Cagnes-sur-Mer from Nice: Complete Guide
Cagnes has three faces: Haut-de-Cagnes perched around its castle, the fishermen's Cros by the sea, and the countryside where Renoir spent his last twelve years. Three atmospheres, one town — ten minutes from Nice.
Cagnes-sur-Mer is the coast's great quiet one: locals have always gone there, tourists drive through without seeing it. That's a mistake: the town concentrates a perched medieval castle, Renoir's last home-studio and one of the region's most beautiful fishing villages. And it's all ten minutes from Nice.
How to get there from Nice
Cagnes has two SNCF stations: Cagnes-sur-Mer (town centre, castle) and Cros-de-Cagnes (beaches), served by the TER on the Marseille-Vintimille line — a few minutes from Nice. Interurban buses 620/621 (Nice-Cannes) and 622 also serve the town, and the A8 exit 47/48 leads to the centre in 10 minutes from Nice.
Haut-de-Cagnes and the Grimaldi castle-museum
Perched on its hill, Haut-de-Cagnes is a medieval village with flowered alleys overlooking the whole Baie des Anges. At the top, the Grimaldi castle-museum (built around 1300) unfolds its baroque painted ceilings, the Olive Museum and the Solidor donation. Price: €4 (free under 26 and on the 1st Sunday of the month), open every day except Tuesday, 10 am-1 pm and 2-6 pm in summer.
Le Cros-de-Cagnes, the fishing village
By the sea, Cros-de-Cagnes has kept its soul: pointus moored along the small harbour, fishermen's chapel, Place Saint-Pierre and a fish market selling directly from 9 am (except Monday). The Plage promenade, opened in 2007, links it all to the 3.5 km of pebble beaches — including one where dogs are allowed, rare on this coast.
The Renoir museum at Les Collettes
In 1908, Renoir moved to the Collettes estate, among the centenary olive trees, and spent his last twelve years there. The museum keeps his studio exactly as he left it: easel, brushes, 13 canvases and 40 sculptures, in a house with green shutters. Price: €6 (combined castle + Renoir ticket: €8, included in the French Riviera Pass), closed Tuesdays, 15 minutes' walk from the station.
The Cagnes markets
Local producers set up around the Cité Marchande every day except Monday, 8 am-12:30 pm. The town-centre market takes place on Wednesday mornings, and a fish market enlivens the Cros. The Italian market on the 1st Saturday of the month adds a transalpine touch.
The Côte d'Azur racecourse
France's 2nd racecourse holds a trotting race meeting almost every week, including the summer evening meeting (6 July-22 August 2026). Price: €6 on site (€5 online), free under 18. A very "local" outing that makes a change from museums.
How long to allow
Half a day: Haut-de-Cagnes and the castle in the morning, Renoir and the Cros in the afternoon. Cagnes combines naturally with Vence (line 655) or Saint-Paul-de-Vence for a full hinterland day.
FAQ
How do I get to Cagnes-sur-Mer from Nice?
By TER (two stations: Cagnes-sur-Mer and Cros-de-Cagnes), by bus 620/621, or by car via A8 exit 47/48 (10 minutes).
How much does the Grimaldi castle-museum cost?
€4 full price, free for under-26s and on the 1st Sunday of the month. Closed Tuesdays, 10 am-1 pm and 2-6 pm in summer.
Is the Renoir museum worth the detour?
Yes: the original studio with easel and brushes, 13 canvases and 40 sculptures, in a preserved house. €6, combined ticket with the castle €8.
Is there a dog-friendly beach at Cagnes?
Yes, one beach at Cros-de-Cagnes allows dogs — rare on this coast. The other beaches are pebbly.
What are the market days in Cagnes?
Producers every day except Monday (8 am-12:30 pm), town-centre market on Wednesday mornings, Italian market on the 1st Saturday of the month.
Is Cagnes worth the detour from Nice?
Yes: perched castle, Renoir's home and an authentic fishing village, all very accessible and less touristy than the eastern coast.
