Situated just 7km east of Cannes, the Château de La Napoule is a fabulously unusual Château that has been classified as a historic monument of France since 1993. Views from its stunning gardens over the bay of Cannes have to be seen to be believed. It is no wonder that the Château is a very popular venue for weddings and fabulous parties. The Château has a very interesting history, originally erected in the 14th century by the Countess of Villeneuve, it has been rebuilt several times and has believe it or not also been a glass factory. The Château we see today was largely the work of Henry and Marie Clews, an American couple who purchased it in 1918. Mr Clews was amongst other things a sculptor, and his pieces adorn much of the facade. His wife Marie who was passionate about gardens worked hard to turn the abandoned garden she inherited into one of the most impressive gardens anywhere on the French Riviera. The gardens today are a mix of French garden styles and the English formal garden with beautiful fountains. There are also three smaller Italian gardens. Henry’s studio was located in the main building and today it houses a museum of his works as well as playing host to various art workshops and exhibitions throughout the year. The couple were buried in their very own mausoleum in one of the towers. This fascinating building is a very worthwhile visit for anyone that is in the Cannes area. It is now owned and operated by the La Napoule Art Foundation set up by Mrs Clews in 1951 and information can be found here www.chateau-lanapoule.com/en/
See our French Riviera Castles Tour
One thought on “Château de La Napoule”