Riviera Pebbles Blog: Musée Renoir

Posted on 24th Feb 2019 in Go & Do

Musée Renoir

19 Chemin des Collettes, Cagnes-sur-Mer,
Tel: 04.93.20.61.07
open 10am-noon, 2-5pm Wed-Mon (until 6pm June-Aug)
€6, under 26 years free or with the French Riviera Pass

Like many before him, Renoir settled on the Riviera to treat his ill-health, hopeful that the warm weather and sea air would bring some relief in his old age. Despite being riddled with arthritis and having limited mobility (in his final years he needed help just picking up a paintbrush), Renoir persevered and produced many successful works at Les Collettes (his family home), including his lively portrait of Austrian actress Tilla Durieux; completed just five years before his death.

No doubt Renoir found inspiration within the beautiful grounds of the house. Surrounded by olive trees and citrus groves, with an impressive view of both sea and mountains, energy seems to radiate from the greenery. In 1960, this neo-Provençal building was given a new lease of life through its conversion to the Musée Renoir, and even today Les Collettes is a place of tranquillity; somewhere to return to time and time again to escape the rush of city life.

The museum is a homage to the man himself as much as it is to his art. Providing a wonderful insight to Renoir’s personal life and how it fitted alongside his work, the gallery showcases ten paintings and 12 sculptures, as well as Renoir’s studio, preserved as it was left at the time of the artist’s death in 1919.

How to get there: Take the train from Nice Gare to Voie Pierre Mathis (approx. 30 mins) or take a bus to Cagnes and then the bus 42 to stop Le Beal and then walk up the Chemin des Collettes.

You can also walk from Nice along the prom and then cycle path to the museum in around 90 minutes, depending on pace. Google will give you good walking directions.