Cagnes-sur-Mer Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Cagnes-sur-Mer

The old village of Haut-de-Cagnes as seen from the château

Flag	Coat of arms

Cagnes-sur-Mer

Location in France

Cagnes-sur-Mer

Location in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Country

France

Region

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Cagnes-sur-Mer-1 and 2

Intercommunality

Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur

Area

17.95 km² (6.93 sq mi)

Population

(2012)

46,686

• Density

2,600.9/km² (6,736.3/sq mi)

Time zone

UTC+01:00 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+02:00 (CEST)

INSEE/Postal code

06027 /06800

Elevation

0–187 m (0–614 ft)

¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Cagnes-sur-Mer is a lovely town, also known as a commune, located in the department of Alpes-Maritimes in southeastern France. It's right on the beautiful French Riviera, which is famous for its sunny weather and stunning coastline.

This town is known for its charming old village, called Haut-de-Cagnes, which sits on a hill. It also has a lively seaside area called Cros-de-Cagnes.

History of Cagnes-sur-Mer
- Medieval Times
- A Home for Artists
  - Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Geography and Climate
- Coastal Location
- Hills and Valleys
What to See and Do
Government and Administration
- The Mayor
- Local Services
Images for kids
See also

History of Cagnes-sur-Mer

Cagnes-sur-Mer has a long and interesting history. People have lived here for a very long time.

Medieval Times

In the Middle Ages, a strong castle was built in Haut-de-Cagnes. This castle, called the Château Grimaldi, was built by the Grimaldi family. They were powerful lords who ruled the area. The castle helped protect the town from invaders.

A Home for Artists

Later, in the 19th and 20th centuries, Cagnes-sur-Mer became a popular place for artists. They loved the beautiful light, the landscapes, and the sea.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

One of the most famous artists who lived here was Pierre-Auguste Renoir. He was a very important French painter. Renoir spent the last years of his life in Cagnes-sur-Mer. His home, called Les Collettes, is now a museum. You can visit it to see his studio and some of his works.

Geography and Climate

Cagnes-sur-Mer is located on the Mediterranean coast. This means it has a warm, sunny climate for most of the year.

Coastal Location

The town stretches along the coastline, offering beautiful beaches. The sea is a big part of life here, with fishing and water sports being popular activities.

Hills and Valleys

While part of the town is by the sea, other parts are on hills. Haut-de-Cagnes is a great example, offering amazing views of the coast and the surrounding area. The highest point in the commune is 187 meters (about 613 feet) above sea level.

What to See and Do

Cagnes-sur-Mer has many things to explore, whether you like history, art, or just relaxing by the sea.

Château Grimaldi Museum

The old castle in Haut-de-Cagnes is now a museum. It's called the Château Grimaldi Museum. Inside, you can learn about the castle's history and see art collections. There's even a museum dedicated to the olive tree, which is very important in this region.

Renoir Museum

As mentioned, the former home of the painter Renoir is now a museum. It's a wonderful place to learn about his life and art. You can see his furniture, personal items, and some of his paintings.

Cros-de-Cagnes

This is the seaside part of Cagnes-sur-Mer. It has a long pebble beach where you can swim, sunbathe, or just enjoy the view. There's also a small fishing port, which gives it a traditional charm.

Shopping and Markets

Like many French towns, Cagnes-sur-Mer has lively markets where you can find fresh local produce, crafts, and other interesting things. There are also many shops and restaurants.

Government and Administration

Cagnes-sur-Mer is a commune, which is like a local government area in France.

The Mayor

The town is led by a Mayor. The mayor is elected by the people and is in charge of running the town's services. The current mayor is Louis Nègre. He works with a team of elected officials to make decisions for Cagnes-sur-Mer.

Local Services

The local government provides many services for its citizens, such as schools, parks, and public transportation. They also work to keep the town clean and safe.