In southeastern France in the
Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region is
Cagnes-sur-Mer.
Cagnes-sur-Mer is the largest suburb of
Nice and it is located on the French Riviera between
Nice and
Antibes.
Cagnes-sur-Mer is made up of three parts. There is the old village located at the top of a hill. This is built on the site of an early village that was occupied by the Greeks and then the Romans. The new town sits at the foot of the hill and the third part is the charming old fishing port. Before
Cagnes-sur-Mer became a popular tourist destination the fishing port was the site of the town’s main industry.
The old village of Cagnes - called Haut-de-Cagnes, has medieval and renaissance houses and ancient narrow lanes. It is also the site of the castle, Chateau Grimaldi, which was once the most important centre in the region. This was the home of the influencial Grimaldi family and it dates to the 14th and 16th centuries. The chateau contains some very interesting features, including an impressive fireplace, a beautiful internal courtyard with superb galleries, a beautifully ornate painted ceiling, and a grand fireplace. In the early 17th century what was once a fortress became a comfortable home.
In the Chateau Grimaldi is the Mediterranean Museum of Modern Art, as well as the Museum of the Olives.
Cagnes-sur-Mer is also known for its connection to Renoir, the impressionist painter who lived in
Cagnes-sur-Mer at the end of his life until his death. His estate, Les Collettes is beautifully surrounded by Olive trees and houses the Musee Renoir, with a collection of 11 of his paintings.
The old fishing port is a lovely place filled with bars and cafes and the best place to sample the excellent seafood at one of its’ many restaurants. From here there is also access to several kilometres of pebble beaches.
