Cagnes-sur-Mer
Cagnes-sur-Mer is located in the Alpes Maritimes department between Nice and Antibes. Cagnes-sur-Mer consists of three parts: the holiday and seaside resort of Cros-de-Cagnes, Cagnes-Ville, the commercial centre and Haut-de-Cagnes, the medieval district. Haut-de-Cagnes is undoubtedly the most interesting of the three. It was here that the great impressionist painter Auguste Renoir, suffering from arthritis, moved down and spent his last 15 years in the house Les Colettes, surrounded by old olive trees and flowers. The house is now a museum and is almost as it was when the painter died. It contains ten works by Renoir as well as works by his friends Bonnard and Dufy. The fortified Haut-de-Cagnes sits on top of a small mountain. It is criss-crossed by steep, winding alleys and staircases and plenty of idyllic little squares. Haut-de-Cagnes is most interesting because of the old Grimaldi castle from the 14th century. The square in front of the castle has several cafés and nightclubs and can be very lively on a summer evening. Through a medieval gate you enter the castle square, Place Grimaldi, with an entrance to the museum. The castle is a curious miniature fortress and was originally built as a fortress and prison, but in the 1600s it was remodelled by the Grimaldis of the Italian noble family. The Italian influence is clearly visible. Every summer a painting exhibition is held here, which has gained such a great reputation that the participating artists, including several Danes, owe their international fame to this exhibition in particular. 
Inspiration for your holiday:Attractions:Haut-de-Cagnes, the old neighbourhood Renoir's house and museum Grimaldi castle and museum Modern art exhibitions Art galleries Eglise de St Pierre Notre Dame de Protection - chapel from the 14th century. 
Activities in Cagnes-sur-MerWater sports Racing at the Hippodrome Golf - There is a wealth of golf courses in the Alpes Maritimes department. The French Golf Union has a website where most courses are presented. Unfortunately, the website is in French. Go to Guide de golfs and search here under the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region: http://www.ffgolf.org/ Ski resorts within a reasonable distance: http://www.skifrance.fr/default-a.htm |