Château de la Napoule
Seaside castle in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, transformed by the artist Henry Clews and his wife into a place of creation, with gardens and fantastical sculptures.
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About the museum
The La Napoule site has been occupied since Roman times. In the Middle Ages the Villeneuve family built a fortress there, which was destroyed several times and rebuilt. At the end of its military history, the building was converted into a seaside villa.
In 1918 the American sculptor Henry Clews and his wife Marie discovered the castle. For around seventeen years the couple turned it into a retreat for artists: Marie designed the architecture and gardens (turreted gateway, ramparts, terraces facing the sea), while Henry adorned the walls with sculptures of fantastical creatures inspired by Romanesque sculptors.
After Henry Clews died in 1937, Marie founded the La Napoule Art Foundation in his memory in 1951. She opened the site to artists and the public. Today the foundation hosts artists in residence, organises exhibitions and workshops, and offers guided tours of the castle and its gardens.
Highlights
- Seaside castle facing the bay of Cannes
- Sculptures by Henry Clews, featuring fantastical creatures
- French-style gardens with terraces and ramparts, to visit alone or on a guided tour
- Guided tour of the castle interior, about 45 to 60 minutes
- Free treasure hunt for children in the gardens and museum
Permanent exhibition
- Le château et les jardins – The gardens, Henry Clews’ sculptures and the castle spaces can be visited alone or with a guide; works by contemporary artists are also shown.
- Founded
- 1951
- Operated by
- La Napoule Art Foundation
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | –Under 18s, students and members of the La Napoule Art Family, on proof |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 10 · Free entry up to age 10. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free entry for holders of a mobility inclusion card marked as needing an assistant or for blindness, including one companion. |
| Groups (15+ people) | –Guided groups are limited to 35 people; rate not stated. |
| Gardens and temporary exhibition visit | €5When an exhibition is on display |
| Guided visit of the castle interior with access to the gardens | €8Reduced rate: €6 |
€4 entry for visiting the gardens. Free admission also for members of the press, licensed guides and members of the La Napoule Art Family (gardens only), on proof.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The gardens are partly accessible to people with reduced mobility: some paths have steps and small staircases. The castle interior, with its stairs, is not wheelchair-accessible. Only assistance dogs are admitted in the castle and gardens.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 10 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Workshops for children aged 4 to 12 (modelling, painting, drawing, plaster sculpture) and school programmes. Free treasure hunt for young visitors, with a booklet available at the castle entrance. Pushchairs are allowed in the gardens but not in the castle, where they remain outside; a front baby carrier is recommended for the guided tour.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Port de La Napoule
TER train, La Napoule station, opposite the castle; TGV to Cannes station, then connection; bus line 22 from Cannes station towards Théoule-sur-Mer, Port de La Napoule stop.
By car
Parking available
No dedicated castle car park. Nearby car parks: Saint-Fainéant car park (about 50 spaces) and Soustelle car park (about 40 spaces); a few spaces along the avenue Henry Clews.
The castle is about 7 km west of Cannes. By car, take exit 40 “Mandelieu Centre” from the A8 motorway. Nice Côte d’Azur airport is about 30 minutes away via the motorway.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Some items and bags can be left at the ticket office, depending on available space; bags larger than 55 x 35 x 20 cm are not allowed in the exhibition areas. Food and drink are not allowed in the exhibition areas.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
The foundation offers the castle and its spaces for private receptions, weddings, corporate events, exhibitions and workshops.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography is allowed for personal use, without flash or professional equipment; commercial use requires prior authorisation. |
| Good to know | Guided tours of the interior in French, about 45 to 60 minutes, with translations available at the ticket office. During regular opening periods, individuals and groups of fewer than 15 people can join the tour without booking, subject to available places. Pets are not admitted; drones require municipal authorisation. |
