When people think about the French Riviera, they almost always picture the coastline.
The sea. The beaches. The movement of summer along the shore.
But some of my favourite moments on the Riviera happen inland — in places like Mougins, where the pace shifts, the air feels lighter, and the days unfold differently.
Staying in Mougins isn’t about stepping away from the Riviera. It’s about experiencing it from another angle.
Mougins: A Village Above the Coast
Mougins sits just above Cannes, quietly removed from the intensity of the shoreline yet deeply connected to it.
From the village, you look out over the hills and, in places, all the way to the sea. The streets are narrow and historic, the atmosphere calm and lived-in. It’s a place where mornings start slowly, where you hear church bells rather than traffic, and where evenings revolve around long dinners rather than reservations made weeks in advance.
For me, this is where the Riviera feels most balanced.
Why Staying Off the Coast Can Feel Like a Luxury
During summer, the coastline can be vibrant — but it can also be demanding.
Staying inland in Mougins offers space. Space to breathe, to settle into a rhythm, and to enjoy privacy in a way that’s increasingly rare by the sea. Villas here are often set within generous gardens, surrounded by greenery, with large pools and terraces designed for relaxed outdoor living.
It’s a different kind of luxury — one defined by calm rather than proximity.
Still a Stone’s Throw from the Beach
One of the biggest misconceptions about staying in Mougins is distance.
In reality, the coast is remarkably close. Cannes, Antibes, and their beaches are typically 15–25 minutes away, depending on the time of day. That means mornings by the pool in the hills, followed by afternoons by the sea — without ever feeling tied to the crowds.
I often find that guests enjoy the coast more this way. You arrive refreshed, stay as long as you want, and leave when the energy shifts — returning to the calm of the countryside by evening.
Villas Designed for Real Summer Living
Luxury villas in Mougins are built for how people actually live in summer.
Large shaded terraces, expansive pools, outdoor kitchens, and gardens where children can move freely. There’s room for families to spread out, for guests to come and go, and for days to unfold without a schedule.
It’s no surprise that many who stay in Mougins return year after year — often choosing the same area even when they could stay directly on the coast.
A Village That Feels Alive All Year
Unlike some coastal areas that feel seasonal, Mougins has a year-round heartbeat.
The village centre remains active, restaurants are open, and the local community gives the area a sense of authenticity that’s sometimes lost in purely holiday-focused destinations. For longer stays, this makes a real difference — the experience feels grounded, not temporary.
This is one of the reasons Mougins appeals so strongly to families and guests looking for more than just a summer address.
The Riviera, Without the Rush
What I love most about staying in Mougins is the contrast it offers.
You can enjoy everything the Riviera is known for — beaches, restaurants, events, marinas — and still come home to quiet evenings, open skies, and a sense of space. It’s a way of experiencing the region that feels intentional rather than reactive.
For many guests, it becomes the preferred rhythm: coast by day, countryside by night.
Why Mougins Continues to Attract Thoughtful Travellers
Mougins isn’t about trends.
Its appeal lies in consistency — beautiful surroundings, a strong sense of place, and proximity to everything without being consumed by it. For those who value privacy, space, and balance, staying off the coast can feel like a revelation.
It’s still the Riviera.
Just a little calmer.
And only a stone’s throw from the sea.
