Revelling in Mandelieu-La Napoule in the French Riviera

Mandelieu-La Napoule may not be the first place you think of in the Côte d’Azur, but it was just perfect for Annmarie O’Connor.

Mandelieu-La Napoule isn’t the first place that comes to mind when speaking of the French Riviera but it most certainly is one that leaves a lasting impression.

Situated 7 kilometres south-west of the self-indulgent Cannes, this lively Provencal commune is the ideal locale for experiencing resort life on the Cotes d’Azur.

A vacation hotspot since the Belle Époque – this historic destination boasts 3,000 hectares of green space (1/3 of which is protected), 300 days of sunshine (2,835.5 hours), 7 ports, 5 public beaches, 3 weekly markets, 2 golf courses, 2 castles, a casino and 23 sports activities year round – all located 20 minutes by car from Nice airport.

Quite the roll call.

As with most things in life, location is everything and where better to create a base than a ‘home away from home’ such as Mimozas Resort ([phone]; www.mimozascannes.com – a 4-star retreat in the Cannes-Mandelieu area.

Newly renovated and managed by Irish-owned Splash Hospitality - the 280-strong self-catering apartments (all with private balcony, fully-equipped kitchen, separate sitting rooms and free Wi-Fi) are picture perfect digs, not least due to their lakeside setting.

A 10-minute stroll from the port of La Napoule, a 10-minute drive from the frisson of Cannes; practically on the doorstep of the famed Mimosa Trail – the resort is especially ideal for families with its incredible kids’ facilities (think crèche, bouncy castle, playground and outdoor pool complete with pizza area).

Adults also get their fair share with a tennis court, football pitch, sauna, hot tub and Yon Ka spa – all on one site.

Superb breakfast and evening buffets boast fresh produce; with the signature Mimoza cocktail (orange juice, Cointreau and sparkling wine) a refreshing aperitif after sampling the local ‘To Do’ list.

Speaking of which....

Golf fans should not put off putting off while visiting Mandelieu-La Napoule.

The Old Course ([phone]; www.golfoldcourse.com - founded in 1891 by Grand Duke Michael of Russia enjoys the unique honour of being the first to be built on the Mediterranean and the oldest on the Cotes d’Azur; not to mention its royal patrons.

It’s neophyte neighbour the Riviera Golf de Barbossi (built in 1991) is less legendary but perhaps the more technically difficult of the two greens.

Expect an 18-hole green fee for either at €90 week and weekend.

The landscape – an inspiration for musicians, sculptors and painters – must be seen to be believed; and what better way to do so than on an electric bike (organised by Mimozas Resort or direct from www.elec-bike.com .

Take the Mimosa Road (renowned for its fluffy yellow wattle) which extends from Var to Grasse over eight stages.

Start from kilometre 108 of the 130-kilometre stretch and discover the ‘Corniche d’Or’ – the panoramic route situated between the Esterel Massif and the Mediterranean Sea.

The admittedly easier way to ‘Tour de France’, is on four wheels. As rent-a-cars go, why not avail of the many local classic car services (Fiat 500, anyone?)?

Pack a picnic of gourmand goodies from one of the many open-air markets, take to the road and stop for a beachside lunch at the seaside town of Agay.

Better still, why not experience the red rocky coastline by Zodiac boat ([phone]; www.taksea.fr – discover the Calanques inlets and spot the palatial mansions tucked within its volcanic fold.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the space age Palais Boules – home to famous fashion resident Pierre Cardin and site of the 2015 Dior resort show - available to rent for $1,125 (€1,035 approx) per day, should you be interested.

Got some temps libre? Continue on towards the Lérins Islands (les Îles de Lérins) - a mile off the Cannes coast.

Île Saint-Honorat – home to a community of monks since the 5th century – is best known for its wine, olive oil and Limoncello output; while Île Sainte-Marguerite boasts an infamous fortress reputed to have held the legendary Man in the Iron Mask in the 17th century.

Feeling peckish? Thought you might be.

Although neighbouring Cannes hosts no less than four Michelin-starred restaurants (Ville Archange and La Palme d’Or – each with 2 stars), the local haven of La Napoule delivers an equally authentic Provencal experience for more bijou budgets.

While away an evening at the family-run La Pomme d’Amour ([phone]; www.lapommedamour-restaurant.com .

Start with warm apple topped with foie gras and caramel cider. Sample the fillet of duckling roasted in ten spices and served with sweet potato purée.

Then treat your tastebuds to a delectable chocolate coffee pailletine topped with caramel Kalhua.

Should you have some energy to spare, a cab journey to Cannes (steep at €35 but worth it) for a cocktail at the Radisson Blu rooftop bar (the highest vantage point in town) is a must.

Take in the famous Croissette boardwalk, the palm trees, the glamour and silver screen sheen.

Then prepare to say ‘au revoir’ as you’ll definitely be returning again..

GETTING THERE

Fly direct from Dublin to Nice airport with Ryanair www.ryanair.com from €43.98 rtn in October. Average flight time 2 hrs 20 mins.

Getting Around

The Cote d’Azur pass – a budget-friendly ticket (€39 for 3 days; €54 for 6 days) to sightseeing and activities – over 150 sites and attractions (over 100 in winter).

Available at tourism offices www.ot-mandelieu.fr appointed hotels and online at www.cotedazur-card.com

Check In

Enjoy a 7-night break for a family of four at Mimozas Resort for €499. Based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing a one-bedroom apartment from Saturday, October 29, 2016.

Book by September 30th and get a complimentary upgrade to a lake-view apartment.

Terms and conditions apply. All prices subject to availability.

When to Visit

The Cotes d’Azur’s blue skies and mild temperatures make it a year-round holiday destination. Expect an average 28°C in the summer and 12°C in the winter.

Visit in February to see the mimosas in bloom and to experience the week-long Mimosa Festival.

For warm weather conditions and peak event season, try May to July.

Check Out

Download the ‘Sortir by Nice-Matin’ app – an insider’s resource for the latest events in each district on the Riviera.

Rub shoulders with the stars while strolling the Croisette at the Cannes International Film Festival – held annually each May at the Palais de Festivals.

Drop anchor in April at the Mandelieu La Napoule Secondhand Boat Show where 100 boats (ranging from 8 to 25 metres) are sold in one weekend.

Marvel at the view from La Napoule castle perched on the edge of the Mediterranean

Take a day trip to fragrance-making capital Grasse and discover the ancient art of the perfume world. While you’re there, create your own eau de toilette under the guidance of an expert parfumier.

www.fragonard.com