What do we really know about Mouans-Sartoux? A pretty Provençal village, no doubt. A dot on the map between Grasse and Cannes, probably. Wrong. This village of fewer than 10,000 inhabitants reveals an unsuspected cultural and ecological power. How can we explain that it houses one of the world's most important collections of abstract art, classified as a "national treasure," in its medieval castle? That it hosts one of the largest literary festivals in France every autumn? That it has been feeding its children 100% local organic food since 2012? Mouans-Sartoux is not a village like any other: it is a land of contrasts that is well worth a visit.

The Château de Mouans-Sartoux and the Espace de l'Art Concret (EAC)

A medieval symbol on the French Riviera, the Mouans-Sartoux Castle It was built at the beginning of the 16th century by Jean de Grasse. With its three imposing towers and shaded park, this building is distinguished by its original triangular plan, which is unusual in France. The château does not house a traditional local history museum, but one of the most unique art centers in France: The Concrete Art Space. Upon passing through the gate, you leave behind the Provençal charm to enter a world of pure lines, shapes and colors. Concrete art, this concept, born in the 1930s, rejects the imitation of nature. Here, there are no landscapes or portraits, but geometric compositions, plays on balance and rhythm, where painting, sculpture, or installation exist for their own sake. It is an art that speaks to the intellect and the senses, often with a refined and vibrant beauty.

The jewel of the EAC? The Albers-Honegger Donation. It's a remarkable story. In 2000, Gottfried Honegger, a major concrete artist, and his partner Sybil Albers made an extraordinary gesture: they donated their personal collection, comprising nearly 700 works by some of the biggest names in art (Max Bill, Richard Paul Lohse, Sol LeWitt, and many others), to the Alpes-Maritimes department. It is one of the the world's most important collections in this field which is now classified as a "national treasure" and is the subject of an entry in the inventory of the National Center for Visual Arts.

Also not to be missed: the landscaped 3-hectare park created by Gilles Clément, who also designed the gardens of the Quai Branly Museum in Paris, highlights the site's particular topography with the presence of a great diversity of plants, including the "Garden of 7 colors".

Address Château de Mouans, 06370 Mouans-Sartoux

Practical information

The book festival: a nationally significant event

Every first weekend of October, Mouans-Sartoux lives to the rhythm of words and ideas. Book Festival In its more than 35 years of existence, it has become one of the most important literary festivals in France. A remarkable achievement for a town of fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. For three intense days, nearly 400 authors and 50,000 visitors fill the village streets.

What makes this festival unique is its commitment. From its inception in 1988, it has chosen to highlight quality literature and social debates. The biggest names in French literature have participated, from Nancy Huston to Patrick Chamoiseau, including Annie Ernaux long before she won the Nobel Prize. Indeed, the festival's strength lies in its ability to bring together internationally renowned writers and passionate readers.

During the event, writing workshops, roundtables, and activities are organized to facilitate interaction between the public and the authors. The festival concludes with literary concerts that reinforce its artistic dimension.

Practical information

The famous 100% organic canteen: an inspiring model

It all began in the late 90s. André Aschiéri, then mayor of the town, was concerned about the impact of pesticides on health and the environment. A bold idea took root: what if the municipality provided all schoolchildren with food entirely from organic farming? The project was simple in its concept, but represented an immense challenge in its implementation. At the time, finding suppliers capable of providing such a large volume of organic and locally sourced food seemed like a pipe dream.

The town's response was radical and brilliant. Since the market couldn't supply the vegetables, the town decided to produce them itself. In 2010, the municipality acquired the Haute-Combe estate, a 6-hectare plot of land on the outskirts of the village, and created its own agricultural management municipal. Three farmers are hired by the town hall to grow, in open fields and in greenhouses, the vegetables intended for 1300 meals served daily in the canteens.

Today, the gamble has more than paid off. Not only are the canteens 100% bio and certified with the Ecocert Excellence label for their kitchens, the farm supplies approximately 85% of the vegetables needed, guaranteeing absolute freshness and traceability. And the most incredible thing? This revolution has been achieved without increasing the price of meals for families. The secret lies in a relentless fight against food waste: portions adapted to each child's appetite, stale bread transformed into pudding, and ongoing awareness campaigns that make schoolchildren the first ambassadors of this initiative food model. Having become an international case study, Mouans-Sartoux proves that there is another way towards food autonomy is possible.

Where can one experience this spirit?

This philosophy of "eating well" doesn't stop at the school gates: it's felt throughout the entire village. For a visitor, it's easy and pleasant to immerse themselves in this culture of good taste and local produce.

The first obvious step is the market. Every Wednesday it is held the farmers market. There you'll find not only the vegetables that are the pride of the region, but also olive oil, honey, and cheeses produced within a few kilometers. It's the perfect opportunity to chat directly with those who cultivate the land with passion.

The same principle applies to restaurants. Avoid long menus and opt for establishments whose menu changes with the seasons and available ingredients. Among the must-try restaurants is... Crazy about Bio showcasing vegan and vegetarian cuisine made with fresh, seasonal, organic produce. You can also visit the craft brewery IN THE BARREL which creates certified organic beers from ingredients produced in France in a 350 m2 space. Looking for authentic cuisine? The Little Stopper It's a Lyonnais bouchon but in Mouans-Sartoux with terraces overlooking the alleyways.

The charm of an authentic Provençal village

There are other ways to discover Mouans-Sartoux. One of the simplest: take a stroll through its narrow streets and discover some treasures like the MUR or, for nature lovers, the MIP garden.

Strolling through the narrow streets of the old village

The best thing to do is get lost. Park your car and forget your GPS. The historic heart of Mouans-Sartoux is best explored on foot, without a plan, wandering aimlessly through the narrow lanes that wind up and down around the castle. The very structure of the old town tells its story: a castrum Medieval, a fortified village whose houses have clustered together in a protective circle. The old gates that closed off the enclosure can still be seen.

As you wander, your gaze is drawn to a thousand details: a spectacular wisteria cascading down a wall, the lavender blue of freshly painted shutters, a cat asleep on a stone curb. The sound of your footsteps echoes on the ancient cobblestones. Suddenly, an alleyway opens onto the Place du Grand Pré, the true heart of the village, with its café terraces shaded by plane trees and its bell tower watching over the inhabitants. This is where local life pulsates, where people gather for the market or simply watch the world go by.

The WALL: an open-air canvas

Turning a corner in a square, very close to the cinema, your eye is suddenly caught by an explosion of color. A huge mural, vibrant and modern, contrasts sharply with the patina of the surrounding facades. It's the Mouans-Sartoux Wall. The concept, which originated in Paris, is brilliantly simple: to offer a monumental space for expression to street artists.

But be warned, this artwork is ephemeral. That's precisely its poetry. Every two months or so, a new artist is invited to create their own 2,6 x 6,7 m piece. For a few days, under the curious gaze of passersby, they completely cover the previous work to create their own.

The MIP Gardens: a fragrant paradise

Just a stone's throw from the centre, an enchanting interlude awaits you: the Gardens of the International Perfume Museum (MIP). Far from being a mere green oasis, this 2,5-hectare park is a living conservatory of the historic fragrant plants of the French Riviera. Follow the winding paths lined with clipped boxwood: you will cross the rosary, where nearly 300 old varieties (like the legendary "Rose de Grasse") release their unique fragrances in the early morning. Further on, the jasmine field The air is fragrant in summer, while terraces of tuberose, violets, and bitter orange trees remind you that Grasse, the world capital of perfume, is only 15 minutes away. A charming detail? Gardeners still hand-pick some flowers for local perfume houses, thus perpetuating a centuries-old tradition.

Your day in Mouans-Sartoux with Eden Cab

Start your morning at Mouans Castle, where the Space for Concrete Art (EAC). From 10 a.m. onwards, light floods the refined XNUMXth-century rooms, revealing vibrant geometric works by Vera Molnár or immersive installations by Gottfried Honegger.

Lunch in the village then becomes necessary. Settle down on the terrace on the General de Gaulle Square, the beating heart of Mouans.

In the afternoon, you have two options:

• Option "Ecological Transition" : Eden Cab takes you (3 min by car) to Haute-Combe Estate. Visit the municipal farm where 85% of the vegetables for school cafeterias are grown. You might even meet Gilles Pérole, the deputy mayor and pioneer of the project, explaining how children participate in planting. Key figure: 25 tons of organic vegetables are produced here each year on just 6 hectares.
  
• "Sensory Walk" option : Direction the Grande Bastide Park (Free access, 10-minute walk from the center). Follow the botanical trail marked with signs about Mediterranean plants. In June, the lavender grove hums with bees. A local beekeeper harvests award-winning honey there. From the viewpoint, the view stretches across the hills to the Esterel mountains.

Explore the surrounding area to extend your stay

After enjoying the authenticity of Mouans-Sartoux, EDEN CAB opens the doors to the surrounding gems. Our luxury cars with private chauffeurs ensure quiet and comfortable travel between each stop.

Grasse (15 min)

Dive in Grasse , in the world capital of perfume. Fragonard Perfumeries, discover the historic workshop where the cold cream soap based on a 1926 recipe. Don't miss the Villa Jean-Honoré Fragonard : this little-known museum displays works by the painter in a terraced garden offering breathtaking views. Local tip Arrive before 11am to avoid the crowds. Eden Cab It drops you off in the city centre (difficult access by personal car).

Mougins (10 min)

The perched medieval village of Mougins reveals two faces. Stroll through its cobbled streets with their sculpted doorways, then discover the FAMM museum, the first museum in Europe dedicated to women artists. At noon, The Arts Restaurant serves a wild boar stew with blueberries in his secret garden. Key number Mougins has dozens of artists' studios open to the public.

Valbonne (12 min)

With its square village from the 16th century, unique in Provence, Valbonne It offers a change of scenery with its geometric arcades and shaded squares. On Friday mornings (8am-13pm), the market under the plane trees is a must-see: Mireille has been selling her rosemary honey there for 30 years. Visit the St. Blaise Church for its naive frescoes restored by volunteers in 2019. Bonus : Eden Cab knows the connections to avoid traffic jams in Sophia Antipolis during rush hour.

For a unique experience in Mouans Sartoux and the surrounding area, trust in the professionalism of EDEN CAB.

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