Le Vieux Puit Guide
Sightseeing
There is so much to see and so many options for days out in the Côte d'Azur and Provence, that it's impossible to do it justice or to mention them all in this little guide. The aim here is just to give you some ideas based on our own favourites. We have guidebooks in the house to help you find alternatives!
Mougins's location makes it exceptionally convenient for the airport and an ideal base from which to explore the Côte d'Azur and to make longer journeys into Provence. It's impossible to list here all of the places of interest - we have guidebooks in the house which can help you out. However, the Côte is popular and renowned for good reason, largely associated with its unique geography and the micro-climate which that creates.
Tucked between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, the Côte benefits from wild back country and a celebrated coastline, and the temperatures vary generally within the comfortable zone - not too hot in summer, nor too cold in winter. It also gets plenty of rain, which means it is green and lush all year round. The region has a rich history, both political and cultural. This combination of geography and history provides a wide range of opportunities for the visitor, from hiking in a National Park to visiting an Art Museum, from canyoning or kayaking in a mountain gorge to lounging on a beach, from music festivals to sailing and sea sports.
We've made some suggestions for trips, and while some of them involve a slightly longer car journey, don't forget that's part of the experience. The A8, the autoroute which runs from Marseilles to Monaco, is not the least attractive road to drive, running as it does through extraordinary terrain nearly the whole way. There are plentiful opportunities to stop off and take a break or a stroll.
Likewise, the routes north into the mountains from Mougins or Nice are well worth the drives on their own for the wild landscapes they open up. If you take the Route Napoleon, which runs from Cannes through Mougins and Grasse and onto Castellane and the Gorge du Verdon, you really are following in the footsteps of history. This is the route Napoleon took after his return from exile in Elba, as he marched towards Paris gathering an army as he went.
Journey times from the villa by car include:
. Nice Côte d'Azur airport - 20-30 minutes
. Nice old town - 30-40 minutes
. Monaco - 60 minutes
. St-Martin-Vesubie - 1 hr 30 minutes
. Saint-Paul de Vence - for the Mercantour National Park - 45 minutes
. Cannes - 10-20 minutes
. Antibes (old port) - 20-30 minutes
. Grasse - 20 minutes
. Gourdon/Pont du Loup/Gorge du Loup - 30 minutes
. Castellane - 1 hr 20 minutes
. Gorge du Verdon - 2 hrs 30-50 min
. Aix-en-Provence - 90 minutes
. Îles d'Hyères - 90 minutes
. Cassis - 1 hr 50 minutes
. Marseille - 1hr 50 minutes
. Avignon - 2hrs 20 minutes
. Arles - for the Camargue - 2hrs 15 minutes
The Cote D'Azur
6 Rue du Château d'EauMougins's location makes it exceptionally convenient for the airport and an ideal base from which to explore the Côte d'Azur and to make longer journeys into Provence. It's impossible to list here all of the places of interest - we have guidebooks in the house which can help you out. However, the Côte is popular and renowned for good reason, largely associated with its unique geography and the micro-climate which that creates.
Tucked between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, the Côte benefits from wild back country and a celebrated coastline, and the temperatures vary generally within the comfortable zone - not too hot in summer, nor too cold in winter. It also gets plenty of rain, which means it is green and lush all year round. The region has a rich history, both political and cultural. This combination of geography and history provides a wide range of opportunities for the visitor, from hiking in a National Park to visiting an Art Museum, from canyoning or kayaking in a mountain gorge to lounging on a beach, from music festivals to sailing and sea sports.
We've made some suggestions for trips, and while some of them involve a slightly longer car journey, don't forget that's part of the experience. The A8, the autoroute which runs from Marseilles to Monaco, is not the least attractive road to drive, running as it does through extraordinary terrain nearly the whole way. There are plentiful opportunities to stop off and take a break or a stroll.
Likewise, the routes north into the mountains from Mougins or Nice are well worth the drives on their own for the wild landscapes they open up. If you take the Route Napoleon, which runs from Cannes through Mougins and Grasse and onto Castellane and the Gorge du Verdon, you really are following in the footsteps of history. This is the route Napoleon took after his return from exile in Elba, as he marched towards Paris gathering an army as he went.
Journey times from the villa by car include:
. Nice Côte d'Azur airport - 20-30 minutes
. Nice old town - 30-40 minutes
. Monaco - 60 minutes
. St-Martin-Vesubie - 1 hr 30 minutes
. Saint-Paul de Vence - for the Mercantour National Park - 45 minutes
. Cannes - 10-20 minutes
. Antibes (old port) - 20-30 minutes
. Grasse - 20 minutes
. Gourdon/Pont du Loup/Gorge du Loup - 30 minutes
. Castellane - 1 hr 20 minutes
. Gorge du Verdon - 2 hrs 30-50 min
. Aix-en-Provence - 90 minutes
. Îles d'Hyères - 90 minutes
. Cassis - 1 hr 50 minutes
. Marseille - 1hr 50 minutes
. Avignon - 2hrs 20 minutes
. Arles - for the Camargue - 2hrs 15 minutes
9 km from Mougins, Valbonne is a popular and lively village with a good selection of restaurants and shops in and around the central square. If you like walking, there is a pleasant trail alongside the river Brague, which can be joined from the village via a path close to the small car park on Ave de Pierrefeu.
218 yerel halk öneriyor
Valbonne
9 km from Mougins, Valbonne is a popular and lively village with a good selection of restaurants and shops in and around the central square. If you like walking, there is a pleasant trail alongside the river Brague, which can be joined from the village via a path close to the small car park on Ave de Pierrefeu.
Perched on a clifftop at the entrance of the Gorge du Loup, Gourdon is one of our favourite places to visit. It has all the beauty and charm to be expected of a Provencal Village, plus spectacular views of the coast. We usually take a hike down (and up...) the Chemin du Paradis, a trail which leads all the way down the cliff to the village of Pont du Loup. The reward is always a cup of coffee and the best (and most deserved) ice cream ever at Le Glacier de Gourdon. Lavender, Rose Petal, Rosemary and other unusual but delicious flavours celebrate the Grasse region's status as the hub of the global perfume and scent industry.
116 yerel halk öneriyor
Gourdon
Perched on a clifftop at the entrance of the Gorge du Loup, Gourdon is one of our favourite places to visit. It has all the beauty and charm to be expected of a Provencal Village, plus spectacular views of the coast. We usually take a hike down (and up...) the Chemin du Paradis, a trail which leads all the way down the cliff to the village of Pont du Loup. The reward is always a cup of coffee and the best (and most deserved) ice cream ever at Le Glacier de Gourdon. Lavender, Rose Petal, Rosemary and other unusual but delicious flavours celebrate the Grasse region's status as the hub of the global perfume and scent industry.
Heard of Cannes? Probably... It's renowned for good reason. Sure, it can get a bit blingy at the height of the season, but this is a real town with a real character, real people and a history. Plus, honestly, it's pretty good looking.
We enjoy nothing more than a ride down to the beach for an early morning dip in the sea, followed by a coffee and a croissant at one of the pretty sky-blue and white kiosks stationed regularly all the way from La Croisette to La Napoule. This is also a great stretch for jogging - 10k is no problem if you want it. Start at the Square Mistral and head west - then, turn round and come back before you run out of gas. Aside from that, there is beach volleyball, windsurfing at Gazagnaire Plage, and the possibility to rent or charter boats.
Obviously, Cannes offers a massive range of restaurants, and even those which have taken the spots on the beach are remarkably reasonable - good food and prices that don't have to break the bank. There's also shopping, with all the major fashion brands represented on the Croisette and the Rue d'Antibes.
Finally, the Îles de Lerin, a group of islands just offshore, can be reached by regular ferries from Quai Laubeuf at the old port, which has good parking. It's worth a trip. We usually go to Île Marguerite, the larger island: it's quiet place to get away from the bustle of the town, with good bathing and strolls along sandy footpaths shaded by tall Eucalyptus trees. In addition, you can visit Fort Royal and spend some time alone in the cell where the Man in the Iron Mask spent a few unhappy years. It's actually pretty pleasant.
714 yerel halk öneriyor
Cannes
Heard of Cannes? Probably... It's renowned for good reason. Sure, it can get a bit blingy at the height of the season, but this is a real town with a real character, real people and a history. Plus, honestly, it's pretty good looking.
We enjoy nothing more than a ride down to the beach for an early morning dip in the sea, followed by a coffee and a croissant at one of the pretty sky-blue and white kiosks stationed regularly all the way from La Croisette to La Napoule. This is also a great stretch for jogging - 10k is no problem if you want it. Start at the Square Mistral and head west - then, turn round and come back before you run out of gas. Aside from that, there is beach volleyball, windsurfing at Gazagnaire Plage, and the possibility to rent or charter boats.
Obviously, Cannes offers a massive range of restaurants, and even those which have taken the spots on the beach are remarkably reasonable - good food and prices that don't have to break the bank. There's also shopping, with all the major fashion brands represented on the Croisette and the Rue d'Antibes.
Finally, the Îles de Lerin, a group of islands just offshore, can be reached by regular ferries from Quai Laubeuf at the old port, which has good parking. It's worth a trip. We usually go to Île Marguerite, the larger island: it's quiet place to get away from the bustle of the town, with good bathing and strolls along sandy footpaths shaded by tall Eucalyptus trees. In addition, you can visit Fort Royal and spend some time alone in the cell where the Man in the Iron Mask spent a few unhappy years. It's actually pretty pleasant.
Castellane is the key point of access to the Gorge du Verdon. Many of the companies offering rafting, kayaking and canyoning tours in the Gorge du Verdon area are based in Castellane, and this the start point for the tours.
Otherwise, the town itself is pretty and there are the usual selections of restaurants and cafes, while perched above it and accessible with by footpath for a short but challenging uphill walk is the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Roque, from which the photographs were taken.
From the villa, we recommend the drive via Grasse, then north-west on the Route Napoleon into the mountains. It's a gorgeous ride.
59 yerel halk öneriyor
Castellane
Castellane is the key point of access to the Gorge du Verdon. Many of the companies offering rafting, kayaking and canyoning tours in the Gorge du Verdon area are based in Castellane, and this the start point for the tours.
Otherwise, the town itself is pretty and there are the usual selections of restaurants and cafes, while perched above it and accessible with by footpath for a short but challenging uphill walk is the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Roque, from which the photographs were taken.
From the villa, we recommend the drive via Grasse, then north-west on the Route Napoleon into the mountains. It's a gorgeous ride.
Verdon Gorge
Yes, it's worth the trip!
Nice is a great city, and it's well worth an evening in the old town, wandering the narrow streets, shopping and finding a cosy restaurant for dinner. The beach is pebbly, but the sea is an extraordinary turquoise blue, and a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais is always worthwhile. Special attractions include the Matisse Museum, the Nice Jazz Festival (July) and cocktails at the Negresco.
511 yerel halk öneriyor
Nice
Nice is a great city, and it's well worth an evening in the old town, wandering the narrow streets, shopping and finding a cosy restaurant for dinner. The beach is pebbly, but the sea is an extraordinary turquoise blue, and a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais is always worthwhile. Special attractions include the Matisse Museum, the Nice Jazz Festival (July) and cocktails at the Negresco.
We usually spend at least a couple of evenings each summer in Antibes. The old town is pretty, there is a small but perfectly-formed Picasso Museum set in a castle, there's interesting shopping and there are decent and reasonably-priced restaurants. We usually pick between one of the Asian ones on the Boulevard d'Aguillon, just inside the old town walls by the port. It's also a favourite to visit Cap d'Antibes, drive the perimeter, drop into the Hotel du Cap for a drink on the terrace, or take dip in the sea at one of the beaches.
558 yerel halk öneriyor
Antibes
We usually spend at least a couple of evenings each summer in Antibes. The old town is pretty, there is a small but perfectly-formed Picasso Museum set in a castle, there's interesting shopping and there are decent and reasonably-priced restaurants. We usually pick between one of the Asian ones on the Boulevard d'Aguillon, just inside the old town walls by the port. It's also a favourite to visit Cap d'Antibes, drive the perimeter, drop into the Hotel du Cap for a drink on the terrace, or take dip in the sea at one of the beaches.
A historic powerhouse, university city and the proud hometown of Paul Cézanne - not that the locals particularly appreciated him during his lifetime! They do now, and though the Cézanne Museum has changed its name to the Musée Granet, on account of it's displaying the work of plenty of other great artists, his former atelier is now open to the public. Aix is a great place all round for a city daytrip, but it's almost worth the journey just to see Cézanne's favourite subject in the flesh - the brooding, iconic Montagne Ste-Victoire.
145 yerel halk öneriyor
Aix-en-Provence
A historic powerhouse, university city and the proud hometown of Paul Cézanne - not that the locals particularly appreciated him during his lifetime! They do now, and though the Cézanne Museum has changed its name to the Musée Granet, on account of it's displaying the work of plenty of other great artists, his former atelier is now open to the public. Aix is a great place all round for a city daytrip, but it's almost worth the journey just to see Cézanne's favourite subject in the flesh - the brooding, iconic Montagne Ste-Victoire.
Pont du Loup is a small village located in the shadow the eponymous bridge, the remains of a Roman aqueduct, and at the entrance to the Gorge du Loup. From here you can take on the challenge of the Chemin du Paradis, the path up the cliffs to Gourdon. Alternatively, there is a beautiful walk alongside the Loup river into the Gorge. The path starts by the famous (and pretty) candy factory by the bridge, and passes by waterfalls and plunge pools, most easily swimmable. We usually stop for a picnic and a dive into the fresh mountain waters at the one in the picture, a couple of km into the Gorge. There is a good car park by the church 200m from the candy factory, and a lively cafe where we usually grab refreshments at the end of the trip. Note: this is a reasonably easy walk, but there are some sections which require a bit of scrambling over broken ground and places which, while broad, border fairly steep drops. Small kids will love it, but I would keep them on a tight leash. It's not suitable for wheelchair users or those otherwise mobility-impaired.
24 yerel halk öneriyor
Pont du Loup
Pont du Loup is a small village located in the shadow the eponymous bridge, the remains of a Roman aqueduct, and at the entrance to the Gorge du Loup. From here you can take on the challenge of the Chemin du Paradis, the path up the cliffs to Gourdon. Alternatively, there is a beautiful walk alongside the Loup river into the Gorge. The path starts by the famous (and pretty) candy factory by the bridge, and passes by waterfalls and plunge pools, most easily swimmable. We usually stop for a picnic and a dive into the fresh mountain waters at the one in the picture, a couple of km into the Gorge. There is a good car park by the church 200m from the candy factory, and a lively cafe where we usually grab refreshments at the end of the trip. Note: this is a reasonably easy walk, but there are some sections which require a bit of scrambling over broken ground and places which, while broad, border fairly steep drops. Small kids will love it, but I would keep them on a tight leash. It's not suitable for wheelchair users or those otherwise mobility-impaired.
Cassis is a small port village close to Marseilles, about 1 hr 45 mins drive from the villa. It's a long way, but it's worth it! The port itself is typically well-made-up and gorgeously located, overlooked by a high bluff on which a former castle has been turned into a luxury hotel. It's also the starting point for boat trips into the 'Calanques', a series of narrow coves which are popular with bathers and sailers and are difficult to access by land. The Calanques alone make the ride worthwhile!
550 yerel halk öneriyor
Cassis
Cassis is a small port village close to Marseilles, about 1 hr 45 mins drive from the villa. It's a long way, but it's worth it! The port itself is typically well-made-up and gorgeously located, overlooked by a high bluff on which a former castle has been turned into a luxury hotel. It's also the starting point for boat trips into the 'Calanques', a series of narrow coves which are popular with bathers and sailers and are difficult to access by land. The Calanques alone make the ride worthwhile!
From the old port of Cannes, the Îles de Lérins, a group of islands just offshore, can be reached by regular ferries departing Quai Laubeuf, which has good parking. It's worth a trip.
We usually go to Île Marguerite, the largest island. It's quiet place to get away from the bustle of the town, with good bathing and strolls along sandy footpaths shaded by tall Eucalyptus trees. In addition, you can visit Fort Royal and spend some time alone in the cell where the Man in the Iron Mask passed a few unhappy years. It's actually pretty pleasant...
76 yerel halk öneriyor
Lérins Islands
From the old port of Cannes, the Îles de Lérins, a group of islands just offshore, can be reached by regular ferries departing Quai Laubeuf, which has good parking. It's worth a trip.
We usually go to Île Marguerite, the largest island. It's quiet place to get away from the bustle of the town, with good bathing and strolls along sandy footpaths shaded by tall Eucalyptus trees. In addition, you can visit Fort Royal and spend some time alone in the cell where the Man in the Iron Mask passed a few unhappy years. It's actually pretty pleasant...
Saint-Martin is a small mountain town reached by a road through spectacular gorges cut by fast flowing mountain rivers. It's only an hour and a half from the villa, but it feels like a journey into another world. There are trails nearby into the Parc National du Mercantour, bringing you into the wild, the habitat of marmots and high mountain lakes. Take a daypack and a picnic, and look forward to an ice cream in Saint-Martin on the way back.
23 yerel halk öneriyor
Saint-Martin-Vésubie
Saint-Martin is a small mountain town reached by a road through spectacular gorges cut by fast flowing mountain rivers. It's only an hour and a half from the villa, but it feels like a journey into another world. There are trails nearby into the Parc National du Mercantour, bringing you into the wild, the habitat of marmots and high mountain lakes. Take a daypack and a picnic, and look forward to an ice cream in Saint-Martin on the way back.
Arles is a Roman city complete with colosseum, the gateway to the Camargue, the site of van Gogh's aural self-mutilation and the hometown of the Gipsy Kings. If that isn't enough to justify a trip, I don't know what would be! A little over two hours from the villa, it's a photogenic city, full of interesting sights, and a good subject for a day trip on its own. Alternatively, if you're up for a longer journey, head for the Camargue national park, and stop off in Arles for an evening meal before the drive back along the A54 and A8.
531 yerel halk öneriyor
Arles
Arles is a Roman city complete with colosseum, the gateway to the Camargue, the site of van Gogh's aural self-mutilation and the hometown of the Gipsy Kings. If that isn't enough to justify a trip, I don't know what would be! A little over two hours from the villa, it's a photogenic city, full of interesting sights, and a good subject for a day trip on its own. Alternatively, if you're up for a longer journey, head for the Camargue national park, and stop off in Arles for an evening meal before the drive back along the A54 and A8.
Food shopping near the Villa
If you're at Le Vieux Put, it's quite likely you'll be wanting to cook - or at least eat - at some point in time. I, therefore, decided to include a section with a few recommendations for the places where we typically shop. I'm not saying these are the best places - well, actually, I am saying that about some of them, because they really offer fantastic produce and friendly service - but I hope it will be helpful for you to quickly find what you need.
This might sound strange, but this is my favourite fruit and veg shop in the world. Ok, it is strange, but I do get a lot of energy from people who take as much pride in what they do as these guys. All fruit and veg in Provence does taste just that bit better than it would at home in the UK, Germany, the Nordics, etc, but this team does select truly great produce, intermingled among lesser but still good varieties at a more normal price. They stack it into orderly pyramids, and if I'm not mistaken, they polish every apple and buff each banana. In addition to the great produce, they stock a good range of cheeses and the best yoghurts in the world - seriously. Just be careful: if you get too carried away, it can be quite a surprise at the checkout. Located in Val de Mougins right next to the car park at the corner of Avenue de Pibonson and Avenue de Tournamy.
La Grange Au Val Sarl
167 Av. de TournamyThis might sound strange, but this is my favourite fruit and veg shop in the world. Ok, it is strange, but I do get a lot of energy from people who take as much pride in what they do as these guys. All fruit and veg in Provence does taste just that bit better than it would at home in the UK, Germany, the Nordics, etc, but this team does select truly great produce, intermingled among lesser but still good varieties at a more normal price. They stack it into orderly pyramids, and if I'm not mistaken, they polish every apple and buff each banana. In addition to the great produce, they stock a good range of cheeses and the best yoghurts in the world - seriously. Just be careful: if you get too carried away, it can be quite a surprise at the checkout. Located in Val de Mougins right next to the car park at the corner of Avenue de Pibonson and Avenue de Tournamy.
Just 50m down the Avenue Tournamy from the Grange au Val, this Bakery is another winner. The best croissants in France, and great bread. My favourite is the Catherinette baguette, which is named after the owner, and which, with a crunchy crust and a special mix of grains, is unique to the Mouginoise. Very reasonably priced and friendly service, I'm there every morning.
10 yerel halk öneriyor
Boulangerie la Mouginoise des Pains
4 Chem. Saint-BarthélémyJust 50m down the Avenue Tournamy from the Grange au Val, this Bakery is another winner. The best croissants in France, and great bread. My favourite is the Catherinette baguette, which is named after the owner, and which, with a crunchy crust and a special mix of grains, is unique to the Mouginoise. Very reasonably priced and friendly service, I'm there every morning.
This is one of the best butchers/charcuteries in France. Official: it's won prizes. They source great meat and are experts in preparing it for you depending on how you'd like it: they're real artisan butchers. In addition, they have a selection of grill spits and other dishes they prepare on-site. The prices for the meat reflect the premium quality they buy in: it's a treat, and it's worth it. In Val de Mougins, just past the cafe on the corner of Av. Pibonson and Av. Tournamy, about 50m from Grange au Val and the car park.
By the way, no one is paying me to say all this!
7 yerel halk öneriyor
La Boucherie Lerda
109 Av. de TournamyThis is one of the best butchers/charcuteries in France. Official: it's won prizes. They source great meat and are experts in preparing it for you depending on how you'd like it: they're real artisan butchers. In addition, they have a selection of grill spits and other dishes they prepare on-site. The prices for the meat reflect the premium quality they buy in: it's a treat, and it's worth it. In Val de Mougins, just past the cafe on the corner of Av. Pibonson and Av. Tournamy, about 50m from Grange au Val and the car park.
By the way, no one is paying me to say all this!
Located on the Rue des Remparts in the old village of Mougins, next to a quiet square which has hosted in recent years giant gorillas and immense strawberries (yes! sculptures...), the Epicerie Coste is a small but charming delicatessen with friendly service and an interesting range of jams, spreads, condiments and other goodies. They can also serve you a coffee or a beer at a seat on the ramparts overlooking whichever strange sculptured creature the village has decided should occupy the square at the time.
Epicerie Coste
33 Rue des RempartsLocated on the Rue des Remparts in the old village of Mougins, next to a quiet square which has hosted in recent years giant gorillas and immense strawberries (yes! sculptures...), the Epicerie Coste is a small but charming delicatessen with friendly service and an interesting range of jams, spreads, condiments and other goodies. They can also serve you a coffee or a beer at a seat on the ramparts overlooking whichever strange sculptured creature the village has decided should occupy the square at the time.
La Cave de Mougins stocks an unusual and rewarding range of sometimes lesser known wines and champagnes to differentiate itself from the big supermarkets. It also carries some spirits and has a small Deli selection. It's a good choice if you're interested in wines, and it has a restaurant area where they'll serve you an amazing platter of cheese and ham while you sample their fruits of the vine and gaze across the valley at the foothills of the Alps and the approach to the Gorge du Loup. Located at the entrance to Mougins village on Av. Jean-Charles Mallet.
6 yerel halk öneriyor
MOUGINS THE CELLAR
50 Av. Jean-Charles MalletLa Cave de Mougins stocks an unusual and rewarding range of sometimes lesser known wines and champagnes to differentiate itself from the big supermarkets. It also carries some spirits and has a small Deli selection. It's a good choice if you're interested in wines, and it has a restaurant area where they'll serve you an amazing platter of cheese and ham while you sample their fruits of the vine and gaze across the valley at the foothills of the Alps and the approach to the Gorge du Loup. Located at the entrance to Mougins village on Av. Jean-Charles Mallet.
Carrefour Market at the Tournamy roundabout (left from Av. Pibonson onto Av. Tournamy and straight down) is the nearest supermarket, 2.1 km from the villa. It's very useful for packaged food, drinks and household goods - all the brands of tea (Twining's English Breakfast, of course!) and coffee, beer, wines and spirits, etc. Prices are ok. The produce is ok if you're in a hurry. It's close and convenient!
35 yerel halk öneriyor
Market
Moulin de BrunCarrefour Market at the Tournamy roundabout (left from Av. Pibonson onto Av. Tournamy and straight down) is the nearest supermarket, 2.1 km from the villa. It's very useful for packaged food, drinks and household goods - all the brands of tea (Twining's English Breakfast, of course!) and coffee, beer, wines and spirits, etc. Prices are ok. The produce is ok if you're in a hurry. It's close and convenient!
My brother-in-law, who's more of a foodie than I am, introduced me to this supermarket shortly after it opened about ten years ago. In a competitive grocery market dominated by Carrefour, Casino and LeClerc, these guys have done a great job to grow a distinctive presence based on - guess what? - freshness. The central area is dedicated to a wide assortment of well presented fruit and veg, they have a very good butchery section, and the selection of cheese and dairy products is amazing. They complement this with a selection of dry goods - pastas, baking goods, cereals, etc - but they aren't focused on the big brands or general grocery, more the tasty and 'good food' ones. It's a great store, and I tend to use it most for main fresh produce shopping. It doesn't sell any household goods or personal care products, and the dry grocery section is relatively small, so you'll probably have to complement a trip here with a visit to Carrefour or Casino - but the quality makes it worth the extra few minutes, and while it's difficult to tell, it doesn't feel more expensive. Grand Frais Mougins is located on Avenue Saint-Martin, less than 1km from Carrefour market on the other side of the Penetrante motorway roundabout, heading towards Mouans Sartoux.
19 yerel halk öneriyor
Grand Frais Mougins
667 Av. Saint-MartinMy brother-in-law, who's more of a foodie than I am, introduced me to this supermarket shortly after it opened about ten years ago. In a competitive grocery market dominated by Carrefour, Casino and LeClerc, these guys have done a great job to grow a distinctive presence based on - guess what? - freshness. The central area is dedicated to a wide assortment of well presented fruit and veg, they have a very good butchery section, and the selection of cheese and dairy products is amazing. They complement this with a selection of dry goods - pastas, baking goods, cereals, etc - but they aren't focused on the big brands or general grocery, more the tasty and 'good food' ones. It's a great store, and I tend to use it most for main fresh produce shopping. It doesn't sell any household goods or personal care products, and the dry grocery section is relatively small, so you'll probably have to complement a trip here with a visit to Carrefour or Casino - but the quality makes it worth the extra few minutes, and while it's difficult to tell, it doesn't feel more expensive. Grand Frais Mougins is located on Avenue Saint-Martin, less than 1km from Carrefour market on the other side of the Penetrante motorway roundabout, heading towards Mouans Sartoux.
Another 1km on towards Mouans Sartoux from Grand Frais is a huge Casino Supermarket. I've taken to going there for dry goods and gluten-free/bio/eco stuff, because our household wants it and Carrefour and Grand Frais don't have much. It combines well with a trip to Grand Frais, in fact. Their Fruit and veg is, honestly, not that great, but they do have very good butchery and seafood departments. In addition to all the food ranges, it has a broader set of homewears - including things like batteries and sewing kits... Just in case you need such a thing on your holiday?
61 yerel halk öneriyor
Casino supermarché
1006 Chem. des GourettesAnother 1km on towards Mouans Sartoux from Grand Frais is a huge Casino Supermarket. I've taken to going there for dry goods and gluten-free/bio/eco stuff, because our household wants it and Carrefour and Grand Frais don't have much. It combines well with a trip to Grand Frais, in fact. Their Fruit and veg is, honestly, not that great, but they do have very good butchery and seafood departments. In addition to all the food ranges, it has a broader set of homewears - including things like batteries and sewing kits... Just in case you need such a thing on your holiday?
My wife absolutely insisted I had to put the Marché Forville in the guide - and who am I to disagree? She takes all her friends there, absolutely loves it. It's a half-day day-trip. In seriousness, it's a fun experience, wandering around the stalls selling cheeses, meats, nuts, F&V and most things you might want to eat. There's a lot on offer, and you can always find quality local produce at decent prices - though you should also test it to make sure it's not overripe. Well worth the trip, and if you fall off the pace, you can at least escape to one of the many cafes lined up in the streets alongside the marketplace. Located near to the old port of Cannes, about 20 minutes from the villa. Park at the Suquet-Forville Car Park (which is free for three hours, I believe) and the Market is right outside.
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Marché Forville
My wife absolutely insisted I had to put the Marché Forville in the guide - and who am I to disagree? She takes all her friends there, absolutely loves it. It's a half-day day-trip. In seriousness, it's a fun experience, wandering around the stalls selling cheeses, meats, nuts, F&V and most things you might want to eat. There's a lot on offer, and you can always find quality local produce at decent prices - though you should also test it to make sure it's not overripe. Well worth the trip, and if you fall off the pace, you can at least escape to one of the many cafes lined up in the streets alongside the marketplace. Located near to the old port of Cannes, about 20 minutes from the villa. Park at the Suquet-Forville Car Park (which is free for three hours, I believe) and the Market is right outside.