
Marathon des Alpes Maritimes Nice-Cannes
This marathon takes place in the cooler autumn, starting in Nice and heading over a slightly varied route each year to the finish in the glamorous centre of Cannes.
© SeeCannes.com
© SeeCannes.com
© SeeCannes.com
© SeeCannes.com
© SeeCannes.com
Gorgeous gastronomic and artful village to the north of Cannes
Mougins covers a large swathe of hillside above Cannes, and this is where the smart money lives - luxurious villas and exquisite gardens dot the landscape, just close enough to enjoy Cannes, but far enough away to avoid the craziness.
The old town (veille ville) is where you should head on a day trip.
Park up and wander into the medieval village. The town is smothered in jasmine, its fragrance is heady on balmy summer nights.
Mougins is totally pedestrianised and is a joy to explore with fountains and sculptures adorning the streets and the plentiful art exhibitions are guaranteed to keep the casual browser enthralled. You can happily wander through the pretty little lanes, and admire the well kept houses and gardens before choosing one of the many restaurants for a long leisurely lunch. Remember to book ahead in the summer months to ensure a table on the terraces.
This marathon takes place in the cooler autumn, starting in Nice and heading over a slightly varied route each year to the finish in the glamorous centre of Cannes.
Annually in February, in the Palais des Festivals, over 170,000 enthusiasts come together for the three day Games Festival.
Fans of Napoleonic history won't want to miss this re-enactment of the landing of Emperor Napoleon after his exile in Elba. On 1 March, 1815, Napoleon arrived with his army, and the scene is played out each year on the beach in Vallauris Golfe-Juan.
The hilltop of Mougins had been occupied since the pre-Roman period and was eventually absorbed into the spread of the Roman Empire. Much of the centre of the 'old' village dates back to the time between the 11th and 15th centuries.
In the 11th century the Count of Antibes gave the Mougins hillside to the Monks of Saint Honorat (from the nearby Îles de Lerins just off the coast of Cannes) who continued to administer the village until the French Revolution. During this period, Mougins was a fortified village surrounded by ramparts and parts of the medieval city wall still exist as well as one of the three original ancient gate towers (Porte Sarrazine).
Today this charming little village is best known for its gastronomy and the artists that it has attracted over the last 100 years. Picasso lived the last 12 years of his life here (1961–1973), in a house next to the chapel of Notre Dame de Vie to the south east of Mougins. His studio was in the old village in a building that is now the tourist office.
There are several art galleries and museums in Mougins and all are worth a visit.
In particular the Mougins Museum of Classical Art has one of the largest private collections of antiques that span vast periods of time and is beautifully curated.
Also worth a visit is the Photography Museum, located in the centre of the Old Town, which houses a display of antique cameras and equipment, alongside a collection of photos of famous painters and artists, including of course, Picasso.
Right in the centre of the old town of Mougins is an interesting photography museum. On display are various antique cameras plus old photography equipment, and a large collection of portraits of Pablo Picasso.
To the south west of Valbonne you'll find a centre for contemporary art known as Espace de l'Art Concret.
In the heart of the old village of Mougins, discover how the beauty of the ancient world has influenced neoclassical, modern and contemporary art.
Pierre Bonnard stayed in this beautiful Belle Epoque house in Le Cannet for over 20 years and painted many of his famous works here.
Covering 561 hectares this park is a beautifully protected area that is flourishing with wildlife, plants and birdlife! Go for a hike around the lake, enjoy a picnic by the river or take a ride on your mountain bike through the forest, there are lots of things to do at this park.
This peaceful oasis in Mougins in one of the largest lotus ponds in Europe and is set in a beautiful park with woodlands stretching as far as Antibes.
Clean and well maintained but free to use. No umbrellas, chairs or sun loungers are provided but you can pick your spot to lay down your towel for the day.
Enjoy the calm waters and amazing views without paying through the roof for a private beach area.
This long and thin stretch of white sand beach runs the length of the Boulevard du Midi from the parking at the Vieux Port towards Cannes la Bocca.
This series of soft sand beaches just west of Cannes have some beautiful red rocky outcrops providing some good snorkelling opportunities and a gorgeous view across the Bay of Cannes to the Esterel Mountains.
Shallow waters, sandy beach and amazing views without paying through the roof for a private beach club. There are two municipal run beaches along the Croisette, Plage Zamenhof to the east and Plage Mace to the west.
A long and narrow stretch of sand on Cannes' eastern most beach and coastal area. Quiet and relaxed, this beach is a favourite with locals as there are no large hotels nearby.
Its strong culinary history is due to great chefs such as Roger Vergé and Alain Ducasse, who have both managed restaurants in the village. Both are synonymous with the restaurant L'Amandier, which is situated in the heart of the old village. This restaurant still exists today and is housed in an important ancient building, that during the Middle Ages this was the court house of the Monks of Saint Honorat, before becoming an almond mill in the 18th/19th centuries.
Mougins hosts the annual 'International Gastronomy Festival of Mougins', or 'Les Étoiles de Mougins', an international gastronomic event taking place every September in the village.
Ideally located on the hill in Cannes, the Hotel de Mougins is only five minutes from Sophia Antipolis, ten minutes from Cannes and Grasse, and twenty five minutes from Nice International Airport.
The Paloma gastronomic restaurant, with 2 Michelin stars, welcomes you at the entrance to the old village of Mougins, between Cannes and Grasse, in the heart of the French Riviera.
Bruno Oger and his team welcome you in a 18th century, Provencal style house in the middle of lush greenery. La Villa Archange is a gourmet restaurant that proudly honours its two stars awarded by the Michelin guide.
At the heart of the medieval village of Mougins, the Restaurant L'Amandier has become a legendary place of pilgrimage for the world’s gourmet diners.
Set in the hills above Cannes in the village of Mougins, you will find Le Manoir de L’Etang Hotel. Once home to Picasso, this 19th-century manor house is set in four hectares of land and overlooks a small lake covered in Lotus flowers.
Try La Gaudinade restaurant, the heart of the old village of Mougins and take a moment to discover or rediscover the Provence and flavours from traditional products.
Wandering and exploring in the medieval town centre is a great way to spend your day in Mougins, enjoying the small winding streets, fantastic architecture and rich history of the area. Whilst stopping for a snack or coffee in one of the many cafés, viewing some modern or contempory art in one of the galleries and finally topping off your day with a delicious dinner in an elegant restaurant.
But while you are in Mougins, it's also worth taking the time to enjoy the calm oasis that is the Etang de Fontmerle, the Lotus Pond. This is a very special place where you can spend hours strolling and enjoying the peaceful surrounding in this nature park.
Or if you prefer to be a little more active during your stroll through nature, then why not visit the Royal Mougins Golf Club or the Golf Country Club de Cannes, both of which are situated in Mougins.
Founded in 1993, the Royal Mougins Golf Club is a course of exceptional quality. Designed by world-famous American architect, the late Robert von Hagge, the par 71, 18-hole course extends for 6,004 m through a lush, wooded vale.
The Cannes-Mougins Golf Club provides all features you are expecting from a modern golf within an historical environment. The Cannes Country Club was founded in 1923 by a group of illustrious gentlemen such as Aga Khan, Prince Pierre of Monaco and Baron Edouard de Rothschild.
From foam pits to airbags, basketball to dodgeball and of course trampoline, there is plenty to keep the entire family entertained.
This peaceful oasis in Mougins in one of the largest lotus ponds in Europe and is set in a beautiful park with woodlands stretching as far as Antibes.
Covering 561 hectares this park is a beautifully protected area that is flourishing with wildlife, plants and birdlife! Go for a hike around the lake, enjoy a picnic by the river or take a ride on your mountain bike through the forest, there are lots of things to do at this park.
Leaving Cannes and travelling east along the coast allows you to enjoy the Cap de la Croisette just outside of the centre of Cannes as well as the towns, villages and seaside resorts that are scattered along the Cote d'Azur. A good train service ensures that your journey does not need to be a return, but merely a one way trip.
There is no other way to discover the stunning coast of the Cote d’Azur than by bike. This bike ride is not the most challenging, as no serious hills are conquered, but it is a stunning way to explore the coastal towns of the Cote d’Azur.
This intermediate cycle offers a wonderful contrast of colours as you pass the reds and ochres of the Esterel rock on one side and rippling azur waters of the Mediterranean coastline on the other. A local favourite, you won't be the only one on the road if you ride during the summer or on weekends.
The Cordula was created by the Ligurians, then occupied by the Greeks and Romans before being burned by the Barbarian invasions of the 4th century. The wooded parkland now lies lust north of the coast at Vallauris and offers shade on sunny days.
Hike up to the watch tower at 301m, used for the protection against forest fires in the summer months. The route runs mostly on trails in the Peygros Forest where the abundance of Pine allowed the 18th century villagers to fund the construction of the Parish Church of Auribeau.
Walk amongst wild Mimosa which lights up the hillside and remains a symbol of the French Riviera. It is the only flower that brings its brilliant colours to the middle of winter. Not only visible in winter, its scent travels the valley on a hot summers day.
In 1513, Louis XII stopped the buildint of homes near the wall to retain its defensive character. However, many small hamlets were built along its walls to house the growing population.
A 15 minute boat ride from Cannes brings you to the small island of St. Marguerite. With dense woodland covering most of the island there is plenty of shade.
Escape the town of Grasse an climb up to 895m to gain an amazing view point over the town and the Siagne basin.
Offering divers the chance to explore some of the beautiful underwater areas around Cannes. You will dive the pristine beauty of these relatively untouched, idyllic dive sites.
This public swimming pool is located in Cannes La Boca. It has two pools, one is a 25 metre pool with a depth of 3.4 metres, the other is a smaller pool of 12 metres.
With all their years of experience in water sports you can be assured that you are in safe hands whichever one you choose to try!
Here you can learn about the regattas organised by the club and the art of sailing, as well as of course the practical side.
A small centre that focuses on a personal touch and offers not only beginner diving courses, but PADI certification and also instructor development courses.
Easy Dive is a diving centre and shop in Cannes. There are a range of different courses for all levels from complete beginner to advanced and instructor courses.
There are some fantastic places to stay in Mougins. Most of them are luxury hotels, but they still offer better value than Cannes.
Holiday villa Cannes: In Cannes, 2 km from the Palais des Festivals and the Croisette, in a quiet residential area, magnificent villa situated on a plot of 1500m².
Situated in the famous Californie district, 1km from the beaches and 4.5km from the Palais des Festivals, this charming villa is set in 2600m² of fenced garden with a beautiful sea view. A private saltwater swimming pool (12m x 5m - max depth 1.85m - alarm) is at your disposal.
On the heights of Théoule, pleasant villa with a magnificent sea view located on a plot of 1000m² in terraces.
In the heart of Cannes, 2km from the famous Croisette and its beaches, in a private and secure residential estate with trees, magnificent character villa with a sea view.
Villa just 3 km from Cannes in the town of Le Cannet, with a beautiful sea view.
1.8 km from the Croisette and 1.3 km from the Palais des Festivals, luxurious villa tastefully renovated in 2021 located on a garden of 600 m².
7km from Cannes and its beaches, in a quiet residential area, modern villa located on a plot of 1000 m² not directly overlooked.
This is a unique villa facing the sea in the heart of Cannes, in the very chic area called Palm Beach.
Located on the heights of Mandelieu, 9km from Cannes and the famous Croisette, this magnificent fully renovated villa is ideal for relaxing during a peaceful vacation. Situated on a fenced plot of 2800m², it offers a panoramic sea view over the Lérins Islands and the Cannes basin.
Located in an idyllic setting, 600m from the Croisette and 300m from the rue d'Antibes, in a secure and quiet residence, magnificent villa on a wooded plot of 2350 m² with sea view.
Situated in the famous Californie district, 1km from the beaches and 4.5km from the Palais des Festivals, this charming villa is set in 2600m² of fenced garden with a beautiful sea view. A private saltwater swimming pool (12m x 5m - max depth 1.85m - alarm) is at your disposal.
In the heart of Cannes, 2km from the famous Croisette and its beaches, in a private and secure residential estate with trees, magnificent character villa with a sea view.
Exceptional view of the sea, the Bay of Cannes, Iles de Lérins, and the old quarter Le Suquet. Ideally situated, at the start of La Croisette, just steps from luxury shopping and beaches of golden sand.
Just moments from the famous Croisette and the lively energy of Cannes, La Bastide de l'Oliveraie is a charming four-star hotel set within a peaceful garden surrounded by silvery olive trees. Tucked away in a quiet residential area, it offers a serene retreat while keeping you close to the heart of the city.
A charming and historic four-star villa in the heart of Juan-les-Pins, offering an intimate retreat where Mediterranean elegance and relaxed luxury come together.
The Majestic, a five-star icon on Cannes' Croisette, offers a blend of French elegance, breathtaking Mediterranean views, and a peaceful retreat. With luxurious rooms, exquisite dining options, a private beach, and world-class wellness facilities, it promises an unforgettable stay.
Effortlessly elegant and full of charm, this authentic Provençal mas offers a peaceful escape for romantic getaways and family retreats alike.
A peaceful boutique hotel in the heart of Cannes, Hôtel Cézanne blends comfort and modern style with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. With a spa, fitness room, and private beach access, it's perfect for both relaxation and active getaways.
From Nice airport to Cannes, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
150 vehicles at your disposal for taxi services regionally and across the whole of France 24/7.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
In Mougins, nestled in a highly sought-after residential neighborhood, this newly built contemporary home boasts unobstructed, elevated views over the surrounding hills.
Exceptional estate located just minutes from the Croisette and the heart of Cannes.
Located in one of the most exclusive areas of Mougins, this remarkable villa enjoys a peaceful and green residential environment, just a stone's throw from international schools.
Find out all about what is happening in Cannes and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this glamorous city.
See allLatest News & ReviewsYou will not be short of entertainment in this beautiful French Riviera town, especially during the summer. Perhaps the best known of all the events is the highly glamorous Cannes Film Festival – certainly worth a day trip to the city just to see which celebrities you can spot. There are also markets, international fairs and plenty of cultural and musical festivals.
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