophia Antipolis tech park is located in Mougins too, which is a hub of innovative companies and researchers. More than 60 nationalities are represented by the parks’ employees. That means that there are career opportunities in Mougins for professionals in tech fields, making it an ideal place to relocate if you’re going to continue working (instead of retiring).
There are even more reasons to love Mougins: It has an especially low crime rate, there are a lot of protected outdoor areas and there are several high-quality sports facilities.
The History and Culture of Mougins
As you stroll along Mougins’ winding, pedestrian streets, you’ll be treated now and then to an unexpected view of the Med or the Esterel mountain range. Once a Ligurian stronghold and home for monks, you can see Mougins’ history reflected in its churches, fountains, statues and townhouses. There’s also a medieval gate tower that still stands today. Mougins was once the center of jasmine, lavender and rose production for Grasse’s perfume houses, too, which you’ll be reminded of by all of the flowers that still adorn the area.
For an interesting history lesson, spend time in the Musée d’Histoire Locale, which showcases what the ancient village of Mougins looked like, including its early tools and clothing. There’s also the Musée de la Photographie, which has three floors and collections including antique cameras and series by some of the world’s most famous photographers.
As you’ll notice when you’re here, Mougins has been long-associated with artists. Picasso first came to Mougins in 1936, the leader, in a way, of all of the artists who would eventually follow. His friends, who included well-known names like Jean Cocteau and Man Ray, loved the area, and soon, Mougins became a bohemian retreat, much different from the rest of the Riviera, which was dripping with glitz and glamor. Today, there are still a number of exhibitions and galleries to visit.
Lifestyle in Mougins
The village of Mougins is a hub of art galleries and gourmet restaurants, plus fountains, statues and other architectural accents, both modern and antique. Adding to its allure and beauty is the area’s lovely collection of greenery, including trees, flowers and landscaped garden areas. But Mougins is best known for its collection of fantastic, high-quality restaurants, plus its broad streets with delightful cafes and views of the sea.
If the 30s kicked off Mougins’ reputation as an artist’s haven, the 70s made it a gastronomic epicenter. That’s when Chef Roger Vergé opened L’Amandier and Le Moulin de Mougins, which earned him Michelin stars. Today, Les Étoile de Mougins comes to town every September, where foodies get to taste creations by top chefs. And Mougins is also home to more than 40 eateries, including plenty of fine dining options.
When you’re ready to spend an afternoon away from the crowds and in the heart of nature, you’ll want to head to Valmasque Parc. Home to marked trails and stunning observation points, you can go for a rejuvenating jog or simply laze about with a picnic lunch. L’Étang de Fontmerle, a shallow lake brimming with lotus flowers, is popular with bird watchers. You’ll likely spot dogs running through the grass and children flying colorful kites above.
Types of Property in Mougins
Popular with real estate investors, property for sale in Mougins is charming and tranquil, hemmed in by pine, cypress and olive trees. The Provencal area is romantic and peaceful, filled with restored French architecture, luxury apartments and expansive villas. There are also modern homes available, with contemporary architecture and an urban feel. Whatever your taste, there’s likely a home in Mougins to match it.
It’s common to find multi-bedroom homes in Mougins, with more than enough space for you, your family, visiting guests and even staff. In addition to the main villa, many properties have additional accommodations for a caretaker or guests. That may be in the form of a stand-alone house or an apartment with its own entrance on the bottom floor of the home. It’s also possible to have two larger villas on the same property, each with its own amenities and swimming pool.
Buyers can also search for homes that double as business properties, such as luxury hotels, or expand on existing homes with renovations and additions. If you’re interested in hobby vines or a more commercial wine venture, there are vineyard properties for sale in Mougins, too.
Mougins property often features luxury amenities like underfloor heating, open-plan kitchens, en suite bathrooms, independent studios, terraces and tennis courts. Since many homes in Mougins have a contemporary aesthetic, they’re usually outfitted with high-end fittings and state-of-the-art equipment.
Outdoor areas perfect for entertaining or relaxing include swimming pools and pool houses, Jacuzzis, Mediterranean gardens, olive trees and greenhouses. French country homes and luxury villas in Mougins may also be set in gated areas for the utmost security.
While you’ll be close to the sea and the bustling French Riviera towns, Mougins is decidedly peaceful and quiet. The best part is that most of the homes here have views of the surrounding hills, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows to take it all in.
Next Steps: Guide to the Process of Buying Property in Mougins
Once you’ve found the perfect full-time or holiday home in Mougins, it’s time to begin the property buying process. Expect it to take approximately three months from start to finish. That’s pretty fast – in just a matter of weeks, you can be moving into your new home on the gorgeous French Riviera. Imagine that! While we have an in-depth guide to buying property in France, we’ll go through the basics here.
When you know the home you want to buy, your first step is to make an offer in writing, which will be presented to the owner. In turn, the owner will respond to your offer. If it’s accepted, you’ll both sign the “Compromis de Vente,” a legally binding initial contract that includes the details of the sale. Note that the details can change if you or the owner need to make amendments. For example, if surveys of the home show that a major repair is needed, you may negotiate this with the owner, which could change the final details of the sale.
When the Compromis de Vente is signed, you’ll wait through a 10-day cooling-off period. During this time, you can change your mind about buying the property without any penalty – you’ll even get your deposit back. Once that period passes, the conveyancing process will begin, which may take up to 12 weeks. Following that, you’ll submit your final payment and sign the Acte de Vente, which is your deed of sale. You’ll then be the owner of a gorgeous luxury property in Mougins!
HOMEHUNTS property agents are able to handpick luxury property for sale in Mougins based on your specific search criteria. Whether you want to live in the middle of it all or in a more tranquil setting, there is Mougins property to fit your needs. Use the search feature above to browse our selection of French Riviera homes. Speak directly to one of our consultants by calling +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
