
In the sun-drenched hills of Mougins, a French town nestled between Cannes and Grasse, lies Le Mas Candille. Once a sleepy olive grove, it has been transformed into a sanctuary of understated elegance. With a fresh new look by designer Hugo Toro, a luxurious spa inspired by the French skincare brand Clarins, and a setting rich in artistic history, this estate redefines the French Riviera experience.
The Côte d’Azur has long attracted glamorous figures, from aristocrats to Hollywood legends. It was a health retreat in the 18th century before becoming a haven for the 1960's jet set and the European. Set just inland from the coast, Mougins has housed celebrated creative minds, including singer Edith Piaf, designer Christian Dior and artist Pablo Picasso, who spent his last twelve years of life here.
Under the ownership of Jean-Philippe Cartier and Prisca Courtin-Clarins of the Clarins cosmetics family, Le Mas Candille blends Provençal heritage with modern refinement. Every detail, from the hand-curated interiors to the wellness philosophy, invites you to immerse yourself in the region’s rich cultural and natural beauty.
At a Glance
The 46 rooms and suites are spread across the Mas, a restored 18th-century farmhouse, the Bastide, and secluded villas. Each offers a unique blend of styles inspired by the French Riviera and Hollywood Hills. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the interiors in sunlight, highlighting vintage objets d’art, and soft linen drapes.
For a true escape, Terrasse Suites offer panoramic valley views, while the bathrooms recall the glamour of Belle Époque Parisian hotels and feature pink Norwegian marble countertops, deep soaking tubs, and Clarins amenities. Every element is curated for comfort, from oversized beds to discreetly placed televisions and complimentary artisanal snacks.
Le Mas Candille’s two dining venues reflect a culinary ethos rooted in health and indulgence. At the casual yet refined Le Pool, you can enjoy light and fresh Riviera-inspired dishes, from a classic Niçoise salad served in a crisp romaine leaf to lobster linguine and truffle risotto.
For a more elevated affair, the newly opened La Table des Pins, led by Chef Romain Antoine, offers a gastronomic journey of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from Marseille and Corsica. The menu leans toward seafood and plant-based specialties, embracing a wellness-forward approach without compromising on flavor. A curated wine and cocktail selection and non-alcoholic, herbal-infused pairings complete the experience.
Renowned architect and interior designer Hugo Toro has infused Le Mas Candille with a bold, retro-chic aesthetic. His interiors feel intimate and worldly, blending travel-inspired design with Provençal charm. Vintage desks, herbarium collections, and plush armchairs are arranged alongside wrought iron terrace chairs and thick velvet drapes, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.
The library and cigar lounge offer cozy retreats where guests can sink into a book, sip a fine cognac, or enjoy a quiet moment of reflection. At Le Mas Candille, art extends beyond traditional canvases, woven into the very fabric of the furniture, literature, and spaces that define this escape.
At the heart of Le Mas Candille is The Glow House, a state-of-the-art Clarins spa that embodies a holistic approach to beauty and well-being. The spa is a natural extension of the Clarins family’s expertise in wellness and skincare, inspired by Art Deco and 1970s boiseries. Treatments are tailored to different needs, from Reset & Glow for relaxation and Shape & Glow for body sculpting, to Beauty Glow for a rejuvenated complexion.
The wellness philosophy extends beyond the treatment rooms. It includes spa-inspired dining options incorporating skin-nourishing ingredients, a 25m heated pool, and gym facilities. Designed to nurture body and mind, it offers a tranquil retreat in France’s landscapes.
Le Mas Candille has undergone an energy-conscious renovation. The property incorporates solar panels, enhanced insulation, and native, drought-resistant plants in the gardens. Full-size refillable Clarins bath products replace single-use plastics, while the culinary program prioritizes locally sourced ingredients and a low-waste approach.
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One intriguing feature of the estate is its ancient olive tree. It is said that in 1815, Napoleon and his troops, having escaped from exile on Elba, paused under its branches before embarking on their dramatic return to Paris. This marked the beginning of the Hundred Days campaign, a pivotal period in European history.
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