Cagnes-sur-Mer tourism: beach and culture | Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourism

Cagnes-sur-Mer is located on the Mediterranean Sea, in the Alpes-Maritimes department. Formerly a fishing village, Cagnes-sur-Mer has quickly become a dynamic and popular seaside resort appreciated by holidaymakers. In fine weather, head for Cros de Cagnes, the main stretch of beach in Cagnes-sur-Mer, to relax on the sand or to try your hand at water activities.

Cagnes-sur-Mer also conceals architectural treasures and vestiges of the past such as the St. Pierre and St. Paul’s church or the Notre-Dame-de-la-Protection Chapel. Go to Haut-de-Cagnes to stroll through the emblematic and picturesque alleys. The tour of the town will take you to the Grimaldi Castle Museum. It really stands out thanks to its architecture and the fresco of the Fall of Phaeton. The castle museum presents an ethnographic and modern Mediterranean art exhibition.

The history of the city is also marked by the famous painter Renoir. He lived there with his family until 1919. The estate in which they lived has now been transformed into a museum presenting his workshop and his works which consist of paintings and sculptures.

Your holidays in Cagnes-sur-Mer will be an opportunity to learn about horse racing with the town’s racetrack, one of the most important in France. The town comes alive every year thanks to various events such as Promenade en Fête, the Jazz au Château Festival, the Gastronomy Festival, the Autumn Fair, etc.

Take advantage of this stay to explore the surrounding area and discover the charming towns of Villeneuve-Loubet, Saint-Laurent-du-Var or Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur

The Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur offers a breathtaking view of the sea. It was installed in Cagnes-sur-Mer following the merger of the horse racing companies of Nice and Cannes. The racetrack of Nice gave way to the airport, and the one of Cannes suffered heavy damage during World War II. More than 80 horse races have been held every year in Cagnes-sur-Mer since 1952. The racetrack covers almost 60 hectares. It can accommodate 12,000 visitors and consists of 900 horse boxes.

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Château Grimaldi

Built around 1300 by Rainier Grimaldi, Lord of Cagnes, the Château Grimaldi is today listed as a historical monument. After having been a seigneurial residence, it now houses the Musée de l’Olivier and the Donation Solidor. Various events and animations are organized during the year such as temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and concerts. Discover, within the building, the traditions around the olive tree as well as portraits of the singer Suzy Solidor painted by different artists such as Lempicka, Van Dongen, and Foujita to name just a few.

Renoir Museum

The Renoir Museum, listed as a historical monument, is located in the heart of the estate of Les Collettes, the family’s estate, planted with olive and citrus trees, offering an exceptional panorama of the Haut-de-Cagnes and the sea. As a testimony to the life and work of the artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, the museum exhibits paintings, sculptures, furniture, etc. You can also discover the original plaster busts of Renoir’s wife and children, made with the help of the sculptor Richard Guino, but also paintings by other artists. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the place where the painter was inspired for the last works of his life.

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Notre-Dame-de-la-Protection Chapel

The Notre-Dame-de-la-Protection Chapel consists of an apse decorated with 16th-century frescoes painted by Andrea de Cella depicting the Evangelists, Jesus and the Virgin. The frescoes were discovered in 1936 after being hidden under a primer. Listed as a historical monument, the chapel also includes a nave decorated with well-preserved paintings. Built in the 14th century in the Italianate style, outside the ramparts, it served as a refuge for pilgrims. It is said to have inspired the painter Renoir.

Museum of Contemporary Jewelry

The Espace Solidor, the Museum of Contemporary Jewelry, has a permanent collection, unique documents, artists’ residences and jewelry workshops at their disposal. The museum was created as a result of the popularity of an exhibition of contemporary jewelry organized in 1993 at the Château Grimaldi. Numerous international artists such as Robert Baines, Karl Fritsch, Gerd Rothmann, Peter Skubic, Goudji, Claude Pelletier, etc. have succeeded one another. The city has thus become a must see in this field.

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Practical information

Tourist Office of Cagnes-sur-Mer: http://www.cagnes-tourisme.com/fr/
Road service: A8 Highway (from Aix-en-Provence or Italy)
Air access: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (10 minutes)
Railroad access: train station of Cagnes-sur-Mer, train station of Cros de Cagnes
Sea access: port de Cros de Cagnes