The Château de la Napoule in Mandelieu, as seen from the campground

Visit the Château de la Napoule

One can’t help but be fascinated by the many lives the Château de la Napoule has led! The Romans were already there more than 2,000 years ago, and it later became a medieval fortress. It might have fallen into ruin, but an American artist couple, Henry and Marie Clews, fell in love with the place at first sight in 1918 and saved it.

After extensive restoration, the castle was embellished with a multitude of creative architectural details, transforming it into an extremely unique building. With its red stone, huge terrace, and mysterious nooks and crannies, it’s literally a movie set—you’ve probably even spotted it in *En attendant Bojangles*!

The spirit of its owners still seems to linger in this remarkable castle. Visitors can also admire the works of Henry Clews, a sculptor who worked with Rodin.

Its exceptional location adds to the magic of the place, offering a spectacular view of the sea. The magnificent, historically designated gardens, designed by Marie Clews, enhance this enchanting setting. Spanning 2.5 hectares, the gardens feature a variety of distinct atmospheres and are sure to delight children with a treasure hunt.

Mandelieu has two castles, including Agecroft Castle.

Things to Do Around Mandelieu-la-Napoule

During your stay, make the most of one of Mandelieu-la-Napoule’s seven sandy beaches. Mandelieu’s beaches, such as Plage du Château and Plage Robinson, offer the perfect setting for families and water sports enthusiasts. Plage du Château, located at the foot of the Château de la Napoule, is ideal for swimming and relaxing, while still being close to historic sites. Water sports include sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and scuba diving, all accessible from several beaches, notably through the “Les Voiles de Lérins” water sports center. Mandelieu combines recreation and nature in an exceptional setting.

And if you love the outdoors, there’s no shortage of hiking trails in the Esterel Massif! There are many places in the area that offer beautiful hikes. To explore a few of them, take the Corniche d’Or and head, for example, to the Pointe de l’Aiguille park or the Calanques d’Anthéor.

The charms of Provence are countless: Grasse, the world capital of perfume, is 22 km away; Saint-Raphaël is just 30 km away; and within a 35-km radius in the hinterland, you’ll find two of France’s Most Beautiful Villages: Gourdon and Seillans.

The Bay of Cannes

The Château de la Napoule is located just 7 km from Cannes, where you can enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of the bay from its Croisette or its old port. The clear waters of the Mediterranean beckon, so set out on an excursion to the Lérins Islands, a haven of peace surrounded by nature.