Mandelieu La Napoule Chateau De La Napoule Camille Moirenc Otc MandelieuMandelieu La Napoule Chateau De La Napoule Camille Moirenc Otc Mandelieu
©Mandelieu La Napoule Chateau De La Napoule Camille Moirenc Otc Mandelieu|Camille Moirenc / OTC Mandelieu

Visit the Château de la Napoule

an exceptional medieval fortress

An ancient medieval fortress rising out of the sea with its red stones and towers, a visit to the Château de la Napoule in Mandelieu is an opportunity to discover the home of an American couple who were both artists and whimsical: Henry and Marie Clews. Here’s everything you need to know about this exceptional Côte d’Azur location!

An extraordinary historical and artistic heritage

From its medieval origins to the Clews’ artistic project

Founded in the 14th century on the seafront, Château de La Napoule lived through several centuries of turbulent history before enjoying a singular renaissance at the start of the Roaring Twenties. It was at this time that Henry and Marie Clews, a couple of American artists, set about restoring it using the authentic remains still standing. Far from a conventional restoration, their approach is akin to a global artistic creation, where architecture, sculpture and landscaping interact with coherence and inventiveness.

A museum dedicated to the work of Henry Clews

A painter and sculptor with a singular style, Henry Clews left a considerable artistic imprint on the château itself. The on-site museum presents a collection of works that reflect his personal world. A rare collection, accessible as part of the visit, which sheds valuable light on the history of the site and the creative personality of its restorer.

Remarkable” gardens overlooking the sea

Landscaping art recognised at the highest level

Marie Clews devoted much of her energy to the design and layout of the château’s gardens. Her talent as a landscape gardener, recognised by the award of the national ‘ Remarkable Garden’ label, can be seen in every detail: skilfully orchestrated plant compositions, vistas opening onto the Bay of Cannes, carefully chosen Mediterranean species. A coherent whole that makes the gardens of Château de la Napoule a destination in their own right, beyond the visit to the château itself.

A living cultural space, open to contemporary creation

True to the artistic vocation instilled by their founders, the gardens regularly host exhibitions by contemporary visual artists. These temporary works take over the paths and terraces of the estate, creating a stimulating dialogue between built heritage and contemporary art. A programme that renews the visitor experience and affirms the château’s cultural role in the Côte d’Azur landscape.