Cagnes Sur Mer
Seaside resort and port with lots of popular attractions, close to Nice Airport.
Haut Cagnes is the perched medieval village that overlooks the resort, and is home to the famous Renoir House and the Grimaldi Castle, two of the area’s most popular attractions.
Cagnes-sur-Mer is the largest suburb of Nice and is 15km west of the city, right on the seafront. The town is split into two districts, Cros de Cagnes and Haut Cagnes.
Cros de Cagnes is where you’ll find the beach-life; 3.5km of pebble shore with calm water, beach-clubs, shops, watersports, restaurants and a traditional fishing port - have a look at our beach section to find out more.
A wide promenade with a cycle lane runs alongside the beach, allowing you walk or ride the length of it and enjoy the many events and festivals that take place there throughout the year. Cros de Cagnes is also the home of the Hippodrome de la Côte d'Azur, a horse racing stadium and events venue, which you can find further along the coastline towards Villeneuve-Loubet.
High above Cros de Cagnes is the medieval village of Haut de Cagnes, an ancient settlement that is still inhabited by about 650 people. The narrow streets are full of artists studios and galleries, over the years many famous artists have lived here such as Modigliani, Yves Klein and, of course, Renoir: Cagnes-Sur-Mer is brimming with artistic heritage.
History & Culture in [locality]
Occupation of the area took place at Haut de Cagnes, a rounded hill sitting 91m high. The name Cagnes is originally a Ligurian name meaning 'living place on the rounded hill'. It was initially Celt-Ligurian, and then the Gallo-Romans. From the 16th century Cagnes was considered to be the borderland between France and the States of Savoy, and as such was to play a part in many of the major European wars.
In 1620, under the reign of King Louis XIII, Jean-Henri Grimaldi transformed the castle into a glorious domain, a great era for the residents of the area. However, the reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XV were marred by wars and invasions.
In more recent history the area has become known for the artists who visited and stayed there. Early in the 20th century, Renoir settled in Cagnes, from 1903 to 1919. This in turn attracted other artists from the impressionist movement who decided to come and settle in the area of the castle calling it the "Montmartre of the French Riviera".
Among all the famous people settled in the Haut-de-Cagnes, some famous names remain: Pierre Auguste Renoir, Chaim Soutine, Foujita, Yves Klein, Georges Simenon, Suzy Solidor (French actress and singer) and even Brigitte Bardot.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
Renoir’s estate is open year-round and as well as housing many of his personal effects, also has 14 of his paintings and a number of sculptures. The house itself is beautiful; a real period mansion surrounded by olive trees with sublime views of the coastline and surrounding area.
The Grimaldi Castle is a 14th century building that towers majestically over the old town of Haut de Cagnes; inside is a museum and a number of art exhibitions. Music concerts are often held in the square outside the castle during the summer.
Sights in Antibes
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White Penitents Chapel (The Folon Chapel), St-Paul de Vence
This chapel's oldest parts date from the 17th century, namely its three-sided tower. It now contains contemporary artwork made in 2005 by Jean-Michel Folon.
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Musee d'Histoire et d'Archeologie (History & Archaeology Museum)
Take a look into the ancient past of Antibes which includes some artefacts from the Greek occupation when the town was known as Antipolis.
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Musee de la Carte Postale
From all period and all countries, this museum has a wonderful collection that showcases the history of the postcard.
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Musee de la Photographie (Photography Museum)
Right in the centre of the old town of Mougins is an interesting photography museum. On display are various antique cameras plus old photography equipment, and a large collection of portraits of Pablo Picasso.
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La Verrerie de Biot
The glass tradition in Provence dates back thousands of years, but it has has been a major industry in Biot since the 1950s.
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Espace de l'Art Concret, Mouans-Sartoux
To the south west of Valbonne you'll find a centre for contemporary art known as Espace de l'Art Concret.
Beaches in [locality]
Cagnes-Sur-Mer is fringed all the way along with a safe family-friendly beach that offers everything from plush deckchairs and parasols to every watersport you can imagine, including diving and fishing.
There are plenty of beachfront restaurants and snack bars, or you can pick up some picnic items from the market that takes place every morning near the port. The beach is separated from the main road by a wide promenade that is popular with walkers, cyclists and roller skaters - you can follow the cycle path all the way to the Promenade des Anglais in Nice if you wish.
Beaches in Antibes
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Plage du Cros de Cagnes Beach, Cagnes sur Mer
Plage du Cros de Cagnes is the main stretch of beach in Cagnes-Sur-Mer, running the length of the lively row of restaurants and bars that line the seafront.
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Plage des Bouches du Loup Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
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Plage de la Batterie Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Right beside the marina, Plage de la Batterie (also known as Plage Villeneuve-Loubet) is a pleasant pebble beach with plenty of activities on offer.
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Plage de la Pierre au Tambour Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Plage de la Pierre au Tambour runs from the port all the way to Antibes and has a busy road and train line running behind it, neither of which you can hear much. If you stand facing the sea and look to your right you can see Antibes and its 16th century fort sticking out from the mainland.
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Plage du Fort Carre and Plage de la Fontonne beaches, Biot
Antibes sits at the far end of the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges), a vast sweep of azure blue sea that washes up on a smooth pebbled shore.
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Plage de la Gravette Beach
Plage de la Gravette has a lot going for it. It’s wide, sandy and it’s right in the middle of the old town, making it perfect for a quick swim while exploring Antibes, or to spread out with a picnic for the day.
Dining in [locality]
Cagnes-Sur-Mer, like so many of the local towns, is full of restaurants and cafés serving fresh local produce. Seafood is obviously on all the menus down by the port, most of them having a daily special based on the catch of the day.
The town centre has more generic pizza and pasta options, whereas the typical Provençal dishes of ratatouille and socca can be found just about everywhere.
The square at Chateau Grimaldi has a number of good restaurants and is popular for admiring the view and watching the world go by, but there are plenty more smaller restaurants tucked amongst the alleyways of Haut de Cagnes if you want somewhere a little less obvious.
Restaurants in Antibes
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Le Nacional Restaurant
Le Nacional is a THE Beef and Wine restaurant in the heart of historical Antibes. A restaurant that will excite the taste buds of gourmet meat aficionados. The choicest pieces of beef provided by the highest quality butchers.
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Les Pecheurs Gourmet Restaurant, Juan Les Pins
Enjoy a culinary experience at this fine dining restaurant, Les Pêcheurs. It offers a creative cuisine that deftly blends flavours and fragrances from throughout the French Riviera.
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Royal Beach Beach Club
This private beach club is situated opposite the hotel.
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Grill Restaurant, Cap d'Antibes
Sip something chilled at The Grill Bar and soak up the glamour of the French Riviera, where iconic moments and timeless beauty come together. Open to hotel guests only, subject to availability.
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Toile Blanche Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Toile Blanche Le Restaurant offers fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, where simplicity meets creative flair.
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La Table de Pierre Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
La Table de Pierre offers refined, garden-led cuisine by Chef Emmanuel Lehrer in a romantic setting with views over the estate.
Events in [locality]
For a taste of something completely different, the Hippodrome hosts regular horse races during summer and winter as well as shows, festivals and markets.
Events in Antibes
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Villeneuve-Loubet night market
Stalls with souvenirs, handmade objects, beach articles and much more held on the seafront at Villeneuve-Loubet.
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Festival d'Art Sacré
Showcase for some of the finest heritage treasures of the town and host to a programme of exceptional concerts in the Cathedral of Antibes and the Saint-Bernardin chapel.
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Swim between the Lerins Islands
With the wonderful backdrop, the warm waters of the Mediterranean and a friendly atmosphere, you can join hundreds of other swimmers in this popular event.
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Jazz au Château, Cagnes sur Mer
Gather at Place du Château on a Friday evening to enjoy a wonderful evening of live music in an unforgettable venue.
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Musical Fireworks Festival, Juan les Pins
Fireworks display in the Bay of Juan les Pins. A wonderful way to celebrate the long, hot summer evenings on the Côte d'Azur.
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Pottery market
The RAJAC association has organised an exhibition, sale and demonstration of pottery in Antibes.
Things to do in [locality]
There are plenty of fun things to try down at the waterfront; you can have a sailing lesson, go windsurfing, ride a jet ski, take a boat tour to a nearby island. For a more laid-back option you can pick up a mask and snorkel from one of the beachfront shops and go fish-spotting in the warm clear waters.
There is also a daily market. Up in the old town of Haut-de-Cagnes you can explore the narrow laneways around the castle and relax in a pavement café, watching groups of old men play boules under the trees.
Cagnes-sur-Mer was once referred to as 'Montmatre of the South' for its appeal to famous artists such as Renoir, and as a result there are many artists' studios and galleries with frequent exhibitions.
Things To Do in Antibes
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Luxury Lizard Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Luxury SMILE Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Motorbike hire
Based in Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Road bike hire
This company is based in Cannes and offers a wide range of road bikes, with delivery available to Antibes.
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Luxury A4A Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Luxury Good Times Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Where to stay in [locality]
The resort has a number of two and three star hotels offering budget accommodation. Haut Cagnes has a smaller selection.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Antibes
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La Colombe D'Or Hotel, St Paul de Vence
This celebrated Provençal inn combines elegant accommodation with a private collection of modern art by renowned 20th-century artists.
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Toile Blanche Hotel, St Paul de Vence
Toile Blanche is a stylish retreat where contemporary design, Provençal elegance and immersive art come together across serene gardens and valley views.
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Juana Hotel, Juan les Pins
Hotel Juana is a stylish 1930s landmark offering timeless elegance, refined service, and an enviable location on the French Riviera.
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Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau, Vence
Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a former 12th century Knights Templar Commandery with superb views over the sweep of the Côte d’Azur. A place of consummate natural beauty set in a 32 acre park, a high point on the French Riviera where sea and the mountains unite.
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Le Mas de Mougins B&B
Set in a secluded, tranquil location surrounded by ancient oaks, olive trees, oleanders, and the sweet fragrance of jasmine, it’s easy to see why this peaceful haven was a favourite of Picasso.
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Royal Mougins Hotel
Located just a few minutes' drive from the charming medieval village of Mougins, this stunning four-star spa hotel enjoys a truly exceptional setting.
Price: €1,887
How to get to [locality]
Getting to Cros de Cagnes is easy-peasy, either hop on the no.200 bus that runs between Nice and Cannes or take the train. You can even cycle there from Nice along the cycle path that runs all the way from the Promenade des Anglais.
Transfers for Antibes
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Private airport transfers
From Nice airport to Antibes, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Car Riviera Airport Transfers
Car Riviera offers a range of cars available for hire with a driver to chauffeur you either to and from the airport, for sight seeing trips or just to and from dinner so you can sit back and relax. Large vehicles such as Espace and Multi vans are at your disposal.
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Chabe Airport Transfers
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Antibes
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Apartment for Sale
Boasting an exceptional location facing the sea, in the heart of a sought-after area, this property offers 160 sq m of living area, plus 200 sq m of seafront terraces and a 130sqm garden.
Price: €1,395,000
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Villa for Sale
A Provencal-style property, ideally located in the heart of Cap d'Antibes, close to the beaches and the shops.
Price: €2,590,000
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Villa for Sale
Set within a private and secure estate, this charming Provençal-style villa offers a peaceful and comfortable lifestyle while ensuring complete privacy. It boasts breathtaking sea views and absolute tranquility, making it a true haven of serenity.
Price: €2,750,000
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Villa for Sale
A stunning stone property, boasting amazing sea views, with guest house, pool and double garage.
Price: €12,700,000