If you’re planning a holiday on the Côte d’Azur, Cagnes-sur-Mer is a stopover not to be overlooked. This commune in the Alpes-Maritimes region boasts an exceptional artistic heritage, beautiful pebble beaches and a perched historic center with authentic Provencal charm. An opportunity to combine culture, relaxation and water sports.
Discover our ideas for what to do in Cagnes-sur-Mer, illustrated with photos that will make you want to do it all. Bonus: useful tips and additional activities.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Cagnes-sur-Mer worth a visit?
Yes, Cagnes-sur-Mer is well worth a visit. Less well known than its neighbor Saint-Paul-de-Vence, this destination also offers a unique artistic heritage, with the added advantage of the seaside pleasures of its coastline. We really appreciated this ideal combination of preserved authenticity and modernity.
In our opinion, Cagnes-sur-Mer and Haut-de-Cagnes are one of the most beautiful destinations to visit around Nice.
If you don’t have a car, you can discover this and other medieval villages with an artistic heritage on an organized tour from Nice. See prices, photos and availability
1. Visit the Renoir Museum
The Musée Renoir is Cagnes-sur-Mer’s star attraction. Set in theImpressionist painter’s former estate, this magical place transported us into the artist’s creative universe. Here you’ll discover Renoir’s last works, created in his studios, which have been preserved in their original state.
The Mediterranean gardens offer a delightful stroll through centuries-old olive trees and sculptures. The serene atmosphere that reigns in this residence bears witness to the master’s passion for the light of Provence.
- Open daily: June to September, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm; October to March, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm; April to May, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm.
- Closed on Tuesdays
- Price: €6
- More details here
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2. Explore the Grimaldi Castle-Museum
The Château-Musée Grimaldi has majestically dominated Haut-de-Cagnes since the 14th century. We were impressed by this medieval fortress which today houses, among other things,contemporary art collections.
Like us, you can admire the frescoes on the ceiling of the village hall and the panoramic view from the ramparts. The contrast between medieval architecture and modern works creates a unique atmosphere that perfectly illustrates the artistic evolution of the region.
- Open daily July and August, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm; September, April, May and June, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm; October to March, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm.
- Price: €4
- More info here
3. Stroll through the medieval village of Haut-de-Cagnes
We loved strolling through the winding cobbled streets of the medieval village of Haut-de-Cagnes. It’s a maze of small streets lined with colorful houses with painted shutters and flower-filled facades.
The bohemian atmosphere of this historic district has attracted painters and artists for decades. The view from Place du Château is splendid, and there are plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can take a pleasant break.
- Free access all year round
- Parking below
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Sleep in the medieval village with panoramic views
Why not spend a night in this idyllic setting? We spotted the Hôtel Château Le Cagnard, an exceptional accommodation in the heart of the medieval village. This historic 13th-century residence offers spectacular panoramic views.
The rooms are decorated in particularly refined, light tones, highlighting the medieval authenticity of this ancient fortress. But it’s the open terraces overlooking the surrounding hills that will make your stay an exceptional experience.
- Open all year round
- See prices, photos and availability and… Book
5. Enjoy the beaches
The Cagnes-sur-Mer coastline stretches over several kilometers of pebble beaches, punctuated by rocky groynes. We discovered this succession of artificial coves created by these protective structures that follow one another along the coast.
Each spur delimits a small beach with different characteristics: some more family-oriented, others wilder. This unique configuration allows everyone to find their own piece of paradise. You can also enjoy a protected marine area with crystal-clear waters.
- Pebble beaches
- Protected marine area
- Summer surveillance
- Free access all year round
WHERE TO STAY ON THE Côte d’Azur
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
6. Stroll along the waterfront
Cagnes-sur-Mer’s long seafront promenade stretches for several kilometers between sea and palm trees. We enjoyed this walk, which can be done on foot or by bike. It links the Port du Cros to the limits of Villeneuve-Loubet.
Along the way, you’ll discover the different faces of the seaside resort, from residential areas to wilder zones. This landscaped promenade allows you to take in the whole of the Baie des Anges at a glance, with magnificent views of the Alpes-Maritimes in the background.
- Approximately 4km
- Safe bicycle path
- Bicycle rental downtown
- Stroller and wheelchair accessible
7. Admire traditional fishing boats
Near the little port of Cros-de-Cagnes, we found a few colorful traditional boats that perpetuate the town’s maritime soul. The authenticity of these boats bears witness to the fishing village’s past.
They are a living heritage that the last remaining local fishermen are striving to preserve, despite growing real estate pressure. You’ll also see the winches used to haul these typically Mediterranean “pointed” boats up the beach.
- Free observation from the port
- Morning fish market
8. Discover the churches of the medieval center and of Le Cros
On the seafront, we found the Église Saint-Pierre du Cros-de-Cagnes. It dates from 1936 and is dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen. It is distinguished by its simple neo-Romanesque style and pointed bell tower. It is a central landmark in the maritime district.
In the village of Haut-de-Cagnes, another Saint-Pierre church delighted us with its Baroque features. We particularly liked the frescoes on the ceilings and the pretty colors. Its location, between the cobbled streets and stone houses of the medieval village, has a real charm all of its own.
- Saint-Pierre du Cros church: open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Église Saint-Pierre du Haut-de-Cagnes: open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Free admission
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Great kayak trips in:
Saint-Tropez to the Ramatuelle reserve
Cassis to the calanques - Helicopter flight from Cannes
- Shuttle service along the coast between Nice and Saint-Tropez
- Bike tours: eBike in Nice – Mountain biking in the Esterel massif
9. Observe beachside sculptures
An art trail runs along the Cagnes-sur-Mer waterfront, punctuating the promenade with contemporary sculptures. We were intrigued by these modern works, which blend harmoniously with the Mediterranean landscape.
Discover these creations by renowned artists who have chosen the Cagnes coast to express their artistic vision. This open-air art gallery turned our seaside stroll into a cultural treasure hunt.
- Free tour
- Explanatory panels near each work
10. Take a paddle or a sailing course
The calm, protected waters of the Bay of Cagnes-sur-Mer are an ideal training ground for water sports. We discovered the local sailing centers offering sailing courses. More details here
You can also opt for a paddle outing to explore the bay and discover the richness of the Mediterranean marine ecosystem in a different way. See prices, photos and availability.
- Sailing from age 8
- Paddle accessible from age 12
- Reservations required in high season
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Best things to do in Cagnes-sur-Mer: other ideas
Cagnes-sur-Mer has other surprises in store, which we’ve discovered in the course of our explorations:
- City markets, such as the local farmers’ market, More info here
- The Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Protection and its exceptional panorama
- Artists’ studios and contemporary art galleries in Hauts-de-Cagnes
Excursions around Cagnes-sur-Mer
In the vicinity of Cagnes-sur-Mer, we have listed some exceptional locations:
- The Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a temple to modern art in a unique architectural setting
- The hilltop village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and its historic ramparts
- Nice and its Promenade des Anglais 15 minutes away by train
- Antibes and its Picasso museum accessible by bus
How to get to Cagnes-sur-Mer + parking
Where is Cagnes-sur-Mer
- In the Alpes-Maritimes, on the Côte d’Azur
- Nice: 15min by train
- Cannes: 20min by car
- Antibes: 10min by car
How to get there
- By car: via A8 exit Cagnes-sur-Mer
- By train: Cros-de-Cagnes SNCF station
- By bus: from Nice and Cannes
- A free electric shuttle runs between Cagnes-sur-Mer and Haut-de-Cagnes. Another links the beaches. Find out more here.
Parking in Cagnes-sur-Mer
- Several public parking lots are available. We chose the Planastel covered parking lot to visit Haut-de-Cagnes
- In the city center, free parking is available in the blue zone with a time limit.
- There are also paying places above the beaches.
Useful tips for visiting Cagnes-sur-Mer
How long and when?
- Allow a full day to visit the main sites, or a weekend to fully enjoy the atmosphere.
- Spring and autumn offer an ideal climate with fewer tourists.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
- Start at Haut-de-Cagnes and the château, then head down to the Renoir Museum before reaching the seafront.
- The route alternates between ascents and descents, but remains accessible.
- A detailed map is available from the tourist office.
Visiting with children
Cagnes-sur-Mer is perfect for family visits:
- Pebble beaches offer a natural playground
- The Musée Renoir’s creative workshops appeal to young artists. More info here
- The seaside sculpture trail is a treasure hunt in itself for the whole family.
- The Château Grimaldi offers a playful itinerary.
Restaurants
We tested the Restaurant Le Village at the foot of the château. We enjoyed a refreshing meal on the terrace, with a splendid view of the surrounding hills.
Visiting Cagnes-sur-Mer in winter
Cagnes-sur-Mer has a special charm in winter, with its luminous skies and mild temperatures. The season allows you to visit the museums without crowds and enjoy the terraces sheltered from the mistral. We always appreciate the winter light, which sublimates the colorful facades of Provence and creates a uniquely intimate atmosphere.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
