Discover Cagnes-sur-Mer
from Motel Ascot
Cagnes-sur-Mer: authentic Riviera charm between sea and hills
The third-largest city in the Alpes-Maritimes, Cagnes-sur-Mer embodies the gentle way of life so characteristic of the French Riviera. Nestled between Nice and Antibes, the town appeals as much to history enthusiasts as to those seeking Mediterranean relaxation. From the Motel Ascot, ideally located on the seafront, you will find it easy to set out and discover the many facets of this destination with its discreet, authentic charm.
Cagnes-sur-Mer is built around three emblematic districts, each with a strong identity: Haut-de-Cagnes, a hilltop medieval village; Cros-de-Cagnes, a former fishing quarter facing the sea; and the town centre, lively with its shops and markets. This diversity makes Cagnes-sur-Mer a popular stop on the Riviera, combining heritage, lifestyle, and seaside pleasures.
Le Cros-de-Cagnes: a former fishing village on the Mediterranean shore
Just a short walk from Motel Ascot, the heart of Cros-de-Cagnes reveals its seaside, down-to-earth character, deeply rooted in local maritime history. This former fishing quarter, among the most active in the early 20th century, has preserved a village atmosphere while gradually opening up to tourism.
The Promenade de la Plage, developed and inaugurated in 2007, stretches along the Baie des Anges. It offers an ideal setting for a walk or bike ride by the sea. Restaurants, ice-cream parlours, and cafés line the waterfront, while summer events and night markets create a friendly, family atmosphere. Motel Ascot, located in the heart of this beautiful promenade, is the ideal base for a seaside stay.
Pebble beaches: a Riviera hallmark
In Cagnes-sur-Mer, pebble beaches stretch along the Baie des Anges, as they do along much of the coastline between Nice and Antibes. Made up mainly of pebbles—an emblematic feature of the French Riviera—these distinctive beaches enjoy generous sunshine year-round and offer deep-blue reflections that have made the Riviera Mediterranean so renowned.
In Cros-de-Cagnes, the beaches alternate between public areas and private establishments offering sun loungers and quality dining. It is an ideal place to relax, swim, or enjoy a wide range of fun and sporting activities.
Water-sports enthusiasts can try paddleboarding, kayaking, or jet-skiing, while beach-volleyball courts attract both athletes and holidaymakers. The equipped beach clubs allow you to fully enjoy the seaside experience in a typically Mediterranean setting, with clear waters and mountains in the background.
The small fishing port, still active, remains an emblematic place. In the early hours, it is not uncommon to see the fishermen return and fish sold directly—living proof of a maritime tradition that remains firmly rooted.
Haut-de-Cagnes: an immersion in medieval history
Overlooking the town, Haut-de-Cagnes offers one of the best-preserved medieval ensembles on the French Riviera. Its cobbled lanes, stone houses, and shaded little squares create a timeless setting, far from the bustle of the coast.
At the top of the village stands the Château-Musée Grimaldi, built in 1309 by Rainier Grimaldi, Lord of Cagnes. Today, the building houses several remarkable collections, including the Olive Tree Museum, the Solidor Donation (dedicated to singer Suzy Solidor), as well as a collection of modern and contemporary art.
Strolling through Haut-de-Cagnes, lingering in a gallery or on a café terrace, allows you to fully appreciate the town’s historic soul.
In Renoir’s footsteps: the Domaine des Collettes
Captivated by the light and landscapes of Cagnes-sur-Mer, Auguste Renoir settled there as early as 1903. Keen to preserve an olive grove under threat, he had his villa built in the heart of the Domaine des Collettes in 1907. He lived there until his death in 1919, continuing his work despite illness.
Now converted into a museum and awarded the Maison des Illustres label, the property offers a chance to discover the painter’s studio, original works, sculptures, photographs, and many personal objects. The garden, planted with centuries-old olive trees and Mediterranean species, offers an unobstructed view all the way to the sea and perfectly illustrates the light that inspired the artist.
Contemporary jewellery and artistic creation
Located on Place du Château, in the heart of Haut-de-Cagnes, the Musée du Bijou contemporain holds a unique place in France’s cultural landscape. Dedicated to contemporary jewellery design, it presents a major collection of pieces exploring innovative materials and forms, far beyond the traditional codes of jewellery-making.
Precious metals, composite materials, textiles, and repurposed elements reflect the creative richness of this body art. Cagnes-sur-Mer has thus established itself as a recognised hub for contemporary jewellery, supported by an active cultural policy and the Ville et Métiers d’Art label.
The Côte d’Azur Racecourse: sport and events
Located in the immediate vicinity of Motel Ascot, the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur is one of the most important in France. Spanning more than 60 hectares by the sea, it hosts the famous winter meeting each year, from December to March, featuring both harness and flat racing. In July and August, horse races enliven summer evenings. Locals and many holidaymakers enjoy placing bets on their favourite horses and admiring the many fireworks displays—an exceptional spectacle with views over the deep blue sea.
Beyond horse racing, the venue is a major events site, hosting concerts, fireworks, sporting events, and cultural events throughout the year.
Markets and the Provençal way of life
The markets of Cagnes-sur-Mer are an integral part of the local identity. The town-centre market regularly brings the Cité Marchande to life with stalls of fresh produce and regional specialities. In Cros-de-Cagnes, the fish market hall allows you to buy the day’s catch directly, in a typically Mediterranean atmosphere. Every Tuesday and Thursday, a market takes over Rue des Oliviers to the delight of locals and visitors. Every Friday, the open-air market near the racecourse completes the offer and is a popular fixture in Cagnes-sur-Mer. On summer evenings, a craft market is held every Friday along the seafront, much to the delight of visitors to the French Riviera.
Shopping and major retail hubs
Cagnes-sur-Mer also benefits from the proximity of major retail hubs. The Shopping Promenade Riviera centre, located on Avenue des Alpes, offers a modern open-air shopping experience, with international brands, restaurants, and newly opened leisure areas. Bowling, a Fort Boyard play area, and an indoor karting track offer shared moments for young and old alike.
Just a few minutes away, the CAP 3000 centre in Saint-Laurent-du-Var is a must-visit destination. Voted World’s Best Shopping Centre in 2022, it offers more than 300 shops and 50 restaurants, around fifteen of which have panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Open 7 days a week and only 5 minutes from Nice Airport, CAP 3000 offers an exceptional seaside shopping experience.
Explore the French Riviera’s top destinations
Cagnes-sur-Mer’s location makes it a strategic starting point for discovering the region’s major sites without long journeys. The SNCF train station, easily accessible from Motel Ascot, makes it easy to explore the entire French Riviera. Nice, Antibes, Cannes, and Monaco are quickly reached by train. Renovated at the end of 2025, Cagnes-sur-Mer station is the ideal starting point for discovering the region’s treasures.
A cycle path running along the entire Riviera coastline also makes it easy to discover a large part of the towns of the French Riviera.
Nice stands out with its famous Promenade des Anglais, its museums, and its lively Old Town. To the west, Antibes charms visitors with its historic centre, its sea-facing ramparts, and Cap d’Antibes, prized for its coastal paths and secluded coves.
Further offshore, departing from Cannes, the Îles de Lérins are among the most emblematic excursions on the French Riviera. This preserved archipelago, mainly made up of Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat, offers a striking contrast to the bustle of the coast. Pine forests, translucent waters, wild coves, and historic heritage—especially Fort Royal—make it an unmissable getaway for lovers of nature and tranquillity.
The hinterland is not to be outdone: Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Grasse, and the hilltop villages of the Nice mid-country reveal another side of the region—more rural yet just as appealing—combining perfumeries, art galleries, and Mediterranean panoramas.
An authentic French Riviera, between sea and mountains
Between pebble beaches, medieval villages, major cultural sites, and preserved islands, Cagnes-sur-Mer holds a unique position on the French Riviera. It provides easy access to the region’s must-see attractions while maintaining a peaceful, authentic atmosphere.
Staying at Motel Ascot means making the most of this diversity: the Mediterranean just a few steps away, the Riviera’s major sites within easy reach by train or car, and the pleasure of returning at the end of the day to a human-scale town true to the spirit of the original Riviera. Between medieval heritage, artistic culture, seaside pleasures, and the Provençal way of life, the town offers a balanced, authentic, and deeply Riviera experience!