Mandelieu-La-Napoule: everything you need to know about this destination between sea, nature and heritage
Snuggled between Cannes Nestled in the Esterel mountains, Mandelieu-La-Napoule is an authentic destination that appeals for its natural beauty, at the gateway to the Esterel Massif, for its cultural and historical heritage, including its unmissable medieval castle, and especially for its mimosa, which has even been celebrated with a festival for 95 years. To discover this charming and picturesque place, follow the guide…
Mandelieu-La-Napoule seaside
Mandelieu offers a range of sea-related activities, some of which are unusual, such as swimming sessions with dolphins, which promise an unforgettable experience.
Which beaches in Mandelieu are good for relaxing?
Boasting 3 km of coastline, Mandelieu-La-Napoule It has 7 fine sandy beaches. For families or the more athletic, head to the Golden Sands, Dolphin Beach, Fon Marina or Robinson Beach. Among other things, you'll find the "Les Voiles de Lérins" sailing center, beach volleyball courts, large open spaces with breakwaters, and pontoons that allow for various water sports. For children, the ideal place to go is towards... beaches of Château de la Napoule and La Raguette. Running alongside the coastal path, they are safe, as children can play there without worry while still being able to stand for a considerable distance. Paddleboarders and swimmers will find them particularly enjoyable, especially early in the morning. In a slightly wilder setting, the Rague beach Located near the port of the same name, it dazzles with its 360° views overlooking the Esterel mountains and Agecroft Castle. In addition to a sports field and pétanque court, a pontoon dedicated to water sports is also available. One of the advantages of Mandelieu's beaches is that they have been awarded the Blue Flag label, which recognizes the water quality for swimming.
What water sports activities are available?
Mandelieu-La-Napoule has established itself as the capital of watersports on the French Riviera. With more than 30 water sports activities Available, the city offers a spectacular playground. Get started with stand up paddle (SUP), To the eclipse visit us at the Sailing visit us at the kite-surfing or scuba diving. Speed enthusiasts will find what they're looking for with the wakeboarding and surf. Gentler activities such as Sheer, swimrun, canoeing and rowing are also offered. Mandelieu is also at the forefront of innovative water sportsBetween April and September, discover the only base dedicated to...e-foil (Bd Louise Moreau), the new electric gliding sensation. For a Guided boat trip aboard an electric boat, the rental of Overboat is available at the Hôtel Îlot du Golf dock. Finally, all year round, don't miss a electric boat ride on the river La Siagne. A peaceful one-hour experience, ideal for families (maximum capacity 5 people per boat) with the added benefit of requiring no boating license. It's the perfect way to explore the Mandelieu hinterland.
How would you like to swim with dolphins?
Have you always dreamed of swimming with dolphins, whales, and turtles? Make your dream a reality during your stay in Mandelieu-La-Napoule. This coastal area is part of the Pelagos sanctuary, A vast maritime area of 87 km² in the Mediterranean Sea, established by an agreement between France, Italy, and Monaco to protect marine mammals, specifically whales and dolphins. Several local operators offer boat trips within this nature reserve to observe bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, sperm whales, fin whales, and other marine species. A reconnaissance flight by plane or helicopter is conducted before boarding the boat and entering the water.
Mandelieu's nature side
Mandelieu-La-Napoule is the preferred destination for nature lovers on the French Riviera. Hikes and walks from Mont San Peyre to the Esterel massif, passing by the Grand-Duc, open onto breathtaking landscapes.
Gateway to the Esterel Massif
Mandelieu-La-Napoule is the ideal starting point for exploring the spectacular Massif de l'Esterel. The area offers three main and clearly marked access points to immerse yourself in these landscapes of red rock and the Mediterranean:
- The Rague Valley: Ideal for easy access to coastal paths.
- Maure-Vieil: An access point offering panoramic views of the Bay of Cannes.
- The Goat's Egg Trail: For hikers seeking more immersive routes in the heart of the Esterel.
To assist your exploration, specific mapping tools are available at the Mandelieu Tourist Office. You will find them at the reception desk. "Visiocard" card which details 19 hiking trails different routes, covering all levels of difficulty, starting from Mandelieu. Also, don't miss the specialist guide entitled “The 15 most beautiful hikes from Mandelieu”. This book, essential for planning your excursions in the Esterel, is available for sale for €5.
Hikes to Mount San Peyre or along the banks of the Siagne
Nature lovers will undoubtedly head towards Mount San Peyre. This 18-hectare departmental park overlooks the La Napoule district as well as the Siagne plains and L'Argentière. Hikers can take the 3,4 km footpath to reach the summit and enjoy the 360° view of Cannes. the Lérins Islands and the Estérel mountains. The perfect spot for Instagram photos.
Mandelieu is also home to Europe's first dry port, namely the Banks of the Siagne. A footpath runs along the edges of this natural area, offering fun and easy hikes. Other activities are available, such as renting electric boats (no license required) to explore the abundant natural beauty of the Siagne River.
The garden tourist route
Mandelieu-La-Napoule has designed a garden tourist route Exceptional, perfect for lovers of flora and walks in the great outdoors.
Begin your journey with the Argentière Park, a green and peaceful area bordered by the Riou. The route will then lead you to the unmissable Remarkable Garden of the Château de La Napoule, where historical and botanical heritage meet to offer a spectacular setting facing the Mediterranean.
Continue this floral exploration towards the Mimosa Arboretum, a unique botanical collection that highlights the city's specialty by showcasing nearly 100 species of mimosa different. Finally, end your tour with the Olives Park, located on the picturesque Banks of Siagne, which houses an award-winning garden, created during the prestigious Côte d'Azur Garden Festival.
The castle town's heritage
Mandelieu also has a particularly rich historical heritage which contributes to its success with visitors to the French Riviera.
Château de la Napoule: a jewel set facing the sea
It is impossible to talk about the heritage of Mandelieu-la-Napoule without starting with its emblem: the Château de la Napoule. Located on the western outskirts of the city, this monument surprises as much by its medieval elegance as by the romantic story of its restorers, Henry and Marie Clews.
At the beginning of the 20th century, this American artist couple breathed new life into the ruins of a 14th-century fortress and transformed the site into a space dedicated to art. Today, visitors can discover:
- perfectly sculpted gardens,
- vaulted rooms,
- works by Clews scattered throughout the estate,
- an almost mystical atmosphere, especially at sunset.
The castle is also a international art center which hosts exhibitions and artist residencies. A visit that combines history, poetry and a sea view. It's hard to do better.
A city blending Provençal influences with seaside elegance
Mandelieu-la-Napoule offers an architectural mix that tells the story of its evolution over time.
While walking around the city, you will find:
- of the Provençal houses with ochre tones, pastel shuttered windows and fragrant gardens,
- of the Belle Époque villas perched on the hills, vestiges of the coast's great tourist era,
- more buildings contemporary which bear witness to the modern development of the resort.
This diversity creates a gentle atmosphere, where the authenticity of the past blends with the modernity of a dynamic city facing the sea.
Small historical treasures
Beyond the Château de la Napoule, the town is full of hidden gems for those who enjoy exploring local history. Among the most notable points of interest are:
- The Church of Saint-Pons in Capitou, charming and intimate, built in 1764,
- The Chapel of Our Lady of the Mimosas, perched on the heights, dedicated to the city's emblematic flower,
- The old mills which recall the past importance of agricultural activity,
- remains from the Roman era, sometimes visible during hikes in the Estérel massif.
The city of mimosa, on the traditional side
Mandelieu-La-Napoule is the capital of mimosa. A major event is even organized in honor of this yellow flower. Beyond that, the town boasts other traditions, particularly those related to golf.
The Mimosa Festival 2026
Mandelieu lies at the foot of the Tanneron massif, home to the largest mimosa forest in Europe. The cultivation of the flower dates back to the 19th century with the family Nabonnand, renowned horticulturists. After importing this acacia from Australia in 1860, its success with winter visitors on the French Riviera was immediate. To multiply the varieties, Clément Nabonnand settled in Mandelieu. Thanks to its ideal location between the siagne, the Mediterranean and the mountain ranges of the Estérel/Tanneron the city became the Capital of Mimosa and sees its hills turn yellow every winter.
Since 1931, Mandelieu has celebrated the Mimosa Festival every February for several days. On this occasion, parades of floats adorned with mimosa are organized. As a side note, more than 4 tons of flowers are needed during these festivities. For the 2026 edition, which will take place from February 11th to 15th and will have the theme "The Carnival of Carnivals," the festive spirit of 12 iconic carnivals from around the world will be highlighted: Rio, Venice, New Orleans, Goa, Dia de los Muertos, etc.
Napoule Boat Show 2026
Did you know? Mandelieu is home to 7 ports and has 6000 berths for boats. Maritime life thrives in the town, so much so that for the past thirty years or so, it has hosted the " Napoule Boat Show The "Lake of the French Riviera" is the premier used boat show. This unmissable event attracts over 15,000 visitors and boasts 10,000 m² of exhibition space, more than 200 boats, and around 100 exhibitors. The 2026 event will be held from April 23rd to 26th at the Port of La Napoule.
Golfing tradition
Mandelieu-La-Napoule has positioned itself as an important city dedicated to golf thanks to two major institutions that embody excellence and tradition on the French Riviera.
The Mandelieu Old Course, founded in 1891 by Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovich, is the oldest golf course on the French Riviera and remains a historical gem. Nestled amidst more than 3000 umbrella pines, it has welcomed generations of golfers.
To this tradition is added the modernity of Barbossi Riviera Golf, Established in 1991Designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Senior, this sumptuous 18-hole course offers an enchanting setting, dotted with a collection of works of art, with breathtaking views of the Esterel Massif and the vineyards.
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