Located west of Nice, this French Riviera town has a medieval hilltop quarter with bright houses, art galleries, and sandy beaches. Local restaurants serve authentic bouillabaisse.
Cagnes-sur-Mer stretches along the French Riviera between Nice and Antibes. You'll find artists' studios in the medieval streets of Haut-de-Cagnes, fishermen selling their morning catch at Cros de Cagnes port, and Mediterranean beaches dotted with colorful umbrellas. In the hills above town, Auguste Renoir's former villa contains his paintings and personal items, while the 14th-century Château Grimaldi watches over the town from its hilltop position.
Exploring Haut-de-Cagnes
Walk up the steep, cobblestone streets of Haut-de-Cagnes to discover stone houses dating from the 1400s and 1500s. At the top, the Château Grimaldi contains two museums: the Mediterranean Museum of Modern Art displays contemporary works, while the Museum of Olives explains the region's olive-growing history. Climb the castle tower for views stretching from Cap d'Antibes to the Alps. Take the free number 44 bus every 15 minutes from the town center to reach Haut-de-Cagnes.
The Renoir Museum Experience
Step into the rooms where Pierre-Auguste Renoir painted from 1908 until his death. His villa contains 14 original paintings, his easel, and the wheelchair he used in his later years. The surrounding gardens and olive groves appear in many of his works. Look for the guest book signed by visitors including Henri Matisse and Auguste Rodin. Many local residents who posed for Renoir's paintings lived in the nearby streets. The museum closes on Tuesdays.
Seaside Life in Cros de Cagnes
Watch fishermen sell their catch directly from their boats each morning at Cros de Cagnes port. The surrounding streets contain 19th-century fishermen's homes with pastel-colored shutters. A 4-kilometer beach runs along the waterfront. Choose between free public beaches or private sections with sun loungers and beachside cafes.
Markets and Local Life
Browse the morning market on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays for vegetables from nearby farms, regional cheeses, and Provençal specialties. On the first Saturday monthly, Italian vendors set up the Mercato Italiano on Cours du 11 Novembre, selling fresh pasta, olive oils, and sweets. Find fresh seafood daily at the fish stalls near the old port.
Getting Around
Regular trains connect Cagnes-sur-Mer station with Nice and Cannes. Bus line 200 runs along the coast between Nice and Cannes, stopping at several points in Cagnes-sur-Mer. From Nice, you can cycle to Cagnes-sur-Mer on the coastal bike path - the journey takes about 40 minutes. The Vélo Bleu bike-sharing system has stations throughout the route.
