Château de la Napoule: A Fairytale Castle Where Art Meets the Sea

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Published on February 24th, 2025 by Ersilia

Hi, I’m Ersilia! After living in France for seven years and exploring every corner of the French Riviera, I love sharing hidden gems that most tourists miss. And today, I want to tell you about a magical castle that captured my heart.

I feel like even if you are comming here only for some days (I have a complete guide for that!), it is still possible to slide in some atipycal places, like this one.

Did you know there’s an enchanting castle in the Bay of Cannes that was transformed by an eccentric American artist couple into their creative fantasy?

For me, this place is one of the best things to see around Cannes and even if you consider the entire Côte d’Azur!

While most visitors to the French Riviera focus on famous spots like Monaco’s Prince’s Palace or Nice’s castle hill (which are incredible, don’t get me wrong!), there are lesser-known treasures that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale – and Château de la Napoule is definitely one of them.

I discovered this hidden gem in the most perfect way possible – by taking the coastal path from Plage de la Raguette. Trust me, this small detour makes all the difference in experiencing the castle as it was meant to be seen!

Easily accessible from anywhere along the coast, this medieval fortress offers a magical escape from the busy beaches and tourist crowds.

Read on for all my tips on how to get there and make the most of your visit to this extraordinary piece of French Riviera history!

Getting There & Where to Stay

The château is perfectly positioned between Cannes and Théoule-sur-Mer, making it an easy day trip from anywhere along the French Riviera. From Nice, it’s about a 45-minute drive along the stunning coastal road. If you’re using public transport, take the train to Mandelieu-La Napoule station, and it’s just a 15-minute walk to the castle.

For accommodation, I recommend staying in Mandelieu-La Napoule itself to really soak in the atmosphere. The town has several charming hotels with sea views, perfect for extending your castle experience. The Pullman Mandelieu Hotel offers amazing views of the château and the bay, while smaller boutique hotels like Hotel de la Corniche d’Or give you that cozy French Riviera feeling. Hotel La Calanque qives you that incredible sea view and a terrace under palm trees (make sure to book a room with sea view).

Yet, my favourite is Ermitage de l’Oasis Hotel, for the service they offer, the incredible architecture and pool, and their wide suites with private terraces.

If you’re traveling on a budget, consider staying in nearby Théoule-sur-Mer or why not in Cannes? From there, you can take an easy day trip – it’s just a 10-minute train ride away.

What Makes Château de la Napoule Special

Before starting to read my take on why you should visit this castle near Cannes, have a look at this incredible video made by the La Napoule Art Fondation, who owns the place today.

I’ll never forget my first glimpse of the château. As I walked along the seaside path, it slowly emerged from the cliffs like something from a dream – its towers and terraces dramatically positioned against the endless blue of the Mediterranean.

The moment I stepped through the door inscribed with “Once upon a time…” it felt like entering a world where imagination had been given free rein.

Unlike many other French castles that stick strictly to historical accuracy, this one pulses with creative energy and personal touches that make it uniquely special.

The castle’s story is just as captivating as its setting. In 1918, American artists Henry and Marie Clews discovered what they called their “sleeping castle” – then just a mix of old Saracen ruins.

They spent the next 17 years transforming it into their artistic dream home, and wow, what a transformation it was!

Some local critics (such as the owners of the “chambre d’hôte” where we stayed) dismiss Château de la Napoule as “kitsch” because of the Clews’ eclectic renovation combining Gothic, Rococo, Saracen, and Romanesque styles. As an architect, I understand their perspective – the castle doesn’t adhere to purist restoration principles.

But I’d argue that’s exactly what makes it special – this isn’t just another perfectly preserved medieval fortress, but rather a place with a unique story where two passionate artists poured their creative vision into every corner, creating something truly personal and alive with artistic expression.

Experiences You Can’t Miss

The gardens are an absolute must-see, designed as a numbered journey that tells the fascinating story of this creative couple. Each turn reveals another surprise – ancient trees, whimsical sculptures, and carefully designed viewpoints that frame the Mediterranean perfectly.

Want the best photo spot? Head to the sea-facing terraces that seem to float between sky and water. I spent way too much time here just taking in the view and imagining what it must have been like to live in such a magical place.

You can experience this castle in two different ways: either on a solo visit or on a group guided tour. The second option is the only one that gets you into the castle. Take the tour !! (The price doesn’t change much).

The interior tours are available at specific times (11:30, 14:30, and 15:30), and I highly recommend joining one. You’ll discover the couple’s private world, including their quirky personal touches like a completely pink bedroom and oversized fireplaces. The inscriptions they left for each other throughout the castle add such a personal, romantic touch to the experience.

My favorite spot? The tower of “La Mancha,” where Henry (who preferred to be called Mancha, imagining himself as a modern Don Quixote) and Marie now rest eternally. Their tomb design is incredibly romantic – they face the Mediterranean together, with their vaults left open so their souls can reunite every hundred years. How’s that for relationship goals?

A Love Story Written in Stone

This castle’s story is really a love story – not just between two people, but between two artists and their shared dream. Henry and Marie Clews weren’t your typical castle owners. They were American artists who fell head over heels for this “sleeping castle” in 1918.

What I love most about their story is how they let their creativity run wild. Marie took on the role of architect and landscape designer, adding turrets, high ramparts, and those amazing seaside terraces. Meanwhile, Henry (who preferred to be called Mancha, like a modern Don Quixote) filled every corner with mythical creatures from his imagination.

They lived quite an eccentric life here – often dressing in period costumes and hosting elaborate balls for European aristocracy and American expatriates. But what really touches me is how they connected with the local community, opening the castle doors to villagers for performances, celebrations, and masses in the courtyard.

It took them 17 years and a team of twelve Italian stonemasons to complete their vision. The result is this amazing mix of Gothic, Rococo, Saracen, and Romanesque styles that somehow works perfectly together. They weren’t trying to create a museum – they were building their dream home.

The Gardens of Château de la Napoule

The gardens at Château de la Napoule offer a pleasant break from the typical French Riviera sightseeing. Set up with numbered panels, they tell the story of Henry and Marie Clews, the American couple who restored the castle in the early 1900s.

As you walk through, you’ll spot some interesting sculptures created by Henry Clews himself scattered among Mediterranean plants and trees. The panels provide context about the couple’s artistic vision and their 17-year renovation project.

One of the nicest aspects is how the gardens connect directly to the beach. You can easily step from the manicured grounds right onto the sand – something most castle gardens don’t offer.

While these aren’t the most spectacular gardens on the French Riviera (Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild takes that crown), they provide a calm, green space to relax and enjoy some quiet moments away from the busier tourist attractions.

They’re worth including in your visit to the castle, especially if you’re looking for a peaceful spot to rest between sightseeing.

Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips

The crowds here are managable even during the high season, as this place is not the main priority for most tourists. This means you can come in summer, or you could shelter here for rain during spring or autumn.

The château is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring both the gardens and castle and maybe a cocktail on the beach right after.

Here’s a money-saving tip: while the guided tours are essential for seeing the interior, you can explore the gorgeous gardens at your own pace. I’d recommend timing your visit to catch one of the guided tours (they run at 11:30, 14:30, and 15:30), but arrive earlier to explore the gardens first.

A practical note about getting the most out of your visit: start from Plage de la Raguette and take the coastal path to the castle. This approach gives you the most dramatic first impression and helps you understand why the Clews fell so deeply in love with this spot.

Where to Eat Like a Local

After exploring the castle, you’ll definitely work up an appetite! Right near the château, Le Bistrot 21 is a gem, perfect for those who love fish. Their seafood dishes are absolutely incredible, and the setting with incredible sea views makes the experience even more magical.

For something more casual but equally delicious, I loved Les Bartavelles. They serve amazing Mediterranean cuisine at more accessible prices. Try to get a table on their terrace – the view of the castle is wonderful.

Quick tip: Many restaurants in the area close between lunch and dinner service (usually 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM), so plan your meals accordingly!

Durring high season (may to september), book in advance!

Why Visit Château de la Napoule?

In a region filled with historic castles and palaces, Château de la Napoule stands apart. It’s not just its stunning seaside location or its artistic heritage, but the way it captures the creative spirit and romantic dream of two artists who dared to create their fantasy world in stone.

Some locals might consider the castle’s renovation too “kitsch” for mixing so many architectural styles, but I found this creative freedom incredibly inspiring. Every corner tells part of their story, making it much more than just another historical monument – it’s a testament to artistic passion and love.

Whether you come for the fairytale architecture, the stunning Mediterranean views, or simply to lose yourself in an artist’s dream come true, Château de la Napoule offers something truly unique on the French Riviera. Just remember to approach this special place with an open mind and heart – after all, that’s what keeps its magic alive!

PS : This castle is also a wedding venue !

If you’re dreaming of a French Riviera wedding, the Château de La Napoule offers something truly magical. The words “Once Upon A Time”, that I already mentioned, carved above the castle’s main entrance set the perfect tone for your special day – and trust me, this medieval castle delivers on that promise of romance!

Imagine exchanging vows with the Mediterranean Sea as your backdrop, surrounded by centuries of history and meticulously maintained gardens.

The castle offers multiple spaces for both intimate ceremonies and grand celebrations, each with its own character – from the seaside terraces to the romantic medieval courtyards.

Your celebration helps maintain both the castle’s artistic legacy and its beautiful gardens and galleries, thorugh the La Napoule Art Foundation.

And, as you might already figure it out, the castle’s location just steps from the water makes it particularly magical at sunset, when the golden light hits those ancient stone walls. Perfect for “apero time” ! Did you know that French people do this even during weddings?

Wedding Venue Capacities at Château de La Napoule

Before diving into the available spaces, please note that there is no on-site parking available for guests. I recommend arranging shuttle services from nearby parking areas or hotels for your wedding party and guests.

The rental fee is based on the number of guests. Each space offers its own unique atmosphere, from intimate indoor settings to grand outdoor celebrations with Mediterranean views.

Venue Space	Seated Capacity
Gothic Dining Room (Salle à manger gothique)	95 guests
Salon	70 guests
Spencer Gallery (Galerie Spencer)	150 guests
Court of Honor (Cour d’Honneur)	800 guests (500 with tent)

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, this fairy tale setting on the French Riviera provides an unforgettable backdrop for your special day.

So, will this castle be on your next travel list?

Let me know in the comments what do you think! If you visited, tell me if you agree with the critics about this place or if you loved it (like I did!)