Château de la Napoule, Medieval castle and art museum in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, France.
Château de la Napoule is a stone castle at the water's edge facing the entrance to Mandelieu-la-Napoule harbour. Its rough grey and tan masonry rises in stepped sections: a tall square tower with a flat crenellated top and flagpole, a taller round tower with a projecting crenellated crown, and a massive curving bastion pierced by a pointed-arch gate. Two large arched windows with columns sit below the round tower.
The castle was built in the 14th century by the Villeneuve family, who held the seigneury of La Napoule; a castle on Mont San-Peyre was destroyed by Raimond de Turenne in 1387, and a new castle was raised at the site. In the 19th century it was turned into a glass factory. Americans Henry Clews Jr. and Marie Clews bought it in 1918, restored it and added sections with Henry's sculptures; Marie founded the La Napoule Art Foundation in 1951.
The name La Napoule first appears in 1134 in a deed of donation to the Bishop of Antibes, replacing the older name Avignonet in the records. Since 1951 the castle has been run by the La Napoule Art Foundation, founded by Marie Clews, as a cultural centre with artist residencies.
Book guided tours to make sense of the rooms and gardens effectively. Wear comfortable shoes because the multiple staircases and uneven paths between levels are physically demanding.
The sculptures scattered throughout the castle were created by Henry Clews Jr. himself and depict mythological creatures and fantastical figures. These works turn visitors into explorers who encounter artistic surprises around every corner.
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