musée Renoir — Attraction in Grasse

Visiting the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer was an unforgettable experience—deeply atmospheric, intimate, and steeped in both artistic heritage and natural beauty. Nestled among centuries-old olive trees, the museum is set in the heart of the Domaine des Collettes, where Pierre-Auguste Renoir chose to settle in the final years of his life. It was during a journey to Italy that Renoir first passed through this part of the French Riviera, and he was so captivated by the luminosity, landscape, and serenity of the area that he returned and made it his home. The views across the hills to the medieval village of Haut-de-Cagnes are just as breathtaking today as they must have been in Renoir’s time.

There are 15 paintings by Renoir on display here, as well as 40 sculptures. Highlights include Les grandes baigneuses, Coco reading, La Ferme and La vallée de la Cagne; and elegant portraits from Les Caryatides to Madame Pichon, each reflecting the artist’s mastery of light and form.

Stepping into the villa is like entering Renoir’s world. The kitchen, tiled bathroom, and sunlit rooms remain much as they were, while his easel, brushes, and armchair make his presence almost tangible. This was also a place of lively exchange, welcoming Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Auguste Rodin, Amedeo Modigliani, and Pablo Picasso. Outside, olive trees cast their shade and birdsong drifts through the stillness. Even on my overcast visit, the beauty was unmistakable—but I long to return on a sunny day, to see the gardens bathed in the dappled light Renoir...

The museum should be interesting but the lack of available information of you don’t take a guided tours makes it hard to appreciate. Also the opening hours and rules are not clear in advance nor well posted. The main house closes for lunch, so even though they’ll sell you tickets until 12:30 they start chasing you out at 12:45. We presented at the ticket counter with a baby and small stroller and rhe very friendly ticket girl offered to open the doors to make it easier for us. However once inside the house the guards hassled is about the stroller and said we couldn’t bring it through the galleries, claiming it would damage the floors… however nothing was posted anywhere forbidding strollers and all the floors had been replaced. I doubt they would refuse women wearing high heels to enter? That would be far more damaging… so we carried her though all the rooms snd left the stroller by the elevator. Worse, on the next level the other guard tried to say we couldn’t even leave the stroller by the elevator! So with so little time inside, we spent half of it in discussion with the guards who then chased us out anyway. All in all, a very unpleasant experience. Very disappointing since I have studied Renoir my whole life and wanted to share this special artist with...

Travellers, PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW!!! Be advised how this museum and staff treat the tourist so you can plan a successful visit. The museum management is NOT tourist friendly. They are closed during the week, depending on the season. They open at 10:00 and then close THE WHOLE PROPERTY at 12:00 but the staff RUSHES YOU OUT...LITERALLY at 11:45! They will not let you use the toilet or wander the yard on your way out. In fact, yes, they actually have ALL the staff walk the tourist out at the same time in a line. They even use a golf cart driving it behind you to push you out faster... at 11:45! They close the gift shop at 11:45. Get the point. They lock the gates at 11:45! Why??? They take a 2 hour lunch!!! Avoid going in the morning the property and museum and gift shop take 2.5 hours to restfully enjoy it. After all, everyone is on vacation, but the staff and curators at this museum don't care. What a shame to not correctly represent this family home with the poor treatment of its guests.

The museum is a lovely representation of Renoir's true love for his family and the theblove of freedom of painting what he enjoyed. His home and family and friends and neighbors. It's worth going but after their...