Cagnes sur Mer: points of interest and beaches
With a fantastic location on the Mediterranean, situated between Nice and Cannes, the town of Cagnes-sur-Mer is a real gem that is discovered through its history and its architecture full of charm.
The historical site of Cagnes sur Mer
Cagnes-sur-Mer is composed of several areas, all as charming as each other for the tourists! The Haut-de-Cagnes is the historical area of the city, with its shady streets where it is good to go for a walk in the summer, its arcades and its many points of view on the Mercantour. Located on a small hill, you have to go down to the port and Cros de Cagnes to access the beaches of Cagnes sur Mer and its coastline.
Le Haut de Cagnes with its Grimaldi castle
The most famous monument of the city is the Grimaldi Castle, built in 1309 by the family, which is now a museum. With its medieval allure, its tower and battlements, it is to the delight of thousands of tourists every year. Its features include a monumental staircase, stunning fireplaces and sculptures. The city is also famous for being the only French town to be awarded the status of "Ville et métiers d’art” (City and crafts) which refers to one of its activities: the creation of contemporary jewellery. The Solidor space and hosts throughout the year numerous exhibitions on the theme. You can also browse the streets of Haut de Cagnes to discover the beautiful village houses and shops.
Steep street in Haut de Cagnes with a sea view
If you get too hot, head for the Jardin du Domaine des Collettes, a 2.5-hectare park that has inspired many painters, rich with an impressive flora. Do not miss the beautiful Renoir rose garden and visit to the museum of the same name that is in the middle of olive trees.
Cros de Cagnes: typical village with its colourful fishing boats (“pointus”)
Cros de Cagnes St-Pierre Chapel of with its beach and traditional fishing boat on the right
Head towards Cros-de Cagnes, a fishing village that has retained its authenticity and of which we admire its typical colourful fishing boats (called pointus), reminding us that the place was once the largest port of the Alpes-Maritimes. Saint-Pierre Chapel is located on the beachfront and is next to a preserved area of small houses, once inhabited by fishermen. These colourful houses are a must-to-see. Do not miss the Place Saint-Pierre for a game of “petanque” and the rue des Oliviers which hosts the market or the Cros de Cagnes Beach with its beautiful view of Saint-Pierre Chapel.
Cros de Cagnes port with its colourful little boats
Remember to go to Cagnes Cros port to discover the colourful little boats and buy fresh fish (in the morning) or to enjoy the beaches of Cros Cagnes harbour.
The city is lively day and night, between medieval festivals and Pedestrian Nocturnal markets at the seafront, impossible to get bored! All along the beach boulevard, on both sides of the port of Cros de Cagnes, the coastline welcomes swimmers, between restaurants’ terraces, public and private beaches.
A private beach in Cagnes sur Mer with Villeneuve-Loubet marinas in the background
The beaches of Cagnes sur Mer are mostly pebble beaches except for the Grand Large Beach which is sandy (artificial). The latter is small but it is always nice to find some sand. However, in the water, there are pebbles!
In the summer, you can also visit the Hippodrome de Cagnes de Mer where horse races ensure a show by the sea.
Things to see around Cagnes sur Mer
Take advantage of your stay to visit the region, Nice with its beautiful bay and its old town, the neighbouring town, but also Saint-Laurent-du-Var with its port and beaches, Menton on the Italian border, Monaco where you must spend a day, Antibes and Juan les Pins ... Further in land is also full of charm, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, medieval village about ten kilometres away, Grasse and its perfumes, Biot and its glass. The hilltop villages of la Colle sur Loup and Gourdon with beautiful views and that of Saint Jeannet is the starting point for many hikes.
Enjoy the French Riviera!
