A Week in Cagnes-sur-Mer: 7 Ideas for Making the Most of Your Vacation!

Located across from the Mediterranean Sea and along the racetrack,the Hôtel Tiercé is the perfect place to stay for those looking to enjoy a mix of historic sites, the beach, culture, excursions, and nightlife.

Couples, families, and travelers without cars will find a variety of options here, along with useful practical tips.

With its coastline, historic neighborhoods, and museums, Cagnes-sur-Mer invites you to enjoy a variety of experiences. Feel free to mix and match these seven ideas based on the weather, your energy level, and your interests:

Explore Haut-de-Cagnes and the Grimaldi Castle Museum


First, explore the narrow streets of Haut-de-Cagnes, the historic district of Cagnes-sur-Mer, then step inside the Grimaldi Castle Museum. Built around 1300 by Rainier Grimaldi and transformed in the 17th century into a palace with refined décor, it retains its defensive silhouette. From the tower, the view takes in the town, the Baie des Anges, and the Mercantour.


To learn more, visit the official website of the City of Cagnes-sur-Mer.


Inside, explore the Olive Tree Museum, the modern art collections, and the Suzy Solidor donation, not to mention the trompe-l’oeil painted ceiling. After your visit, take some time to stroll through the neighborhood.

Practical Information — Preparing for Your Visit:

  • Hours: In July–August 2026, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2 p.m.–6 p.m.; closed on Tuesdays. The ticket office closes 30 minutes before closing time.
  • Full price: €4; free for people under 26 and residents of Cagnes.
  • For Families: The free Guidigo app and a game booklet for ages 6 and up are available upon request at the front desk.
  • Directions: Limited free parking. From Square Bourdet, the free shuttle bus No. 44 runs to Haut-de-Cagnes.

Treat yourself to a real day at the beach

Just 50 meters from the hotel, the Mediterranean invites you to put sightseeing aside for a truly relaxing day. Along the 3.5 km of pebble beaches, take the time to read, walk, or enjoy a leisurely lunch—and, weather permitting, take a dip.

If you’re traveling with your family, be sure to take regular breaks in the shade, and while planning your trip, be sure to check out our family room as well.

Practical Tips — Before Heading to the Beach:

  • Equipment: shoes suitable for walking on pebbles, water, and sunscreen.
  • Swimming: On the day of your visit, check the weather, sea conditions, water quality, posted notices, and flags. Lifeguards are on duty between the red and yellow flags during the station’s operating hours.
  • Rules: The beaches are smoke-free year-round; the dog swimming area is located between breakwaters 1 and 2 on Hippodrome Beach.

Strolling Through Cros-de-Cagnes

Let the maritime heritage of Cros-de-Cagnes, a former fishing village, be your guide. Across from the Saint-Pierre Chapel—built in the 19th century with the help of local fishermen—the “pointus” boats serve as a reminder of these traditions.

Then treat yourself to lunch on a terrace or stop by some of the neighborhood shops. In the morning, browse the market stalls; later, let the stroll guide your steps.

Practical Information — Market and Fish Market:

  • Fish Market: Tuesday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the sheltered harbor.
  • Cros Market: Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., on Avenue des Oliviers and Place Saint-Pierre.
  • Hours: Check the official market website before your visit, especially if you’re visiting on a holiday.

Explore the Renoir Museum and the Domaine des Collettes

Step into Renoir’s world at the Domaine des Collettes. Purchased in 1907 by the artist and his wife, the estate is home to the house built in 1908—his final residence—which became a museum in 1960. Paintings, sculptures, furniture, artifacts, and photographs shed light on his life and work. After visiting the outdoor studio, stroll through the Mediterranean garden with its centuries-old olive trees.

Practical Information — Preparing for Your Visit:

Official information is available on the museum’s website.

  • Summer: June through September, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2 p.m.–6 p.m.; garden open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays.
  • Price: €6; free for those under 26 with valid ID.
  • Families: Free Guidigo app with fun tours; game booklet for ages 6 and up available upon request.
  • Access: Limited free parking. For visitors with limited mobility, a shuttle service is available to take you to the museum, and an elevator serves all floors; please inquire in advance.

Get Away to Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Take a break from your routine for half a day or a full day in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. In its entirely pedestrian-only center, let the cobblestone streets guide you betweenthe bastioned walls—built by order of Francis I in the 1540s—and the art galleries and studios.

Practical Information — Access and Transportation:

Choose Nice or Antibes for a day trip

Two distinct atmospheres, with no clear hierarchy: choose Nice for the lively downtown and waterfront; Antibes for its narrow streets, ramparts, and harbor.

Nice: City, Market, and Culture

Start at the Promenade des Anglais, then head to Old Nice and the Cours Saleya market. Place Masséna extends the promenade toward Avenue Jean-Médecin and the streets of downtown.

Antibes: Old Town, City Walls, and Museum

Stroll through Old Antibes, walk along the ramparts, and continue on to Port Vauban. The Château Grimaldi is home to the Picasso Museum; the artist set up his studio there and worked there in the fall of 1946.

Practical Information — Before the trip:

End the day with an evening on the French Riviera

As the sun sets, take it easy as you drive along the coast to Cros-de-Cagnes. A stroll, dinner overlooking the Mediterranean, or a break on a terrace will help you wind down the day; check the restaurant’s hours and make a reservation if necessary.

For a change of pace, consider an evening at the Côte d’Azur Racetrack. Our hotel overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and runs alongside the racetrack.

Practical Information — An Evening at the Racetrack:

Practical Tips for Organizing Your Week

Check the practical information for museums: hours, admission prices, closures, and access requirements. On the day you go swimming, check the weather, sea conditions, and water quality; once there, follow the posted signs and, in supervised areas, the flags and instructions given by lifeguards.

For your day trips, check departure times and traffic information with TER Sud, ZOU!, or Lignes d’Azur, depending on your route. Allow extra time for traffic and connections. Check whether each attraction, activity, or restaurant requires a reservation.

Finally, check the schedules for your dates: the racetrack’s 2026 summer schedule.

To make arrangements for your arrival, please contact the Hôtel Tiercé.

Plan a trip at your own pace

During a week in Cagnes-sur-Mer, alternate between exploring historical sites, the beach, art, maritime heritage, and day trips to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Nice, or Antibes—and, depending on your plans, an evening at the racetrack. There’s no set order: tailor these ideas to your preferences, the weather, and the day’s schedule—whether you’re traveling by car or not.

Overlooking the Mediterranean and situated along the racetrack, the Hôtel Tiercé welcomes you between sightseeing excursions. To plan your visit, check out our rooms. Once you’ve set your dates, book your stay.

Published
Categorized as Events