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Hotel news in Mougins - Special offer until May 31th, 2008: €290 per night for a double room with buffet breakfast included (Valid on standard rooms and new reservations only, subject to availability).
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2008 Room Rates
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Hotel Les Muscadins
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History
The original building at Le Mas Candille was an 18th century Provençal farmhouse, surrounded by mature cypress trees and set within a terraced landscape of former olive groves. Most of the old olive trees remain as a reminder of past times. The main house has been fully refurbished, and furnished with genuine antiques to create an authentic period appeal. Few hotels in the world have been so lovingly restored and sympathetically developed. Le Mas Candille has a unique history, beautifully preserved.
18th century...the farm and the Republic!
On the sloping hills of the medieval village of Mougins, which formerly belonged to the Abbey of Levens and some of which dates back to the Roman period, was built, in 1710, the first farm. In time, this farm was to become the hotel "Le Mas Candille" but back then, it consisted of a house and a building with a wine press (this is now the "Salle du Mas"). Life was simple and farming activity concentrated on the production of oil and fruit from the 100 olive trees, and wine and grapes from the vineyard, which boasted 305 metres/1000 feet of vines!
During the French Revolution the farm took the name of "Candille", or "Candillou" - the provencal word for "candle" - after its largest cypress tree, which was actually the biggest in the village and visible from Cannes. As such, it became a landmark for the first Republicans who used to meet at the farm under the aegis of "the candle of freedom".
19th century...the farm and Napoleon!
On 2nd March 1815, the Emperor Napoleon was on his way back from Elba Island with a troop of 100 of his famous elite soldiers, the "grognards". As they left Cannes, heading for Paris, the Colonel Chabert gave the order to halt in Mougins. The soldiers and the Emperor rested on the Candille land ... the peaceful serenity of the site was already weaving its own special magic!
20th century...the farm and the hotels!
As the centuries went by, the farm continued with its olive and vineyard production until the 1960s when the farmhouse underwent its first metamorphosis into a hotel and took the name - by which it is still known today - Le Mas Candille.
1st generation
From day one the tone was set; the hotel was "an oasis of calm" for the Parisian show-biz and political world in need of escape from the stresses of modern life. Illustrious guests, such as the former French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, the King of Belgium and M. Talbot came to Le Mas Candille either to rest or to hold secret meetings.
Thirty years of great conviviality and hospitality ensued, including the fabulous "themed parties" which were held around the old farmhouse and, what is now, the smaller swimming pool against a stunning backdrop of 1000 candles glittering at twilight.
True to its country origins, Le Mas Candille upheld the ancient right that allowed sheep to roam across its land and, much to the amazement of guests, each spring and winter a flock of 600 sheep were herded through the hotel grounds by a shepherd and his dogs on their way to and from the mountain grazing pastures.
In time, modern farming methods took over and one day in the mid 1970s a shepherd, dressed in his traditional costume of cloak, hat and cravat, came to see the owner, Mr Bonis, to officially "release" him from the oath made by their ancestors and so a centuries old tradition came to an end.
2nd generation
After a few decades, new owners came to Le Mas Candille and made their own mark on the exceptionally "relaxing" atmosphere by adding a second larger swimming pool and a tennis court. In so doing, they strengthened the sense of hospitality and gave the hotel a luxurious touch, which resulted in it achieving "4 star" status and attracting guests in search of discretion, together with the simple pleasures of life, far from the clamour of Cannes.
3rd generation
And so to the year 2000 - a new century, a new millennium and a wonderfully auspicious time for the latest transformation of Le Mas Candille!
The team behind the new 4 star luxe hotel Le Mas Candille made themselves a promise: to mix the best ever modern services with the charms of yesteryear with the sole aim of preserving the "oasis of calm" - a rare and precious luxury these days.
Indeed, nothing could be better than wandering through the private grounds of this 16 acre estate with its two beautiful provencal farmhouses and their 20 rooms, gastronomic restaurant with panoramic view over the valley towards Grasse, two outdoor swimming pools, and the first Shiseido Spa in Europe. Serenity has found a new home and life is good at Le Mas Candille!
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