Mandelieu-la-Napoule: between sea, mimosa and Estérel
Mandelieu-la-Napoule has been a particularly interesting destination since Jasmins Studio.
Located between the Mediterranean, the mountain range ofEstérel and the Tanneron massif, It is both a seaside resort and a gateway to theEstérel and one of the great territories of the mimosa.
It is also a city where you can easily combine heritage, beach, promenade and nature.
The Château de La Napoule: a castle like no other
Standing on the edge of the sea, with its red stones and crenellated towers, the cLa Napoule Castle appears to come directly from the Mediterranean.
At the beginning of the 20th century, American artists Henry and Mary Clews They restored it and transformed it into a true work of art.
The castle, its fantastic sculptures and its gardens opening onto the bay constitute today one of the most original places on the French Riviera coastline.
And after the visit, you just have to go down to the small beach located at the foot of the ramparts.
Castle, gardens and swimming: it's hard to imagine anything more pleasant!
Mount San Peyre: an exceptional panorama
Just above the La Napoule district is the Mount San Peyre.
With its 314 meters altitude, It offers a remarkable panorama of the Bay of Cannes, the Lérins Islands, Mandelieu and the surrounding hills.Estérel.
The ascent takes place through the maquis and red volcanic rocks characteristic of this part of the French Riviera.
The Tourist Office presents the walk as accessible to different levels and recommends in particular leaving early to take advantage of the light and avoid the intense heat.
For me, this is one of the best ways to understand the geography of Mandelieu: the sea in front of you, Estérel behind you.
The beaches of Mandelieu
Mandelieu has several sandy beaches that allow you to enjoy the Mediterranean without necessarily going to the very busy beaches of Cannes.
Among the most interesting:
- Dolphin Beach, family-friendly and with calm waters;
- Robinson Beach ;
- La Napoule castle beach, particularly enjoyable to combine with a visit to the castle.
But Mandelieu also allows quick access to the small coves and beaches of the coastline of theEstérel.
This is where the city becomes interesting, like starting point for a more rugged excursion.
The Siagne: another way to discover Mandelieu
The sea is not the only natural element that structures the city.
The Siagne crosses Mandelieu before reaching the Mediterranean.
Its banks offer another place for a stroll, quieter than the seaside.
This is a good idea if you are travelling with family or if you simply want to go for a walk without looking for a difficult hike.
Mandelieu, the mimosa capital
Mandelieu is inextricably linked to mimosa.
In winter, when the hills turn yellow, the town becomes one of the gateways to the Mimosa Route.
The nearby Tanneron massif then becomes the true heart of the spectacle.
This is an excellent excursion to undertake in January, February or March depending on the state of the flowering.
→ See also: The Mimosa Route
Mandelieu: Nature and Activities
Mandelieu's location between sea and mountains allows for an amazing variety of activities.
Depending on your preferences:
- kayak,
- paddle
- Sea trips
- Mountain biking,
- hiking,
- golf,
- discovery of the coves of theEstérel.
The official tourism website notably highlights kayaking in the coves of theEstérel, paddleboarding in the bay of La Napoule and mountain biking trails in the massif.
A day in Mandelieu
Here is the day I would recommend to my guests:
Morning : La Napoule castle and gardens.
Late morning: Ascent to Mont San Peyre.
Lunch : in the La Napoule area.
Afternoon : beach or walk along the coast.
And if you came during mimosa season: continue towards Tanneron.
You will then have gathered everything in a single day. heritage, sea, mountains and flowers.
Mandelieu, gateway to theEstérel
Perhaps that's ultimately what makes Mandelieu so interesting.
From the city, you can easily travel to the Golden Corniche and the massif of theEstérel.
The road connects Mandelieu to Saint-Raphaël over about thirty kilometers and winds between red rocks and Mediterranean coves.
Mandelieu is therefore an excellent transition between the urban French Riviera and the wild French Riviera.
Discoveries along the Mimosa Route:
→ The Mimosa Route
→ The mountain range ofEstérel red rocks and the Mediterranean
→ Bormes-les-Mimosas and Estagnol beach
→ The Grasse region: flowers, perfumes and gardens
Also worth discovering:
→ Cannes: the must-sees
→ The most beautiful hilltop villages of the French Riviera
→ The Lérins Islands