The town of Mandelieu-la-Napoule is located on the French Riviera, right next to Cannes in the PACA region (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur). It is a small town of about 22,000 residents (yet it has the 2nd largest port capacity in the region after Marseille), where life is sweet, with, of course, very mild temperatures all year round. Mandelieu developed particularly in the 19th century thanks to Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovich of Russia. We went to discover the destination with our favorite photographer and Fanny from the website Les Exploratrices at the end of August 2022, and I must say it was still quite hot there.
Mandelieu is also the city of the Mimosa (which was brought back from Australia at the end of the 19th century), and the town is also known for its basket making (wicker baskets to transport the mimosa, therefore), which emphasizes the floral identity of Mandelieu. Every year, from December to February, the city’s hills are covered in yellow, and the Mimosa Festival takes place in winter. Finally, it is a very sporty town at all levels (golf, trail running, cycling, fitness…) and hosts numerous sporting events.
Practical Information
- Note: prices are typical of the French Riviera in general, so more expensive than elsewhere. You should factor this into your budget.
- Getting there by train: count on about 6 hours from Paris.
- Getting there by plane: from Orly airport (1h20/1h30 flight) to Nice, then take the train from Nice (cheaper flights with Easyjet).
- The top tip: in summer, the town offers free shuttles to get around the city.
Mandelieu Tourism
Link to the official Mandelieu-la-Napoule tourist office website
Table of Contents
What to see and do in Mandelieu-la-Napoule?
The town of Mandelieu is very easily explored on foot (apart from the short hike I mention below, which requires a car to get to). It has a total of 7 fine sandy beaches along the Mediterranean. Up high, you can also admire the Château d’Agecroft, built in 1918 and better known as the “Miners’ Castle” because it was bought in 1947 for the Northern Pas-de-Calais coal mines. Now listed and belonging to the EDF works council, it is surrounded by a 14-hectare estate and has an unobstructed view of the Mediterranean. Also, for golf enthusiasts, know that the city’s first golf course, the “Old Course,” was opened in 1891, has over 4,000 pine trees, and is an 18-hole course.
Below, as usual, I offer a small selection of things to do and see if you come for a stay in Mandelieu or the region.
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Visiting the Château de la Napoule
This fortified castle, the stately home of the Counts of Villeneuve, dates back to the end of the 14th century, and it still retains two defensive towers from the medieval period. It was then rebuilt starting in 1918 and continuing through the 30s using stones from the Esterel range. At that time, the site became the main residence of a couple of American artist patrons, Henry and Marie Clews. Enamored with the picturesque site, they rebuilt the building according to their very personal interpretation of medieval architecture. Henry Clews, who was a sculptor, also set up his studio there at that time.
Today the place is managed by the Napoule Art Foundation (created by Marie Clews in 1951). It is an art foundation that hosts several artists of all nationalities in residence, including five artists per year who are housed on-site and provided with materials to create. You can visit the interior of the castle (including the former studio of artist Henry Clews) on a guided tour and the garden on a self-guided tour. The latter, behind the building, offers a very beautiful view of the sea. The castle also houses most of the Clews’ collection of paintings and sculptures. The place (with its extremely romantic setting) is also available for rent for events (weddings, private functions).
Château de la Napoule
453 Avenue Henry Clews, 06210 Mandelieu-la-Napoule
Rates: guided tour of the castle + self-guided tour of the gardens €7 and €4 reduced and group rate / self-guided tour of the gardens + film (20min) €4 / free for under 7s
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Visiting the Villa Logis d’Azur
Built in the 40s in an Art Deco spirit, the Villa Logis d’Azur is located facing the port of La Napoule and right next to the Ermitage de l’Oasis hotel (which I mention a bit further down). Transformed into a cultural space dedicated to art since 2020, it presents works from the Safa Collection to the general public through temporary exhibitions. During our visit in 2022, we saw an exhibition titled “Narrative Figuration & New Realism”.
Villa Logis d’Azur
26 Av. Henry Clews, 06210 Mandelieu-la-Napoule
open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6:30pm
the top tip: free admission
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Take an electric boat ride on the Banks of the Siagne
This little electric boat trip without a license on the banks of the Siagne (a river) is done with the Au fil de l’eau company. You have to go to the Au fil de l’eau pontoon (Esplanade Pinéa, Parc Robinson) to take your little boat and head off on an excursion. All boats are made in France and have the names of poets.
This ride is very pleasant to do with family or friends, and steering the boat is relatively simple. It is also a very calm and relaxing trip, and it is not necessarily necessary to know about boats to drive these small machines. There are several sizes of boats and, note that there is also a boat with disabled access (which is not common).
Au Fil de l’eau
06210 Mandelieu-la-Napoule
Open from 9am to 1pm and from 4pm until sunset
Rates: for a boat of 5 people max (including 3 adults max) €30 for half an hour / €44 for one hour / extra hour €40 / 3-hour package €120 / for a boat of 7 people max: €40 for half an hour / €68 for one hour / extra hour €60 / 3-hour package €180
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Take a sea trip on an e-trimaran
The Riviera Boat Club, in partnership with the Ilot du Golf hotel (which I mention later in the article), has been offering boat rental services since 2022 to depart from the hotel and take a tour on the Siagne or out at sea. The Riviera Boat Club aims to offer more and more electric boats in its fleet.
For our part, we left for a morning sea trip towards the Esterel massif (red rocks) with the latest boat in their fleet: the electric trimaran ORPHIE 29. This boat, made in France near Toulon, is the first of its kind, so it’s an exclusive. It runs 100% electrically with solar panels located on the roof and benefits from 4 hours of autonomy for navigation. The latter is, as a result, quieter and more respectful of the environment. On the boat, there are paddleboards and equipment for snorkeling. In total, up to 10 people can get on the boat with a captain who must accompany us (not everyone can drive this kind of boat). This very graphic boat is also made of bio-sourced wood, which can be entirely recycled at the end of its life.
Riviera Boat Club
E-trimaran rental rates: €500 half-day for the full boat and €900 per day
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Go parasailing at Rague Water Sport
Parasailing is one of the water activities offered at Rague Water Sport. You can do the activity alone, or in 2 or even 3 (which was our case!). I found it great, by the way, to be able to experience this flight together. Honestly, at first, I didn’t want to do it because I never wanted to skydive and I’m not at all looking for the feeling of falling into a void (which I hate), but honestly, it’s a super gentle activity in reality and not at all violent. I would even say it’s a super relaxing activity actually. I was a little scared, but in the end, it’s nothing but fun, and you get the impression of flying! As soon as we came back to the boat, I had only one desire, and that was to go back, and if I have one piece of advice to give you, it’s “go for it”!
The venue also offers other activities: jet ski, towable tubes, paddleboard, pedal boat, water skiing, and wakeboarding.
Water activities at Rague Water Sport
Plage de la Rague, D6098, 06210 Mandelieu-la-Napoule
open 7 days/7
Parasailing rates: flight with 1 person €70 / flight with 2 people €45 per person / flight with 3 people €40 per person / family flight €40 per person
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Go for a hike on the heights of Mandelieu
On the last day, we wanted to go for a short walk/hike, so we asked for advice at the hotel reception, which suggested we take the track or the Grand Duc circuit. We drove to the Grand Duc parking lot and then started the walk. The latter is very nice because it allows you to go up on the heights of Mandelieu and have a magnificent view of the surroundings. A small recommendation, however: the first part of the walk is not very shaded (and also has a fair bit of elevation gain), so in high season, a hat, water, and sunscreen are essential!
Grand Duc Circuit
1290 Route de Tanneron, 06210 Mandelieu-la-Napoule
More info on this hike
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Les Nuits de Robinson at the Robinson Theater
About thirty years ago, the banks of the Siagne were a hotspot for leisure in the Cannes basin, and during the summer, the heart of the city beat there during the Robinson evenings. Since 2013, the town of Mandelieu-La Napoule has wanted to rediscover this state of mind that once animated the Robinson district. Every summer, Les Nuits de Robinson therefore offers numerous shows that are as prestigious as they are eclectic for all tastes and all generations in the setting of a beautiful open-air theater.
For our part, during our visit in 2022, we attended the last show of the summer, a concert by Camille and Julie Berthollet, 2 sisters who play the violin. They performed their latest album “Série”, in which they cover music from films and TV series (including Money Heist, La La Land, Game of Thrones…). In 2023, the festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary by offering some very beautiful evenings!
Les Nuits de Robinson
in July and August
Link to the town’s website
My favorite addresses in Mandelieu-la-Napoule
As usual, you will find below my selection of favorite addresses in Mandelieu-la-Napoule (two accommodations and several restaurants) that we had the opportunity to test during our stay with the favorite photographer and Fanny. These addresses often offer the chance to discover local products and some regional specialties to taste if you come to the French Riviera.
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Where to eat ice cream in Mandelieu? La Cascade des Glaces
This ice cream parlor is now run by a Northerner, Jean-Pierre Caron, who used to come to Mandelieu on vacation in his childhood and decided to settle in this beautiful town on the French Riviera today. The house has a very beautiful range of ice cream and sorbet flavors and also offers seasonal ephemeral flavors (I especially tasted lavender during our visit). Its specialty is offering large sundaes of artisanal ice cream, created by Stéphane Vindret, one of the best master artisan ice cream makers in France. To sit down and eat your ice cream in peace, the address has 3 terraces that are quickly taken over on sunny days.
One of the house specialties is the Miner’s ice cream “Gaillette” (which means a large piece of coal), invented by the owner with a recipe based on Chicory, caramel, and speculoos. The whole thing is mixed with vegetable charcoal, which gives it an extremely digestible texture (and you can tell when you taste it). It is also this last ingredient that gives its black color to this ice cream. In any case, I was thrilled by the taste of this ice cream, which is like no other and is very addictive! If you come to La Cascade des Glaces, you must absolutely taste it!
Another specialty is the Chantilly with L’Elixir la Napouloise. This one (the recipe for which is kept secret) was also invented by Jean-Pierre Caron, and it is indeed very good. It can be enjoyed as whipped cream to accompany ice cream but also as an ice cream, La Napouloise. I recommend getting a small cup with these two specialties, which go very well together.
La Cascade des Glaces
Place de la Fontaine, 06210 Mandelieu-la-Napoule
Open from April to October
Price: cups to compose 1 flavor €3.70 / 2 flavors €6.90 / 3 flavors €9.60 / 4 flavors €11.90 / 5 flavors €13.90
cone to go 1 flavor €2.50 / 2 flavors €4
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Where to eat facing the port in Mandelieu? Restaurant Pépite
This restaurant is located by the sea in front of the town’s port. It has 2 terraces, one in front of the restaurant and one higher up with a view of the port, and that’s where we had lunch. Nothing extraordinary on the plates, but a great location and a good spot for a simple lunch and/or to have a drink. Plus, the service is friendly and smiling, which is always nice.
To taste: bottle of beer from Brasserie du Comté, Nice brewery (€6) / non-alcoholic cocktail €7 / maki bowl with rice, salmon and tuna tartare, avocado, cucumber, mango, candied ginger (€23); tuna tataki breaded with satay with vegetable wok and noodles (€29) / milkshake for dessert (€6).
Restaurant Pépite
Avenue Henry Clews, 06210 Mandelieu-la-Napoule
Open every day from 9am to midnight
The top tip: happy hour from 4pm to 7pm
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Where to have lunch with feet in the sand in Mandelieu? La Plage des Iles
This address offers a private beach with a restaurant and beach bar, located towards the Port de la Rague. It’s the ideal spot for lunch with a view of the sea and your feet in the sand. Plus, it has very friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere.
We tasted: seared tuna with sesame oil and Thai salad (€28); Label Rouge salmon tartare with fries and salad (€22); cup of strawberries and raspberries (€8); non-alcoholic cocktail and daily smoothie as drinks.
La Plage des Iles
Port Rague, 06210 Mandelieu-la-Napoule
Open every day during the beautiful season
Price: dish of the day at €17 / à la carte dishes between €17 and €28 / desserts between €6 and €10
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Where to have a gastronomic dinner in Mandelieu? Oasis Comptoir Gourmand
This gastronomic restaurant (attention, the portions are also those of a restaurant of this standing) is installed in a magnificent and very chic setting. We had dinner in the heart of its superb lush garden, nestled inside the establishment. Everything was excellent, and a special mention for the desserts, which are made by the house pastry chef (in the afternoon, the place also acts as a tea room, and you can also come and enjoy them on-site). A very beautiful address that comes at a price, so to be reserved for a beautiful evening when you want to treat yourself. This restaurant is also one of the addresses of the Barbossi Collection (I mention their hotel a bit further down in the article).
We tasted: chef-inspired tuna tataki (€28); langoustine tortello, zucchini coulis, and burrata (€35); Grand Marnier soufflé (€22); royal king crab with its homemade tarragon mayonnaise (€65); all-chocolate finger with praline heart (€15); wines from the Domaine de Barbossi (vineyard of the Bay of Cannes which extends over 4 hectares and is planted with 5 grape varieties) in white, rosé, and red (with the syrah variety).
Oasis Comptoir Gourmand
6, rue Jean Honoré Carle, Mandelieu
Comptoir Gourmand Oasis
Starters between €18 and €32 / dishes between €35 and €65 / desserts between €12 and €22
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Where to have a dinner show in Mandelieu? Restaurant Le Lagon
This chic address, which is both a bar and a restaurant, offers a trendy setting around a private pool. In the evening during our dinner, we even had the right to a little fire-eater show. On the plates, we find world cuisine orchestrated by chef Dany Duchamp, notably including a lot of fish and shellfish.
To taste: starter to share ceviche guevara (€21) with mahi-mahi, coconut milk tiger’s milk, mango and avocado / whole grilled sea bass (€39) / giant prawns (€49) with combava polenta, vegetables and black garlic mayonnaise / whole grilled sea bass (€39) / Simmental beef fillet (€35) / side of summer truffle fries (€8).
Restaurant Le Lagon
930 Avenue de la Mer, 06210 Mandelieu-La Napoule
Price: Starters between €21 and €49 / dishes between €23 and €65 / child menu €15
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Where to stay in Mandelieu? Hôtel Ermitage de l’Oasis
This ☆☆☆☆ boutique hotel opened its doors in 1958 and offers 33 rooms and suites where you can find a beautiful collection of works of art belonging to the hotel owner. The establishment also offers a panoramic view of the sea, the river, and the Esterel massif. The hotel also has a very charming heated outdoor pool (even if it wasn’t really necessary when we went) that invites you to laze around. Surrounding the establishment, a lush Provençal garden dresses up the hotel.
The place also has a restaurant, the Bistrot de l’Oasis, which we didn’t have the opportunity to test. The hotel owner also has a golf course created in 1991, the Riviera Golf de Barbossi, as well as a gastronomic restaurant (which I told you about above), the Oasis Comptoir Gourmand, as well as a wine estate.
We spent two nights in this hotel and were housed in Suite 506, a small single-story pavilion with a terrace that didn’t lack charm, with air conditioning and very good soundproofing. We had a bathtub as well as a shower, and the bedding was super comfortable. The room was also provided with a kettle and a coffee machine (just missing herbal teas, as is often the case, but I managed to get some quite easily at the reception). On the reception side, it is very high-end, and we were welcomed by a wonderful Golden Keys concierge (from the national union of hotel concierges). The only small criticism I could make about the hotel is that the breakfast didn’t seem to be up to the establishment’s standards, which is a shame.
Hôtel Ermitage de l’Oasis
26 avenue Henri Clews, 06210 Mandelieu-La Napoule
Room rates from €128 in low season
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Where to stay bis in Mandelieu? Hôtel Ilot du Golf
This hotel in the Best Western Premier Collection range, opened in June 2021, offers a calm setting with a chic neo-Provençal style. We also had a very pleasant view of the canal from our room. The bedding was also very good, which I think is important to specify. As for breakfast, it is quite acceptable for an establishment of this standing, with fresh squeezed orange juice, very good scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, pancakes… And the icing on the cake, during the sunny days, breakfast can be taken on the establishment’s very pleasant interior terrace.
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Lunch at the Ilot du Golf hotel restaurant: the K Restaurant
The hotel also houses a restaurant, the K restaurant, also open to guests outside the hotel. The latter offers a very pretty terrace (the same one as for breakfast for hotel guests), pleasant for sunny days in the shade of a centennial olive tree. You will find fish and shellfish dishes and fusion cuisine orchestrated by chef Raffaele Fontana.
To taste: dish of the day, gnocchi with shellfish bisque and blue lobster from Brittany (€38 with 1/2 lobster) ; sea bass fillet and prawns sauce vierge, roasted vegetable shoots and fingerling potatoes (€32) ; artisan ice cream desserts of your choice 2 scoops (€9) ; mosaic of fresh seasonal fruits (€12).
Hôtel Ilot du Golf
Avenue de la Mer, 06210 Mandelieu-La Napoule
Hotel prices: rooms in high season (from early June to late October): from €210 excluding breakfast / from €550 for a room with balcony or garden level
K restaurant price: child menu -12 years €16 / glass of Provence rosé wine (between €8 and €13) domaine Saint André de Figuière €10 and Minuty €13 / lunch fine menu, dishes between €18 and €32
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Thanks to the Mandelieu-la-Napoule Tourist Office and Fluxus Communication for organizing this great stay to discover Mandelieu.
I hope that with all this I have made you want to visit Mandelieu-la-Napoule, and if you also have your own favorite addresses and advice for this destination, don’t hesitate to share them in the comments below!
Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez Photos not royalty-free, photographer authorization required before any use
