Here are snippets of Haut de Cagnes info you might find useful if you plan to visit the village of Haut de Cagnes. Similarly there are tips on cultural events, music, as well as family day trip to a neighbouring village. However, be sure to check out the artist’s galleries and workshops on the pretty streets of Haut de Cagnes.
Chateau Grimaldi Museum
Visit the crown and glory of Haut de Cagnes – the Chateau Musee Grimaldi! For instance, enjoy the Olive Tree Museum and the collection of Suzy Solidor portraits. There are often temporary modern art exhibitions held in the Castle and even music concerts from time to time.
Hours: usually closed Tues, Christmas & New Year’s Day – 10h-12h and 14h-18h
Price : around 4€, free for under 26 years
Musée de Bijou Contemporain
Originally a cabaret-restaurant-cafe set up by the famous cabaret singer Suzy Solidor in 1960 – it now houses contemporary jewellery exhibitions. In addition, it was primarily responsible for winning the City of Arts and Crafts award for Cagnes sur Mer. Place du Chateau – +33 (0)4 93 73 14 42.
Hours : Wed-Sun 14h-18h summer – free entry
La Maison des Artistes
La Maison des Artistes exhibits and offers Haut de Cagnes info on the work of contemporary painters and sculptors. Place du Chateau – mdacagnes@yahoo.fr .
Hours : all days except Tuesday 15h-18h (Sunday 10h-12h also) – free entry
St Pierre and St Paul Church
This is the original medieval church of Haut de Cagnes. It was restored and enlarged in the 16th & 18th Century and renovated in 2017. The paintings ‘The Way of the Cross’ was painted by a local artist Charles Barkev, who used the village inhabitants to pose for him. Place Grimaldi and Place L’Eglise.
Hours : 10h-18h summer – free entry
Notre Dame de Protection
This was built in the 14th Century outside of the village walls. The outdoor nave of the Chapel was originally meant to serve as a shelter for pilgrims. In 1930, the colourful frescoes by Andrea de Cella dating back to 1530 and depicting the life of the Virgin Mary and the childhood of Jesus, were discovered under a layer of plaster. Junction of montee du Chateau and rue Hippolyte Guis.
Hours : 12h-18h Apr-Sept – free entry
Children’s Playground
Half way up the steps to the Castle Square is a children’s playground. The area is enclosed for security and has plenty of interesting things to keep children occupied and amused. Above all, perfect for parents who want to relax on a restaurant terrace with a chilled bottle of rose watching the sun go down.
Massage
Treat yourself to a relaxing or energizing massage – the perfect way to to start your holiday. There are a few people that carry out massages in the village, so please ask Haut de Cagnes info. In addition, an Osteopath is also available. Some will even come to your holiday rental.
Music and Jazz
A free live jazz band plays on Place du Château most Friday evenings from around 21h from the end of June to middle of September. There is seating provided. However, book restaurants in advance on the main square on jazz nights as it gets very busy. Ideal for families. In other words, children can play in a secure environment whilst parents can relax and enjoy the music.
Artist Workshops
There are plenty of artist workshops to discover, as well as visiting artists work to see. On the first Sunday of the month enjoy Art en Fete, when all the galleries open their door to the public from 11h-18h.
Virginie Bornetto – decor painter
Atelier Borneo, 4 traverse de l’Eglise
Silvina Carbone – ceramicist
La Crypte, 14 Place du Chateau
Nathalie Cordonner – furniture painter
L’Atelier Zebulon, 38 rue Hippolyte Guis
Jane Cros – painter
Le Pressoir,12 rue Dr Michel Provencal
Gen – painter
Espace Silvy, 7 rue Denis-Jean Clergue
Julie Genet – jeweler
Galerie Tresor, 8 place de Dr Joseph Maurel
Esty Grossman – jeweler
Atelier Esty Grossman, 1- place de l’Eglise
Sandy Haller – painter
Atelier Sandy H, 23 rue du Planastel
Yuka Iwahana – restorer works of art
Place du Chateau
Alice Magnin – jeweler
La Crypte, 14 Place du Chateau
Genevieve Martin/ Nicole Aicart – engravers
rue du Dr Michel Provencal
Melanie Martinez – sewing designer
La Petite Pochette, 8 rue Saint Sebastien
Jacqueline Matteoda – visual artist
Plac Grimaldi
Veronique Pepin – floral designer
Le Lavoir, 20 rue Hippolyte Guis
Slava Robin – linocutter
L’Amusee, rue Charles Géniaux
Oli Romanelli – photographer
L’Atelier d’OliR, Impasse de la Goulette/ Le Pressoir, 12 rue Dr Michel Provencal
SETCH – painters and sculptors
Le Pressoir, 12 rue Dr Michel Provencal
SYLB – painter
Le Pressoir,12 rue Dr Michel Provencal
Guided Tours
Around €3 – Meeting at the Tourist Office in Place de Docteur Maurel – French only.
Free (July and August) – French only. Visit the village at night by candlelight every usually Friday starting at 22h in front of the Tourist Office.
Around €3. Usually at 18h in July & August (theatre tour) – French only. Starting from the Tourist Office, discovered 12 paintings reproduced throughout the village. They are located at the exact spot where Renoir, Soutine, Derain, etc. positioned themselves when creating them.
Around 3€ (+ 4€ museum entrance fee) usually open Wed, Sat and Sun 10h-12h and 14h-18h. +33 (0)4 92 02 47 30. One hour tours available in French & English, meet guide at Castle entrance.
The Tourist Office
Located at Place du Docteur Maurel at the side of the Castle and close to the free shuttle bus (No 44) stop. Ideal for all Haut de Cagnes info (04 92 02 85 05 ). Open from July and August 14h- 18h. See the Tourist Office in the town below (6, boulevard Maréchal Juin – 06800 Cagnes-sur-Mer) the rest of the year.
Places To Visit
Nice
The Old Town of Nice has a wonderful antique market every Monday on the Cours Saleya. It is a flower market the rest of the week. There are plenty of cultural things to see: Contemporary Art Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Chagall Museum, Matisse Museum and numerous churches and cathedrals.
Antibes
The Old Town beside the port has a splendid array of tasty restaurants and interesting shops. For instance, The Picasso Museum is a must. In addition the Cap d’Antibes coastal walk is worth doing. A trip to the bustling town, Juan les Pins with its large selection of private sandy beaches and chic boutiques is a great way to pass the time.
St Paul de Vence
This wealthy, medieval village is filled with art galleries and pretty boutiques. After that, the Foundation Maeght art gallery is always a pleasure with works by Chagall, Miro and Braque.
Cannes
Glamorous designer shopping even if it is just window shopping proves popular in Cannes! More affordable shops can be found on rue d’Antibes. Above all, walk along the famous Croisette followed by a lazy lunch in the old town, Le Suquet. It is also possible to take a 20 minute boat trip to Les Iles de Lerins from Cannes.
Grasse
This is the perfume capital with Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard. The Fragonard perfume Museum and Flower Factory are well worth a visit.
Mougins
Explore the circular, picturesque, old village of Mougins – very picture postcard!
Monaco
Monaco is the home of the Monaco Grand Prix and Monte Carlo Casino. In addition, visit the Principality Palace and old town. However, don’t forget to check out the port with its impressive yachts and stop off at the Oceanography Museum.
St Tropez
St Tropez is renowned for its designer shops, famous inhabitants and stunning beaches – great people watching!
Italy
Ventimiglia is less than an hour’s drive away or you can take a direct train. Lunch is good value and you can treat yourself to a delicious Italian ice cream.
Ski resorts Auron and Isola 2000 are only 1hr30 away. You can even take a bus from Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport for a couple of euros.