Mandelieu-la Napoule is located between the deep blue of the Mediterranean and La Siagne River. It is at the foot of the magnificent rocky hills of the Estérel and Tanneron. Mandelieu is also famed as being the capital of the French Riviera for its stunning flowering Mimosa bushes called the «winter sun”. Every year in February, the light on top of the hillside by myriad of floral suns is the beginning of the Festival of the Mimosa. Mandelieu is also one of the leading golf destinations on the French Riviera.
The history of Mandelieu goes back a few thousand years. It is a city full of history and legends. As an example, Hilaire became a Saint and was a successor of Honorat. Hilaire was later a Saint and founder of the abbey of Lérins in the 5th century. She left us a document which reflects the beginning of history of Mandelieu. Around the year 400, Eucher became lord of Mandelieu. He freed his slaves and gave half of his fortune to the peasants of Mandelieu, his fief before he became Bishop of Lyon.
Mandelieu and La Napoule were part of the same “Estate” as far back as their history goes, except between the French Revolution and July 1836 date on which La Napoule,, was returned to Mandelieu, having been ceded to the area of Frejus during that period.
In all seasons, the colours of nature that surround Mandelieu-la-Napoule offer the most beautiful landscapes: the warm toned rocky mountains of the Estérel, the mimosas in winter, the Lérins Islands, the beaches, the ports, the legendary Château de La Napoule, as well as outdoor sports in a mild climate all year round.
Mandelieu-la-Napoule is a Nature Park with a various types of activities to explore in the Estérel hills. Start your morning with a hike along the seaside, to discover the pretty Esterel coves … For lunch, return to the seaside for a taste discovery at the restaurant “Le Repère” with its terrace overlooking the sea and from where you can dream of one day returning to this idyllic setting with a panoramic view of the Château de Mandelieu and the bay of Cannes.
In the afternoon, it is essential to go play in one of the largest and most historic golf courses on the French Riviera, the Old Course Golf, located by the sea. In the summer you will particularly enjoy the golf course shaded by the umbrella pines and delight in crossing the Siagne River aboard a ferry, to get from one part of the course to another.
The fort at La NapouleBuilt just by the sea in 1387 by the Count of Villeneuve, the old military fort at La Napoule bears witness to a lively history: invasions, looting, wars and revolutions. The castle was bought in 1917 by Henry Clews, an American billionaire, painter and sculptor.
And herewith a love story: With his wife Marie, they rebuilt the building from its authentic remains. They transformed its grounds and gardens into a place of dreams and imagination. The maxim engraved on the pediment of the entrance portal “once upon a time”, heralds entry into a fantasy world. Henry devoted himself to the architecture of the castle and his artistic works, which can be found in the castle museum. His wife was the landscaper of the castle gardens, which she designed with a talent that is still recognized today. Don’t miss this wonderful occasion…
