Château le Cagnard ★★★★

To my mind, a picture should be something pleasant, cheerful, and pretty, yes pretty! There are too many unpleasant things in life as it is without creating still more of them. - Renoir

When you hear that a hotel has hosted such greats as The Beatles, Robert De Niro, Greta Garbo, Simone De Beauvoir, Antoine de Saint-Exupery and Renoir, you know that it has to be something special and somewhere that you’d definitely want to stay too.

In fact, not only did the artist Renoir stay in this quaint hideaway, but he also decided to make his home here, in village of Cagnes sur Mer – and you might too once you’ve set eyes upon the place.

Situated in the medieval hilltop village part of the village - Haut-de-Cagnes - Château Le Cagnard certainly feels like an exclusive hideaway fit for celebrities. Hidden among purple bougainvillea you’ll find the 13th century chateau, made from old stone and covered in plants and vines, punctuated by cute traditional French shutters.

Such a magnificent sky, and it’s nothing but white paper! – Renoir

Inside you’ll be welcomed into the world of the château, where delicate fresco covered ceilings meet elegant antique furniture, wrought iron chandeliers and graceful shades of white. It’s got bundles of medieval charm, yet oozes opulent luxury with modern facilities.

With just 30 rooms, you’ll find the hotel offers a boutique personalised service with the added bonus of getting more time and space to yourself. Enter your room or suite (each named after a famous artist or painter) and you’ll find a large and elegant space filled with traditional elements such as coloured beams on the ceilings, heavy wooden doors and chandeliers. Add this to the luxury of deluxe four-poster beds or regal headboards, hot tubs in the spacious bathrooms, plush seating areas and charming private terraces, and you’ll begin to see why the hotel has been so popular over the years.

Work lovingly done is the secret of all order and happiness. – Renoir

Begin each morning here with breakfast either on your private balcony or out on the communal restaurant terrace overlooking the village of Cagnes sur Mer and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea beyond. Take our word for it - this truly is one of the best views to wake up to.

Spend your peaceful and relaxing days here strolling around the villages, visiting the imposing Château Grimaldi, standing atop the hillside, and of course the Renoir Museum, which was the artist’s home for the last 12 years of his life. The house stands on a beautiful estate in amongst ancient olive trees, and contains original paintings and sculptures, as well as Renoir’s studio.

The work of art must seize upon you, wrap you up in itself and carry you away. It is the means by which the artist conveys his passion. It is the current which he puts forth, which sweeps you along in his passion. – Renoir

In the afternoons, spend your time lying on the nearby beaches or visiting the glitzy French cities of Cannes or Nice, just a half hour drive away. Back at the hotel, it’s time to really experience what a French château break is all about – the cuisine of course. On special occasions you can dine in the château’s elegant Guard Room, painted by Emile Wéry in tones of gold with elephants and palms, while on other days you get to dine in an open paradise between the sea and the sky - the hotel’s own restaurant. As you dine on dishes such as fish of the day with artichokes, orange and vanilla, or roasted pigeon with figs, bulgur wheat and herbs, the beautifully covered frescoed ceiling will open revealing a romantic star covered sky – a magical end to a magical castle retreat.