Le Mas Candille is an exceptionally individual hotel that offers a
sense of informal luxury, exclusive tranquility and classic elegance.
Imaginatively transformed from its origins as an 18th century 'Mas' or
farmhouse, this luxurious hotel and spa is set within 40,000 square meters of
terraced Provencal parkland, surrounded by mature cypress trees and old olive
groves, with mesmerizing views across the valley to the pre-alps.
History
The original building at Le Mas Candille was an 18th century Provencal
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.