A typical Mediterranean village with ancestral alleyways, built on a hill overlooking the Bay of Cannes, the Lรฉrins Islands, and the Grasse hinterland, Mougins is also a dynamic town at the heart of the Sophia Antipolis technology park, which hosts numerous businesses, residential neighborhoods, and a bustling town center.
Mougins enjoyed prosperity starting in the 18th century thanks to the hard work of its inhabitants in the olive groves, vineyards, and jasmine fields. From the late 19th century, its exceptional climate and location began attracting many French and foreign visitors.
In 1924, avant-garde surrealist painter Francis Picabia fell in love with Mougins and built his home there. By sharing his enthusiasm with friends, he attracted some of the greatest artists of his generation to Mougins. The most famous was Pablo Picasso, who settled in Mougins and spent the last twelve years of his life there.
The village’s revival aimed to harmoniously showcase its heritage, integrating modernity and tradition to reflect the spirit of the place: picturesque yet lively, keen on preserving its rich past while looking towards the future.
The Works:
Creation of a new staircase leading from the Moulin de la Croix parking to the village entrance. This stairway is now much more accessible (gentler slope, less steep steps) and more aesthetically pleasing. The arrival area of the staircase has been secured and moved a few meters from the bend, offering better visibility for both pedestrians and motorists and now leading to a platform rather than directly onto the road.
The stone walls bordering the stairs have been revamped, along with the stairway lighting. The pathway from the stairway to the village entrance is now easier, with pedestrian paths securing foot traffic along the entire entrance to the village. Barriers at the village entrance have been removed and replaced by retractable bollards that residents and shopkeepers of the village can activate with a badge. Avenue Jean-Charles Mallet (village access) has been completely redone with new asphalt and a paved pedestrian path.
Access to the Village:
Hubac parking: complete overhaul of the stairway leading from Hubac parking to the village. The slope is smoother, and the surfaces have been redone with decorative asphalt. Bright spots in the stairway and restanques highlight the pathway, the restanques, and the retaining walls. The parking lot has 321 parking spaces, including 44 reserved for villagers (accessible by badge). Soon, two spots will be specially set up for electric vehicle charging. Toilets and an elevator accessible to people with reduced mobility have been created.
The Elevator: This 10m high glass-walled elevator allows visitors and village residents to reach the heart of the village from Hubac parking effortlessly. It’s adapted for people with reduced mobility. Mougins received the Accessibility Project Award for this elevator, awarded by the French Paralyzed Association. Until the installation of the fully-glazed permanent cabin in a few months, a temporary elevator already provides access to the village.
The Heart of the Village:
The look of the village evolves discreetly: beautified without losing its character. Firstly, the surfaces have been completely redone with new asphalt. The pedestrian path is marked by a paved alley on either side of the road leading to the village. The streetlights have been replaced with stylish cast iron poles. The fountain at the village entrance has been replaced. The Lieutenant Isnard square has been entirely paved. Electrical lines have been buried. Finally, Wi-Fi terminals provide free internet access throughout the village.
The Place des Patriotes has also undergone significant transformations: no more parking allowed! The square has regained its former charm with a sandy surface, perfect for playing pรฉtanque. Stairs now provide easy access from Chefs alley. It is also where the elevator ends. The stunning panorama with a view over the Grasse hinterland is open. Six plane trees add conviviality to this typical square. The space dedicated to the statue of Commandant Lamy has been paved, and the statue slightly moved.
The Tourist Office:
The village also features a tourist office. Ideally located near Place des Patriotes and directly accessible by elevator, the new building combines modernity with tradition. A flat roof, large bay windows, and stone facades give a fresh character to the square. The interior decoration is contemporary, simple, and welcoming.
