Break out from the ordinary with a day of creative discovery at the Château de la Napoule! Forget the stress, disconnect and be inspired to explore inward and outward against this incredible backdrop. You will learn the basics of acrylic techniques, enjoy delicious food and conversation with new friends, and take in the rich history of this ancient fortress.

The setting

Located just west of Cannes, the Château de La Napoule stands on a spectacular seafront site first settled by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. Its recent history is closely linked to Henry and Marie Clews; this artistic American couple were instrumental in bringing it back to life. From 1918, the eccentric pair lived a dream at La Napoule as they worked to restore the building together. Marie drew plans for over 4 acres of formal gardens filled with fountains and topiary embellishments, while Henry adorned each column, capital, and crevice with mythical creatures. Their hard work and fantasy-themed creations left an exceptional legacy. Today the Château is registered as a “monument historique” and the gardens have received the designation “jardin remarquable” by the French Ministry of Culture.

Your day

Morning musings in the gardens

Step inside the magnificent gardens for a leisurely stroll and awake your inner artist! Inspiration abounds in every detail of the neat landscape designs and intriguing sculptures. Your art instructor will help you capture some of the magic through sketching and acrylic painting. By lunchtime, your travelling notepad - “travelogue” - will be full of the mornings’ drawings, your creations and memories on paper forever…

Lunch

Chat art, history and anything else over a gourmet lunch on the castle’s seaside terrace. Enjoy the stunning views and refreshing Mediterranean breeze as you sample local food and wine.

An afternoon in the Château

After lunch, you will be taken on a guided tour inside the Château. You will learn more about its fascinating history and get up close and personal with Henry Clews’ sculptures and artworks in the castle’s museum.

Practical information

When and where to meet

9.45am in front of the Château de La Napoule, Boulevard Henry Clews, 06210 Mandelieu-La Napoule 

How to get there

Car: The Château is located 7 kilometres west of Cannes (dir. Aix-en-Provence)

Take the A8 to exit 40 “Mandelieu-centre”, after “Cannes” and “La Bocca” exits (from Nice) or after “Fréjus” and “Les Adrêts” (from Aix/Marseille), then follow “La Napoule, Les plages”.

Train: La Napoule station (directly opposite the Château) for regional trains. Cannes station for national trains.

What to bring

Comfortable shoes… and that’s it! All equipment for sketching and painting will be provided - sketching paper or canvas, pencils, acrylic, brushes, etc.

Language

The sketching workshop will be held in French, a great occasion to practice or improve your conversational skills! Art is a universal language anyway and Adela will be there to assist with any translation if required. 

Suitable for

Lovers of art, mystery and all things creative.  No painting experience required, our friendly instructor Mona will guide you every step of the way! 

What´s included

2.5 hours sketching and acrylic session

Lunch at the castle’s café – a choice of main course and dessert, a glass of wine Chateau Berne, coffee/tea

please advise of any dietary requirement

45 min guided tour of the Château and magnificent gardens

Join us! We keep our groups small for a personalised experience, space is limited to 8.

Cost:  105€ RSVP by 31st March

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions, we’re looking forward to seeing you there!