Recovered Renoir Paintings Restored to Cagnes-sur-Mer

Two paintings by the renowned French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir have been found one month after their theft from a museum in southern France. This news was confirmed by the mayor of the town on Friday.

In a daring attempt in September, thieves broke into the museum located in Cagnes-sur-Mer. They managed to steal two invaluable works by the French impressionist before abandoning two others as they made their escape.

These two paintings are not simply works of art. They are part of our city’s history, stated Bryan Masson, the mayor of Cagnes-sur-Mer. Knowing they have been recovered is an immense relief. As of now, there has been no statement released by the police regarding the recovery of these artworks.

The theft incident occurred on September 8, 2026, when intruders breached the museum in the early hours. A police officer was stationed outside the Musee Renoir following this significant breach of security.

Details of the heist reveal that the suspects bypassed a fence to enter the museum’s grounds and used a window to gain interior access. An electric saw was employed to sever the frame mountings, as recounted by Masson during the initial reporting of the theft in early September.

An insider familiar with the case informed AFP earlier this week that five individuals had been detained in relation to the investigation. The Renoir Museum, residing a half-hour drive from Nice, served as Renoir’s final abode before his death at the age of 78 in 1919.

This robbery is the latest in a succession of audacious thefts in France. It follows an incident last year where crown jewelry, valued at approximately $100 million, was stolen in broad daylight from the Louvre in Paris.