Exploring Haut-de-Cagnes

Chateau Grimaldi

Haut-de-Cagnes is a medieval Riviera hilltop village famous for its artistic past. The village is well visible from the coast. The Grimaldi Castle, Château Grimaldi dominates the old town with its tower over 90 m asl.

We visited Haut-de-Cagnes on Victory Day when both the Château Musée Grimaldi and restaurants on the Place du Château were open. We parked in the centre of Cagnes-sur-Mer and walked through the town, first following traffic signs to Haut-de-Cagnes then ascended along a pedestrian itinerary. It was less than half an hour’s walk to the Place du Château.

Haut de Cagnes pedestrian route

Stairs to Haut-de-Cagnes

Near Chateau Grimaldi

Chateau Grimaldi ceiling

Chateau Grimaldi inner court

We first visited the Château Musée Grimaldi which exhibits lesser-known artists. There is also a room dedicated to Suzy Solidor showing her portraits by various artists. She was a cabaret star/singer/actress whose career in Paris and on the Riviera continued half a century from the 1920s.

The castle itself is well preserved with a remarkable painted ceiling. From the tower, the 360° view is super.

View to east from castle tower

View to southwest from castle tower

View to northwest from castle tower

Suzy Solidor portraits

According to a recent article in Nice Matin, there are still about twenty artists actively working in the village. They complained that the village lacks visitors because the access is difficult. Well, it’s a short walk from the town centre but involves climbing! There’s a free electric shuttle bus as well.

Haut-de-Cagnes is indeed very quiet compared with St-Paul-de-Vence which draws crowds. But St-Paul also has several art galleries and shops which are open every day whereas the artists in Haut-de-Cagnes only have open doors every first Sunday of the month.

Before walking back, we had a nice relaxing lunch in one of the restaurants on the Place du Château.

Distance: 3,4 km including the museum

Climb: 110 m including the castle tower

Duration: Less than 1 h from Parking de la Villette to the Place du Château and back