In the spring, Cagnes-sur-Mer is the perfect destination for long weekends, the May bank holidays, and those first getaways to the French Riviera.
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and situated next to the Cagnes-sur-Mer Racetrack, the Hôtel Tiercé is the perfect base for exploring the seaside, attending events, visiting markets, discovering local heritage, and taking walks in the surrounding area.
The Côte d’Azur Racetrack, the Hotel Tiercé’s next-door neighbor
The Hôtel Tiercé overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and runs alongside the Cagnes-sur-Mer Racetrack. Located on the seafront, the Côte d’Azur Racetrack is considered the second-largest racetrack in France and the largest in Provence.
The racetrack covers 60 hectares, hosts more than 80 horse racing events each year, and features grandstands, dining areas, race tracks, and facilities for horses.
This proximity makes it the perfect starting point for planning a spring getaway centered around the seaside, horse racing, and local outings.
Tips: Before planning a visit or an event at the racetrack, we recommend checking the official calendar and the practical information published by the venue, including admission policies and the ban on pets on the premises. For more information, visit the Côte d’Azur Racetrack website. |
Just 50 meters from the beach and a 2-minute walk from the racetrack, the Hôtel Tiercé offers an ideal location for making the most of the seaside and local attractions.
Spring events to mark on your calendar
In the spring, the calendar of events in Cagnes-sur-Mer and the surrounding area offers a variety of activities, ranging from local traditions and races at the Hippodrome to music, sports, and day trips.
Here are the confirmed dates to keep in mind when planning your stay near the Hôtel Tiercé:
A local festival to kick off the month of May
On Friday, May 1, 2026, the Fête des Mai in Haut-de-Cagnes invites visitors to experience a lively local tradition, featuring a parade of flower-decorated bicycles, a farandole dance beneath the “Mai” trees, activities for children, wooden games, and a Provençal market.
Local Cuisine and Music at the Hippodrome
- The Winegrowers and Local Products Fair:
At the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur, the 34th edition of the Salon des Vignerons et du Terroir will take place from May 1 to 4, 2026.
The event brings together more than 200 winemakers and producers from various regions of France to showcase wines, champagnes, craft beers, regional specialties, and local products.
Whether you’re visiting as a couple or with other adults, this event offers the chance to meet local producers, chat with exhibitors, and enjoy a fun outing at the Hippodrome. For practical information, the event will take place at the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur, 2 Boulevard J.-F. Kennedy in Cagnes-sur-Mer, opening on Friday, May 1 at 10 a.m. Admission is €8, and includes a free tasting, takeout options, free parking, and on-site dining. |
- Piano Nocturnes:
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 6 p.m., the Rendez-Vous Musicaux de l’Hippodrome will welcome pianist Marcel Tadokoro for a recital dedicated to Franz Liszt.
On the program: the Nocturne “En rêve” and the 12 Transcendental Etudes, at the Salon Masséna at the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur, located at 2 Boulevard Kennedy in Cagnes-sur-Mer. For your convenience, tickets are available online, and free parking is available in front of the Hippodrome’s grandstands. For visitors arriving by train, the nearest station is Cagnes-sur-Mer; the Hippodrome stop has been discontinued. |
Sports and major events around Cagnes-sur-Mer
- Antibes Côte d’Azur Rally:
From May 14 to 17, 2026, le Antibes Rally returns to the French Riviera with several events on the calendar, including the 31st Antibes Historic Rally 2026.
This event may be of interest to car enthusiasts, but it requires a bit of planning: the routes, schedules, spectator access, and any traffic restrictions should be checked on the official website before heading out.
Tips: the FFSA has listed the 61st Antibes Côte d’Azur Rally 2026, the 31st Antibes Historic Rally 2026, the Modern Regularity Rally, and the associated historic events. The official 2026 documents for the Antibes Rally also include the regulations, complete itineraries, stages, and service park information. |
- Runfest 2026 :
On Saturday, May 30, 2026, le RunFest at the Côte d’Azur racetrack will transform the venue into a major sports and music event in Cagnes-sur-Mer.
The event combines sports and music, featuring:
• A friendly village,
• Family areas,
• Free games,
• Activities,
• Foodtrucks,
• DJ,
• An extraordinary parade open to children ages 5 and up when accompanied by an adult.
The Extraordinary Parade also lets participants take part without any time limits or pressure, whether walking, jogging, or dancing along the track; it’s open to children ages 5 and up, accompanied by an adult.
The day wraps up with the ABBA MANIA concert, scheduled from 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and €1 will be donated to the Sourire à la Vie charity for each registration.
A cultural interlude at the Renoir Museum
For a change of pace between events, the Renoir Museum offers a cultural interlude in the heart of Cagnes-sur-Mer.
Located in Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s final home on the Collettes hill, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the painter’s world through original works, personal items, furniture, vintage photographs, and collections related to his life in Cagnes.
For families, a children’s activity booklet is available upon request at the front desk, featuring activities suitable for children ages 6 and up.
Surrounding the museum, Domaine des Collettes extends the visit into a preserved Mediterranean setting. The garden covers nearly 15,000 square meters and features an olive grove linked to the history of the estate, which Renoir acquired in 1907. The site is also planted with citrus trees, offering a panoramic view that stretches all the way to Cap d’Antibes.
Markets and Local Flavors in Cagnes-sur-Mer
The farmers' market in downtown
The markets are a simple and enjoyable way to explore Cagnes-sur-Mer in the spring. They offer a great way to start the day in a local atmosphere, browsing the farmers’ stalls, strolling through downtown, and exploring the neighborhood around the Halle Marchande.
The farmers’ market is held every morning from Tuesday through Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the pedestrian zone on Rue du Marché and Rue Giacosa, around the Halle Marchande.
It’s a convenient spot to stop by for a morning stroll, pick up some fresh produce, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere of downtown before heading to the seaside, Haut-de-Cagnes, or the racetrack.
Downtown Market, Hippodrome Market, and Mercato Italiano
For a change of pace, the weekly markets in Cagnes-sur-Mer offer several events that are easy to fit into a spring getaway.
The downtown market is held every Wednesday morning, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Place de Gaulle and Cours du 11 Novembre.
The Hippodrome Market takes over every Friday morning at the same times on Kennedy Boulevard, along the Hippodrome.
This is a particularly convenient option for visitors staying near the beach or who want to enjoy a morning stroll near the Tiercé Hotel.
Every first Saturday of the month, the Mercato Italiano sets up shop on Cours du 11 Novembre in downtown. This Italian market offers a chance to extend your local experience with a different atmosphere, waiting to be discovered as you stroll among the stalls.
Its hours vary by season: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April 1 to September 30, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October 1 to March 31.
Easy day trips around Cagnes-sur-Mer
Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Nice: Heritage, Narrow Streets, and a City on the French Riviera
From Cagnes-sur-Mer, there are several day trips that offer a change of scenery during a spring getaway, without overloading your schedule. In Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the main stroll takes you through the village’s pedestrian-only center, within the ramparts, winding through narrow streets, past fountains and bastions, and showcasing local heritage.
The tour can begin at Place Charles de Gaulle, at the entrance to the village, where the boules court is located, before following the historic streets and the interpretive signs placed along the route.
For a more urban vibe, Nice offers the perfect setting for a day spent exploring Old Nice, the Promenade des Anglais, museums, markets, gardens, and panoramic views.
The Promenade des Anglais is open year-round and free of charge, making it an easy stop to include in a day of sightseeing, whether you’re strolling along the seafront or taking a break in the city center.
Antibes and Cap d’Antibes: ramparts, museum, and nature walk
Following a cultural getaway to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Antibes offers a different atmosphere, with its old town, ramparts, and Mediterranean horizon. You can explore the walled city of Antibes by strolling through the narrow streets of Old Antibes, heading to Château Grimaldi—home to the Picasso Museum—and then continuing your walk toward the harbor and the ramparts.
This is a pleasant outing that can be planned for half a day or a full day, depending on your preferred pace.
For a more nature-oriented outing, the Tirepoil trail at Cap d’Antibes takes you along the coastline south of the cape, featuring stairways, well-maintained paths, and views of the sea. The walk takes about 2 hours and covers nearly 5 km; it’s an easy hike, provided you’re wearing comfortable shoes.
On a practical note, the trail may be closed in case of bad weather, so it’s best to check the conditions before setting out.
Why stay at the Hôtel Tiercé to enjoy spring?
The Hôtel Tiercé is a convenient base for enjoying the seaside, the Côte d’Azur Racetrack, and spring outings in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and situated along the Cagnes-sur-Mer Racetrack, the hotel is just a short walk from the beach—only 50 meters away—and a 2-minute walk from the racetrack.
For families, the family room at the Hôtel Tiercé accommodates up to 5 guests in a 39-square-meter space, featuring two double beds and one single bed. It also includes a balcony, a large floor-to-ceiling window, reversible air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a mini-safe, a welcome tray, and a sea view.
Tips: the hotel offers 24/7 staff availability, free luggage storage for early arrivals or late departures, and free cribs for infants upon request. Parking can also be reserved through the hotel, which offers charging stations for electric vehicles. |
From events at the racetrack to markets, historic sites, the seaside, and cultural outings, Cagnes-sur-Mer offers plenty of ideas for activities to make your spring getaway complete.
To plan your visit, you can check availability at the Hôtel Tiercé via the hotel’s official booking link: Book now.
If you have any questions before your stay, the Hotel Tiercé contact page provides all the information you need to reach us by phone, email, or through the online form.