This year, the official poster of the 12th edition of the Etoiles de Mougins, which takes place from June 23 to 25, 2017 pays tribute to the cuisines of the five continents. It is therefore quite natural that Daniel Boulud, who has been living in New York since 1982, has the privilege of representing as a guest of honor the famous international festival of gastronomy and the arts of living. A choice that is not due to chance, since this cook, born in Lyon, started his career alongside Roger Vergé at the famous Moulin de Mougins. Two Michelin star chef in his restaurant "Daniel" (Relais et Châteaux on the Upper East Side), he is now at the head of an empire that employs more than 1000 people in his restaurants and cafes in New York cities, Boston, Las Vegas, London, Montreal, Miami, Palm Beach, Toronto, Singapore and Washington. By choosing to open up more to the flavors of the world, the festival affirms its international vocation and its role as ambassador of gastronomy. Because Mougins has long been the meeting place for gourmets. Célestin Véran, in the 30s, welcomed here the greatest of this world who came to taste the best bouillabaisse in the Mediterranean. After the war, the village already had many Michelin-starred restaurants, until the arrival of Roger Vergé in 1969 and his legendary Sunshine cuisine which went around the world, ensuring Mougins international fame. In 1992 with seven stars, Mougins became the most starred town in France. Launched in 2006, in tribute to Roger Vergé, "The Stars of Mougins" have become a benchmark in the world gastronomic landscape.

Fortified village

Fifteen minutes from Cannes, its beaches and festivals, eight kilometers from Grasse and forty kilometers from the first winter sports resort, Mougins, on its hill, proudly dominates towns and villages to the base of the Prealps. From the top of its peak located 260 meters above sea level, bathed in exceptional light, the village stretches out in a spiral like a snail its narrow ancestral alleys. Its doors open onto the serenity of its old houses, its lush vegetation, its hundred-year-old olive trees which remind us that in the past, vineyards and fields of roses made the reputation of this fortified town. Its old wash house, the vaults of its alleys or even old buildings of character welcome galleries and museums all year round for a journey to the heart of art and creation. A privileged location conducive to leisure and incentive activities which has enabled the town to develop a complete tourist offer for businesses, families and high-end customers. A place of awakening dedicated to science and sustainable development, the Eco'Parc has notably welcomed in its 5000 m² building nearly 200 people since it opened in 000. Through the diversity of its spaces, it is aimed at the both young people and adults, individuals and companies and associations working in the fields of the environment and responsible economy. In addition, there is a network of trails for mountain bikes, a provisional circuit for motocross, a sports trail, two pedestrian circuits and two equestrian centers. With its five luxury five- and four-star spas, its charming addresses and its forty restaurants with refined and surprising menus, the city of Mougins also has something to welcome and satisfy the most demanding visitors. On its 2010 hectares, the Parc de la Valmasque will delight nature enthusiasts. There are botanical trails, equestrian trails, a fitness trail and the Fontmerle pond with the unique feature in Europe of having lotus flowers (giant Asian water lilies) on its waters.

French Riviera

In the immediate vicinity, the villages of Biot, Saint-Paul de Vence or Vallauris, follow in the footsteps of their illustrious guests, with the Fernand Léger museum, the Maeght foundation or the ceramic museum which contains works by the great Picasso . In winter, the resorts of Valberg and Mercantour welcome all lovers of winter sports and many giant slaloms counting for the biggest international competitions. Along the coast, small coves and dream beaches, it is now the doors of Nice that open, with its Promenade des Anglais, its old colorful and historic buildings and its carnival in February. Cannes, Antibes, Menton, shine on the sea like so many sparkling jewels posed on the Mediterranean for all the followers, boating, heritage, major cultural events or nightlife. On its rock Monaco invites to luxury, pleasure and shopping, then it is finally Italy with its monuments and its incomparable art of living. But, we must also push west to Saint-Tropez and its legendary celebrities, to attend in September the Classic Sails which stage in this gulf blessed by the Gods, the ballet of the most beautiful schooners, Fife plan and other canvas cathedrals of the world.

Golf destination

Mougins is also establishing itself as a leading golf destination. It hosts two magnificent 18-hole golf courses, the Golf Country Club of Cannes Mougins and the Royal Mougins Golf Club, which are added to 17 other prestigious courses nearby. Built in 1923, the Golf Country Club of Cannes Mougins offers an exceptional course of authenticity on 60 hectares of protected nature. Even today, it is proud to have among its members some of the biggest names in the business world. Didn't the great champion Severiano Ballesteros just say about him:  "Golf Cannes Mougins is for me one of the best courses in Europe" . Another place, another atmosphere, the Royal Mougins Golf Club, which belonged to the Countess of Pourtales, is built on the magnificent Vallon de l'Oeuf domain. This 18-hole course, designed by Robert Von Hagge and located about twenty minutes from the coast, is a real championship course which is nevertheless passable by players of all levels. The n ° 2, baptized  "The angel's jump" is one of its famous signature holes. It winds between waterfall, forest with Mediterranean scents and magnificent panorama. Rich in its past but resolutely turned towards the future, the city launched an ambitious plan to safeguard its heritage which has allowed it to preserve its identity until now. Latest recognition, the municipality received in 2011 the label "City and crafts" under the heading of gastronomy. A first in France, which definitely places Mougins in the firmament of the stars!

David Raynal

To know more : mougins.fr - lesetoilesdemougins.com