Sommaire / Summary
Cagnes-sur-mer boasts an old town center, Haut de Cagnes, a seaside resort, Cros-de-Cagnes, a racecourse, museums, beaches and more. It's an attractive town that appeals to lovers of beaches, history, art, sports, etc.
The Renoir museum is presented on its own page.
Cagnes-sur-mer
The town of Cagnes lies between Nice and Antibes, on the edge of the Baie des Anges. A Promenade runs for miles alongside the sea. The beaches are made up of pebbles, some tobacco-free, others accessible, others for dogs, etc.
The town has a multiple configuration, between the present-day town, the Cros-de-Cagnes, (the old fishing village), the Haut-de-Cagnes (the old town) and the Renoir museum and its garden of hundred-year-old olive trees.
Le Cros-de-Cagnes, the old fishing port of Cagnes-sur-mer
Le Cros-de-Cagnes is an old fishing village. If tourism is replacing this activity, it's because the village has preserved a certain authenticity, far from the concrete development seen further on.
The neighborhood is home to a port, mainly small boats, including the famous pointus and a few fishing boats.
The local Italian fishermen built the Chapelle des pêcheurs (1863). This chapel has been damaged but restored time and again. Although small in size, it boasts a handsome campanile (circa 1900).The streets are those of a fine seaside resort, with restaurants, shops selling local produce, etc. Le Cros-de-Cagnes is particularly attractive. Cros-de-Cagnes is particularly lively in summer. Attend the boules games on Place Saint Pierre, stroll the shopping streets, such as Avenue des Oliviers, or the very flowery Allée des Villas fleuries.
Le Haut-de-Cagnes, Cagnes-sur-mer’s old town
Le Haut-de-Cagnes is the ancient town of Cagnes-sur-mer, perched on a promontory overlooked by the Château Grimaldi. Although it's by the sea, the streets rise to an altitude of 91 m.
This ancient village retains its narrow streets, ochre facades, vaulted passageways, pebbled cobblestones and plants growing alongside the houses. In short, Haut-de-Cagnes is full of charm. So much so, in fact, that many artists have spent long periods here. Among the most famous are Renoir, Soutine, Modigliani, Ziem, Klein and others. And today, many artists' studios are located here. It's fair to say that Haut-de-Cagnes has become the Montmartre of the Côte d'Azur.
Le château Grimaldi
The Château Grimaldi in Cagnes-sur-mer (14th century) dominates the Haut-de-Cagnes area. Once the property of the great and powerful Grimaldi family of Antibes, the medieval château became a museum in 1946. Or rather, it became a museum complex, housing the Musée de l'Olivier and the Musée méditerranéen d'Art Moderne. It also hosts major art exhibitions.
Place du Château
06800 Cagnes-sur-Mer
Open 10am-12pm then 2pm-5pm, until 6pm from April to September inclusive
Except Tuesdays, January 1 and December 25.
Official website
The Notre Dame de protection chapel
It dates from the 14th century and features frescoes depicting the lives of Jesus and Mary.
The Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
The small church of St. Peter and St. Paul retains a number of frescoes, statues and, in particular, 18th-century paintings.
A special feature: The church is built on a sloping relief at the foot of the castle. As a result, when entering from the upper street, the entrance is at first-floor gallery level. The church contains the tombs of the Grimaldis of Cagnes. There is also a fine collection of antique santons.
.
The town of Cagnes is accessible by car, bus and train. But be aware that Haut-de-Cagnes is about a 30-minute walk from the station. Nothing insurmountable, but you'd better be aware of it if you're coming with suitcases or backpacks. Ditto for the Renoir museum.
The Museum of Contemporary Jewelry
This museum presents fine collections of jewelry by international designers, dating back to the 1960s. It is complemented by temporary exhibitions, around artists or a theme.
Musée du bijou contemporain
Haut-de-Cagnes - place du Château
06800 Cagnes-sur-Mer
Hours
July and August: Wednesday to Monday, 2pm to 6pm, with late-night opening until 7pm on Fridays during "Jazz at the Château" evenings.
April, May, June and September: Wednesday to Sunday, 2pm to 6pm.
October to March: Wednesday to Sunday, 2pm to 5pm.
Closed Tuesdays and on 25/12 and 01/01.
Informations Côte d'Azur
Jean-Marc Foulquier