Cagnes sur Mer

Discover the pretty town of Cagnes-sur-Mer in the Alpes-Maritimes

Between the Riviera and the good life

Halfway between Nice (12 km) and Antibes (8 km), Cagnes-sur-Mer boasts 4 km of beaches at the foot of an old hilltop village.

Here, the Mediterranean flirts with the hills, the light plays on the colorful facades, and the Provençal art of living blends with Italian influences. A town with two faces: the lively coastline and the quiet, historic Haut-de-Cagnes.

A natural setting between sea and hills

The wide, open coastline offers a succession of pebble and sandy beaches. Lined with palm trees, the Promenade de la Plage is a thread running through the sunbathing areas, restaurants, and terraces.

Looking up, you can see Haut-de-Cagnes, clinging to the hillside, where cobbled streets and pale stone houses intertwine. Further west, the Collettes district stretches out with its orchards and olive groves, bathed in the light that Renoir loved to paint.

Stroll through Cagnes-sur-Mer

Start at Cros-de-Cagnes, the old fishing port. In the early morning, the smell of fresh fish wafts from the market hall, where fishermen sell their catch directly to the public. Walk along Cros beach, then follow the Promenade de la Plage. Here, the sound of the waves accompanies cyclists and joggers, while children play on the sand.

From the sea, head towards Haut-de-Cagnes. The climb can be made on foot via steps or by taking the municipal shuttle bus. In these cobbled streets, footsteps echo on the stone and the air is cooler. Around a bend, a view of the entire Baie des Anges unfolds. Continue to the Place du Château, where the terrace of the Château-Musée Grimaldi offers a panoramic view of the Mediterranean, the Pre-Alps and, on a clear day, Cap Ferrat.

Then head back down towards Les Collettes. Here, the Renoir Museum welcomes you into the country house where the painter spent his final years. The studio is intact, bathed in soft light, and the garden of hundred-year-old olive trees exudes tranquility.

Iconic places

Le Haut-de-Cagnes

Listed as a historic site in 1948, this hilltop village retains the medieval soul of Provençal towns. Fun fact: in the 1920s, it became a haven for artists and writers, attracted by the light and breathtaking views.

Grimaldi Castle Museum

Built in the 14th century, it was converted into a Baroque palace in the 17th century. Today, it houses an olive museum and temporary exhibitions. From its terrace, the view stretches from Villeneuve-Loubet to Saint-Laurent-du-Var.

Renoir Museum – Domaine des Collettes

Formerly owned by the painter, the country house and its garden recreate the peaceful atmosphere that inspired some of his later paintings.

Le Cros-de-Cagnes

A lively maritime district, it has preserved its fishing traditions. Every year, the Saint-Pierre and Sea Festival brings the quays to life with processions, boat blessings, and a popular dance.

The beaches

The beaches of Cros, Batterie and Bouches-du-Loup are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and sunbathing with views of the Cap d'Antibes.

Local life & events

Cagnes vibrates to the rhythm of its markets. The Cros-de-Cagnes market, held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, is a must for foodies. The town center market (Wednesdays) and the racecourse market (Fridays) offer fruit, vegetables, cheese, and crafts.

In terms of events, summer is punctuated by concerts on the beach, fireworks, and the “Jazz au Château” festival in Haut-de-Cagnes. In winter, the illuminations and Christmas market attract families and visitors from the surrounding area.

Practical information

Getting there

• By car: A8, exit Cagnes-sur-Mer.

• By train: Cagnes-sur-Mer station (center) and Cros-de-Cagnes station (coast).

• By plane: Nice-Côte d'Azur airport is 5 km away.

Markets

• Cros-de-Cagnes: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

• Town center: Wednesday morning.

• Racecourse: Friday morning.

• Fish market: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.