Known for its castle, its bay and its mimosas, Mandelieu-la-Napoule blossoms at the gateway to the Estérel massif. This town on the Bay of Cannes never fails to attract visitors with its typical French Riviera charm. As with all Côte d'Azur towns, soak up its Provençal identity, magnificent landscapes and constant sunshine. For your next stay in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, discover our 9 must-sees.
1- Château de la Napoule
A must-see in Mandelieu, the Château de la Napoule is a major tourist attraction on the Côte d'Azur. This red stone château, restored in a beautiful neo-medieval style, is dedicated to supporting cultural exchange and artistic creation. It boasts a vast park with magnificent French-style gardens, where you can lose yourself in the lush green alleys. It also boasts an incredible view of the sea and the Bay of Cannes.
Take this opportunity to discover Cannes through our 15 must-sees.
2- San Peyre Hill
A true hike in the heart of the city, the Colline de San Peyre offers a stroll with a view over the city. It was from here that the Romans kept watch over the Gulf of Napoule. This 131m-high volcanic dome dominates the town and its surroundings, and is classified as a departmental nature park. Follow the park's paths through garrigue and pine forests before reaching the summit. To enjoy the same kind of view while relaxing after your effort, check out our 13 best rooftops in the area.
3- What to do in Mandelieu-la-Napoule? Enjoy the beaches
Like any self-respecting town on the Côte d'Azur, Mandelieu offers its visitors beautiful sandy beaches. The town boasts seven beaches, spread over 3km of white sands, creeks and turquoise waters. These are regularly inspected to ensure good water quality for holidaymakers. Plage du Château, just in front of the Château de la Napoule, is a picture-perfect picture postcard. And don't miss Plage de la Raguette, a small beach overlooking the Estérel and Pointe de l'Aiguille at Théoule-sur-mer.
4- Stroll along the Sentier du Littoral
Leave from the Port de la Rague in Mandelieu and enjoy a stroll along the bay. This magnificent walk, of which there is a loop hike, offers sublime landscapes combining sea, mountains and lush flora. You can combine the walk along the Sentier du Littoral with the ascent of the San Peyre: the hike is fairly easy and will take you just over two hours. Discover our best outdoor activities on the Côte d'Azur.
If you're staying in Cannes, you can even discover the Calanques de l'Estérel by booking this excursion.
5- Enjoy the Marché des Termes
Take advantage of Mandelieu-la-Napoule 's gentle way of life by strolling the aisles of its Marché des Termes. Every Wednesday, this large market sets up shop in the town center, offering a wide range of foodstuffs, including fresh fruit and vegetables grown in the south of France. You'll also find local crafts, clothing and souvenirs. If you miss it, there are also smaller markets on Thursday and Saturday mornings.
Renowned for its mimosa, the town holds its annual Mimosa Festival in February.
6- Discover the Old Course Golf Course
Golf enthusiasts won't want to miss the Old Course Golf Club, created in 1891. This 27-hole golf course welcomes sports enthusiasts in magnificent surroundings and was the very first golf course to be set up on the Côte d'Azur. The main course is a 5520-meter par 71. Players are surrounded by century-old umbrella pines, mimosas and the Siagne river to cross.
7- What to do in Mandelieu-la-Napoule? A boat trip
Make the most of your stay on the Côte d'Azur to take a boat trip around the bay. Whether you'd like to rent a boat or take a guided tour, there are plenty of options to choose from. Discover the beauty of the coastline and its exceptionally blue waters. For a day trip, you can also visit the island of Sainte-Marguerite or the Mediterranean creeks. See our article on Marseille's most beautiful calanques.
To book your boat trip to Mandelieu, we recommend this boat tour with snorkeling.
8- Visit the ports
During your stay in Mandelieu, be sure to visit the Port de la Napoule. From here, you'll have a beautiful view of the bay and château. Boat lovers can admire the boats moored at the quay. Near the Port de la Rague, you'll find the La Rague diving center. Don't hesitate to call on its team of experienced instructors if you'd like to go snorkeling , palm-walking or take a first dive.
You can also book a tour followed by an aperitif on a private boat.
9- See the banks of the Siagne river
Mandelieu-la-Napoule is criss-crossed by the Siagne river, whose banks are a veritable haven of peace, a little further away from the tourists on the coast. Take a trip up the river from the coast to Port Inland, Europe's first dry port. If you want to go further afield, you can hike the 42 kilometers between Mandelieu and the Sources de la Siagne.
Mandelieu is also one of the citytrips we recommend for motorhomes.
Where to stay in Mandelieu-la-Napoule?
A typical village on the Côte d'Azur, Mandelieu-la-Napoule offers a wide range of upscale accommodation for travelers:
- The most family-friendly: the Pierre & Vacances Les Rives de Cannes residence. Located on a peninsula 800m from the beach, the residence welcomes families to a large estate with a host of facilities. Book your stay now.
- The most modern: l'Îlot du Golf. This Michelin-starred hotel offers elegant, refined rooms, a swimming pool, restaurant and waterside terrace. You can book your stay here.
- The seaside hotel: l'Ermitage de l'Oasis & Spa. Facing the Bay of Cannes, this hotel has embodied elegance and charm since 1958. It boasts rooms and suites with terraces, some with sea views. We recommend you book your stay here.
What to do in Mandelieu-la-Napoule when it rains?
Here are a few ideas for enjoying your stay in Mandelieu even when it's raining:
- Visit Château de la Napoule, a magnificent medieval castle with a fascinating history.
- Relax in one of the town's many spas .
- Taste local specialties in one of the restaurants along the coast.
- Shop in the town's many boutiques and take home some local produce.
Which villages to visit around Mandelieu-la-Napoule?
- Cannes : a little larger than a village, Cannes is just a stone's throw from Mandelieu. Take the opportunity to stroll along the Croisette and visit the historic Suquet district.
- Théoule-sur-mer: this picturesque village abounds in hidden coves and sandy beaches.
- Mougins : a medieval village perched on a hill, with cobblestone streets and Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Antibes : enjoy the lively atmosphere of this famous coastal town and visit the Picasso Museum.
- Grasse : discover the world capital of perfume and visit the Musée International de la Parfumerie.
