Cagnes-sur-Mer, France — French police are searching for two suspects after a pre-dawn break-in at the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer resulted in the theft of several valuable artworks.

The incident occurred early Tuesday at the museum on the French Riviera, which occupies the former home of renowned Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The museum’s alarm was activated at around 5:48 a.m., prompting a rapid police response.

According to local authorities, two intruders entered the museum and removed four artworks. Security-camera footage captured the suspects as they escaped. One of the paintings was abandoned during their flight and was subsequently recovered, while three works remained missing.

The stolen artworks have been estimated to have a combined value of approximately €9 million. Reports identified the missing pieces as works associated with Renoir, including Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano, Coco Lisant and Jeune fille au puits.

Cagnes-sur-Mer Mayor Bryan Masson said municipal and national police were deployed after the alarm was triggered. Officers arrived within minutes, but the suspects had already left the area. Authorities have launched an investigation and are actively searching for those responsible.

The museum is particularly significant because it preserves the estate where Renoir spent the final years of his life. Its collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs and personal belongings connected to the celebrated artist.

The robbery has renewed concerns over security at museums and cultural institutions in France. It also comes amid a series of high-profile art and jewellery thefts across Europe, increasing pressure on authorities to strengthen protection for valuable cultural collections.

French investigators are continuing to examine surveillance footage and evidence from the scene. The identities and whereabouts of the suspected thieves had not been publicly confirmed at the time of reporting.