Sunday, September 8, 2024

Hidden gem town on French Riviera offers panoramic views and incredible art

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With its beautiful sea views and high temperatures, many tourists flock to the French Riviera, especially in the summer months.

However, Brits looking to beat the crowds during their trip to the south-western part of the country have been advised to consider a stay in Mougins.

Emilie Thyebaut, founder and owner of the travel blog France Just For You, noted that Mougins is just half an hour away from the popular city of Cannes.

She explained: “With the dramatic backdrop of the Alps on one side and gorgeous panoramic views of the Mediterranean on the other, Mougins is a village for art-lovers and only half an hour by car from Cannes.

“It is filled with independent, upscale art galleries, including work by local artists and by the Masters (Picasso, Cézanne and Dalí among others).”

A town obsessed with the creative side of life, one of the most highly regarded attractions in Mougins is the Museum of Classical Art.

Located just a short distance away from the home that Pablo Picasso lived in from 1961 until his death in 1973, the museum showcases the work of many famous artists from around the world, including paintings and sculptures from the likes of Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and Henri Matisse.

The museum is set to reopen later in June 2024 after extensive renovation work with a wider focus on work from more recent artists.

For tourists looking to get some fresh air and spot wildlife, many previous visitors to Mougins have recommended Etang de Fontmerle.

This five-hectare site’s biggest attraction is a large pond which features a wide collection of lotuses, which typically bloom between June and August.

Whilst taking a stroll around the pond, tourists can also observe the wildlife in the area, with around sixty species regularly visiting the area.

Finally, those planning to get a few souvenirs during their time in Mougins were advised to visit the old town, which contains a wide range of artisan shops.

The incredibly walkable cobbled streets of the area are full of shops that focus on locally crafted pottery, handmade jewellery and, naturally, artwork.

Markets are also held every Tuesday morning, giving visitors the chance to sample some of the town’s local produce, including a wide range of cheeses.

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