The Château de la Napoule is an ancient medieval fortress restored by a couple of American artists, Henry and Marie Clews, during the Roaring Twenties. The gardens classified as "remarkable" host works of artwork by artists.
A bit of history: Built just by the sea in 1387 by the Counts of Villeneuve, the old military fort of La Napoule bears witness to a turbulent history: invasions, looting, wars and other revolutions.
Halfruin, half bourgeois villa, it was bought in 1917 by Henry Clews, an American billionaire, painter and sculptor. Together with his wife Marie, they rebuilt the building from authentic remains, including the two towers and transformed it with its gardens into a dream and imaginary place. The maxim engraved on the pediment of the portal "once upon a time", announces the entrance into a fantastic world, where the art, humour and fantasy of its creators are written on the walls forever.
Although Henry devoted himself to the castle's architecture and his artistic works, which can be seen in the castle museum, his wife was the architect of the gardens of the castle, which she designed with a talent that is still recognized today.
Advantages for families
Free for children under 7 years old
Free treasure hunt in the castle gardens
Full price: 4 to 7 € (4€ for the gardens alone, 7€ per person for the guided tour of the château interior and gardens.). Free entry for children under 7.
Office de Tourisme et des Congrès de Mandelieu la Napoule - 12/12/2025
www.mandelieu-tourisme.com/
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From 05/04 to 28/09/2025 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and weekends between 10 am and 6 pm. The interior of the Château is open to guided tours only (subject to availability) at 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm.
Phone : 04 93 49 95 05
Email : message@chateau-lanapoule.com
Website : https://www.lnaf.org
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/chateau.delanapoule
When Henry and Marie Clews set about restoring the Château de la Napoule in 1919, it was Marie who drew up the plans for the gardens. A lover of the arts, and above all of opera, it was she who set the music to this immense work in shades of green. Ponds, fountains and terraces punctuate the spaces bordered by hedges of multiple species. It makes the most of its panoramic location, incorporating superb sea views. Several gardens intertwine and follow one another, including the secret garden that becomes its refuge. With the creation of the Napoule Art Foundation, she fulfilled her latest dream, transforming the American couple's prestigious estate into an artists' residence. Les Jardins de Marie blends the magic of the arts with the magic of nature.
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