Visit Cagnes-sur-Mer: art, heritage, shopping and racecourse

An exclusive itinerary to discover the secrets of an authentic destination.
The cobbled, flower-filled streets of Haut-de-Cagnes, a perched medieval village offering an authentic and peaceful atmosphere on the French Riviera. @jeanpaul 2025

Visiting Cagnes-sur-Mer: your next favorite luxury transport experiences

The French Riviera is a musical score where each note resonates differently. While Cannes embodies glamour and Nice His Majesty, Cagnes sur mer aims to be gentler and more melodious. Just a few kilometers from the Croisette, this city has three faces: medieval, artistic, and maritime. Visit Cagnes-sur-Mer, this means accepting to navigate between several eras. However, this geographical richness poses a significant challenge: how to move from the verticality of the narrow streets of Haut-de-Cagnes to the salty sea air of Cros-de-Cagnes without experiencing the inconveniences of Riviera traffic or the tedious search for parking? The answer: use the services of...EDEN CAB, your online limousine service.

Stone facade and medieval tower of the Grimaldi Castle-Museum, a historical gem located in the heart of the old village of Haut-de-Cagnes. @jeanpaul 2025

Haut-de-Cagnes: A Journey Through Medieval Time

From the top of its hill, the Haut-de-Cagnes It has been classified as a "Historical Site" since 1948. Often nicknamed the "Montmartre of the French Riviera", it has seduced many artists such as Renoir, Soutine, Modigliani, Ziem or Klein with its light and Olympian calm.

The medieval village is less frequented than its neighbors such as Biot, Saint-Paul-de-Vence or Tourettes-sur-Loup. Once through the ramparts, you enter a delightful village with a maze of cobbled lanes, vaulted passageways, and flower-adorned facades where time seems to stand still. Don't miss it! The House of Artists with its group exhibitions of contemporary art, the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul located in Place Grimaldi, behind the castle, or even the Chapel of Our Lady of Protection near the ascent towards the castle and Hippolyte Guis Street.

The Grimaldi Castle Museum and its exhibitions

Majestically perched on its rocky spur, the Grimaldi Castle-Museum embodies the historical soul of Cagnes-sur-Mer. Built around 1300 by Rainier Grimaldi, this medieval fortress has survived the centuries, valiantly resisting sieges and assaults before undergoing a refined metamorphosis. In the 17th century, Baron Jean-Henri Grimaldi transformed it into a sumptuous stately home, blending its original defensive robustness with the refinement of a Baroque palace. Its painted ceilings are true masterpieces of Baroque art and bear witness to this opulent era. Acquired by the municipality in 1937 and listed as a Historical Monument in 1948, this exceptional site now houses several cultural treasures: the fascinating Olive Tree Museum which celebrates the emblematic tree of the Mediterranean, the prestigious Solidor Donation bringing together 40 portraits of the famous singer painted by the greatest artists of the 20th century (Foujita, Lempicka, Van Dongen…) as well as temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and concerts that make its walls, steeped in history, vibrate.

The Museum of Contemporary Jewelry

Le Museum of Contemporary Jewelry has taken up residence in the former antique shop of the legendary singer Suzy Solidor. This space has established itself as an international benchmark in the world of avant-garde jewelry design. It offers visitors a fascinating immersion into an art form in perpetual reinvention, where French and international designers constantly push the boundaries of innovation and artistic expression. Its permanent collection is a veritable treasure trove comprised of more than 300 exceptional pieces. It meticulously traces the evolution of contemporary jewelry since its emergence in the 1960s, while its thematic temporary exhibitions allow for an in-depth exploration of the unique world of visionary artists. This culturally outstanding approach was crowned in 1995 with the prestigious " City and crafts making Cagnes-sur-Mer the only French city distinguished for its commitment to this precious art.

 Forget the parking hassle: your driver EDEN CAB drops you off at the foot of the village Access to Haut-de-Cagnes can be challenging due to its narrow streets and limited parking. EDEN CABYour private driver knows perfectly the optimal drop-off points to allow you effortless access to the heart of the medieval village.
Monumental sculpture "The School of Fish" by the artist Sylvain Suberlife, settled on the seafront in Cagnes-sur-Mer, facing the Mediterranean. @jeanpaul 2025

Visit Cagnes-sur-Mer and follow in Renoir's footsteps at the Domaine des Collettes

It was in this haven of peace, proudly perched on the hills of Cagnes-sur-Mer, that the famous Impressionist painter Auguste Renoir spent the last years of his life there, from 1908 to 1919. Charmed by the exceptional light and mild climate, the artist had a house built there where he continued to paint despite the rheumatoid arthritis that severely disabled him. Now a museum, renovated in 2013, the Collettes house offers a fascinating immersion into the master's intimate world, and it is unthinkable to miss this discovery at the time of visit Cagnes-sur-mer. There you will discover 16 original paintings, more than 30 sculptures (for it was in Cagnes-sur-Mer that he first tried his hand at this art), his preserved studio, his brushes, his palette, and more. The estate is also famous for its magnificent gardens of centuries-old olive trees and citrus trees, stretching over 3 hectares, which often served as models for Renoir. A stroll through this Mediterranean park offers a unique sensory experience, amidst the scent of lemon trees and the song of cicadas.

  • Opening hours: Open every day except Tuesdays and public holidays from 10am to 12pm and 14pm to 17pm (18pm in summer)
  • Tickets: €6 (full price), free for under 26s
  • Audio guides available in several languages
  • Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a complete visit
A serene cultural immersion with your private chauffeur
Domaine des Collettes, located on a hillside, is difficult to access by public transport. With EDEN CABEnjoy a comfortable ride in a luxury, air-conditioned Mercedes to the museum entrance. Your driver can wait for you during your visit or pick you up at the agreed time, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Renoir's world without any constraints.

Le Cros-de-Cagnes: Mediterranean authenticity

After having visit Cagnes-sur-mer On the art front, let's now head down towards the coast to discover the Cros de Cagnes, a former fishing village that has retained all its Mediterranean charm. This maritime district forms the beating and authentic heart of local life in Cagnes.

In the 1920s and 30s, Cros-de-Cagnes was the largest fishing port in the Alpes-Maritimes. Its history dates back to the 19th century, when Neapolitan fishermen, drawn by the abundant fish stocks of this stretch of coast, decided to settle there. They were soon joined by residents of Haut-de-Cagnes who abandoned farming for fishing. The village reached its peak at the beginning of the 20th century with an impressive fleet of over a hundred "pointus," traditional fishing boats with a pointed prow. While at that time the village boasted nearly 200 fishermen supporting up to 2000 people, today only two remain. The other boats visible on the shore are primarily of historical value.

Cros-de-Cagnes is particularly appealing as a seaside resort. It boasts some very popular beaches, such as the Cros-de-Cagnes beach Located near the seafront church, along the road. You can stroll along the Promenade de la Plage, a place for discovery and leisure.

For food lovers, several restaurants in Cros-de-Cagnes are must-visits. "Le Bistrot de la Marine," overlooking the sea, offers gourmet dishes created by Stéphane Marie. For an even more unforgettable experience, head to "Villa Foggia," which features creative cuisine showcasing local seafood with Mediterranean-inspired recipes.

From cultural visits to seaside relaxation
After exploring the medieval village and the Renoir museum, there's nothing like a relaxing break by the sea. EDEN CAB This allows you to combine these contrasting experiences without any logistical worries. Your driver can drop you off directly on the Cros-de-Cagnes promenade and wait for you while you enjoy lunch overlooking the sea or a relaxing moment on the beach.

Luxury and entertainment at the Hippodrome and the Riviera Promenade Shopping Centre

To complete your exploration of Cagnes-sur-Mer, head to the modern facilities dedicated to entertainment and luxury shopping.

The Hippodrome de la Côte d'Azur

The second epic horse racing circuit in France, spread over a total area of ​​60 hectares, the Cagnes-sur-Mer racecourse is an exceptional venue that hosts nearly 80 horse racing meetings each year, offering moments of intense emotion in a stunning setting overlooking the sea. The summer evenings at the Hippodrome are known as the "Summer Nights at the Hippodrome" They offer themed nighttime horse races with children's entertainment, panoramic dining, and end with spectacular fireworks displays in July and August. It's an unmissable summer event on the French Riviera.

Riviera Promenade Shopping

A few minutes from the racecourse is Riviera Promenade Shopping, formerly known as Polygone Riviera, France's first open-air shopping center, this unique complex spans 70 square meters and combines luxury shopping, contemporary art, and entertainment in a striking architectural setting. You'll find 000 boutiques, including major international brands (Valentino, Aubade, Calvin Klein), as well as gourmet restaurants and relaxation areas. The "Designer Quarter" showcases emerging designers in a trendy and intimate atmosphere.

Discovering square spheres

Don't leave Cagnes-sur-Mer without attending a game of square balls, an unusual local tradition. Unlike traditional pétanque balls, these wooden cubes create unpredictable trajectories that are the very essence of this game so typical of Cagnes. In mid-August, the town hosts the World Square Boules Championship, which takes place on the steep streets of Haut-de-Cagnes and is organized by the Circle of Friends of Haut-de-Cagnes.

Arrive in style and leave without constraints
For a day of shopping at Polygone Riviera or an evening at the racecourse, EDEN CAB We guarantee you a grand arrival in a top-of-the-range Mercedes. No more parking hassles or restrictions on bulky purchases: your chauffeur takes care of everything. After your shopping trip or evening out, return to the comfort of your air-conditioned vehicle to go back to your hotel or continue your day of exploring.

To fully appreciate the contrasts of Cagnes-sur-Mer and move freely between these different worlds, the private chauffeur service is ideal. EDEN CAB stands out as the ideal choice. Book now for a privileged discovery.