We are planning to make Nice a train/bus base for the Riviera leg of our next trip, but Cagnes looks so inviting! 2 questions: Would Cagnes be as convenient as Nice as a base for exploring the area; and does anyone know what dates the Hippodrome is open in March? Many thanks in advance.

Cagnes just as good base - has its own train station down below the town that serves all the places Nice train station does - the so-called Cote d'Azur metro. And Cagnes is closer to places like Cannes, Antibes, and the fabled hill towns of St Paul, Grasse, Vence, Biot, etc.
No dope on the horses.

Thanks PalQ! Is "below the town" a tough walk?

Which Cagnes--Cagnes-sur-Mer or Haut de Cagnes? The first is a popular French and British vacation area down near the Mediterranean; the other is up in the hills and a bit of a maze to reach. Both are pleasant towns, but a good deal of the housing in Cagnes-sur-Mer is holiday apartments rather than htoels. Haut de Cagnes is also not blessed with many hotels

I don't think Cagnes sur Mer is nearly as interesting as Nice or Cannes. What is there about Cagnes sur Mer that attracts you?

Stu Dudley

Just found a site indicating that horse-racing in theNice Hippodrome takes place during the summer. You might try sending a message to the Nice tourist office for additional information.

Thanks for replies. Stu, the Renoir gallery, Grimaldi palace and race track were the attractions.The Cagnes hippodrome site mentioned winter and summer meets but didn't give exact dates. Because we do so much on public transporation, having a convenient train station is nice. Am thinking Nice might be a better choice as a base.

The train station at Cagnes-sur-Mer is about 2 km below the town center - not a short stroll.

2 km would be a deal breaker unless there are plenty of cabs/busses. Underhill, I willcheck the Nice folks-good idea, thanks!