It was in 1858 that the villages of Mouans and Sartoux were united by the will of Napoleon III. We are going to make a jump back five centuries. In 1350, following epidemics, the ravages of highwaymen, and Barbary raids, the first village of Mouans was abandoned by its inhabitants.
It wasn’t until the end of the 15th century, in 1496, that the area began to repopulate, thanks to the initiative of Pierre de Grasse, lord of Mouans. The new village was built near the priory of Saint Andrew. The new church was dedicated to this saint. Saint Andrew underwent numerous modifications and expansions.
The main one is its bell tower dating from 1760. The de Grasse family built a castle at the beginning of the 16th century. They retained ownership until 1750, when it passed to the Villeneuve family. In the meantime, in 1592, it was damaged by the Duke of Savoy and ravaged during the revolution.
Today, this castle is entirely dedicated to art with its internationally renowned space. One should not miss the visit to the old stables where a museum recounts the life of yesteryear and the activities of Mouans Sartoux, which was then an agricultural land. The main crops were olives, vineyards, and of course, flowers for the Grasse perfumeries. According to the 1738 cadastre, there were also silk worm farms in the 18th century. The lands of the lord of Mouans were planted with mulberry trees. This industry continued until the 1940s. Water from the Siagne canal arrived in 1873 with the first fountain on the church square.
The town hall we see today dates from 1859. Progress with the railway connected the village to Grasse and Cannes from 1868. The washhouse was built in 1730. One can see the old threshing and drying bins for wheat there. The threshing area was located on the great meadow square; it was relocated in 1850. Mouans Sartoux, neighboring the perfume capital, could not miss out on having its own perfume museum.
In October, Mouans Sartoux is a must-visit for lovers of literature and books. One can then combine intellectual thirst and curiosity by exploring this village, where there are a thousand things to discover.
by Thierry Jan
