Mougins, France

Nestled in the hills above Cannes in the Alpes-Maritimes department of Southeastern France, Mougins is a charming hilltop village with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine. With a population of just under 20,000, Mougins is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of nearby Cannes, but close enough for a quick 15-minute drive to the city. The town is surrounded by forests, most notably the Valmasque forest, and is home to pines, olives, and cypress trees.

Mougins has been inhabited since the pre-Roman period by ancient Ligurian tribes who eventually became part of the Roman Empire. In 1056, the Count of Antibes gave the Mougins hillside to the Monks of Saint Honorat, who continued to administer the village until the eve of the French Revolution in 1789. Mougins was fortified in the Middle Ages and grew outside its old fortifications while still adhering to the circular structure of the ramparts. During the 18th-century War of the Austrian Succession, the village was damaged by fire and plundered by the Austro-Sardinian armies. Following this, some of the ramparts were deconstructed, and several new little streets of early 19th-century houses were built.

Mougins has been frequented and inhabited by many important personalities throughout history. Napoleon Bonaparte crossed Mougins in March 1815 during his