The Riviera Village That Stole My Heart: A Personal Story of Mougins

Lucía Torres · 2026-10-05

There are places on the Riviera you discover as an adult. And then there are places that become part of your life before you even understand what they mean. For me, Mougins is one of those places. When my sister and I first moved to the South of France, we attended the International School of Mougins. It was much smaller back then. Every morning, my father would drive us to school. We'd stop at the boulangerie on the way, pick up a croissant, and then he'd drop us off. It was an ordinary school morning. But looking back, it was the beginning of a completely different life. Today, Mougins School has grown considerably, with a much larger campus and an international community. But the school is still part of what makes this area so attractive to families moving to the Riviera. And Mougins itself has changed too. Although the famous hilltop village remains at its heart, the wider area has become one of the most desirable places to live between Cannes and Sophia Antipolis. ### Mougins Is More Than the Village at the Top When people talk about Mougins, they often picture the old village. The winding streets. The stone houses. The restaurants. The galleries. The views. And yes, the village is beautiful. But living in Mougins is about much more than that historic centre. The commune spreads out around the village into residential areas of villas, gardens, mature trees, and quiet roads. This is where you begin to understand why people choose Mougins as a home rather than simply somewhere to visit. You can have a house with a garden and pool, plenty of outdoor space, and a sense of privacy, while still being close to Cannes, Sophia Antipolis, and the coast. ### One of the Riviera's Most Convenient Locations Mougins sits in a particularly useful position. Cannes is close. Le Cannet is just below. Grasse is up in the hills. Valbonne and the villages around Sophia Antipolis are easily accessible. Antibes and Juan-les-Pins are within reach. And Nice and the airport connect you to the rest of France, Europe, and beyond. For someone moving to the Riviera, that makes a real difference. You don't have to choose between living somewhere green and having an easy connection to work, schools, the coast, and the airport. Mougins gives you access to all of them. ### The International School — A Personal Connection The International School of Mougins is particularly important to me because I experienced it myself. When my sister and I arrived here, the school was a much smaller place. Today it has grown into a substantial international school, with students from many different countries and a purpose-built campus serving children through their secondary education. For international families, that is a major consideration. Children can have an international education while growing up in the South of France. And parents can build a life here without feeling that they have sacrificed the educational opportunities they would have had elsewhere. For me, there is something quite nice about seeing how much the school has grown since I was there. It is a reminder of just how much this part of the Riviera has changed. ### Mougins and Valbonne Mougins and Valbonne are close neighbours, but they have very different personalities. Valbonne has a lively village centre, its Friday market, restaurants, cafés, and a particularly international atmosphere. Mougins, on the other hand, feels more residential and peaceful, with its wide avenues and leafy neighborhoods. Both have their charms, but if you're looking for a place that combines tranquility with convenience, Mougins might just be your perfect fit. > "Mougins isn't just a place you visit—it's a place that becomes part of who you are." ### Why Mougins Might Be Right for You If you're considering a move to the Riviera, here are a few reasons why Mougins should be on your list: - **Space and privacy:** Many properties come with large gardens and pools, giving you room to breathe. - **Convenience:** You're minutes from major roads, making it easy to reach Cannes, Nice, and the airport. - **International community:** With the renowned international school and a mix of residents from around the world, you'll feel at home quickly. - **Natural beauty:** The area is green and lush, with mature trees and stunning views of the surrounding hills. So whether you're drawn by the history, the lifestyle, or the practical advantages, Mougins offers a unique blend that's hard to find elsewhere on the Côte d'Azur. And for me, it will always be the village I came back to.