There are a couple of towns in Provence flowered with bright yellow mimosa bushes. Every year between January and March when mimosa is in bloom each town has a celebration dedicated to it. Ideally, one should be able to drive from town to town and catch every celebration.
The Route du Mimosa starts in Bormes-les-Mimosas, then crosses Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Raphaël, Mandelieu-La Napoule, Tanneron, Pégomas, and eventually ends in Grasse. The festivities include flower parades, exhibitions, visits to mimosa forests, illuminated night parades, the election of Miss Mimosa at the end, as well as lots of fun and music.
A walking tour around each town is an excellent opportunity to discover some old architecture together with their blooming fragrant inhabitants.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit the Mimosa Route in Provence and the French Riviera?
The Mimosa Route in Provence and the French Riviera should be visited between January and March when the mimosa is in full bloom. The towns along the route organize parades, exhibitions, night parades, forest visits, and the Miss Mimosa election during these months to pay tribute to the mimosa flower. To enjoy the full experience of the mimosa celebration, planning is crucial. Show more
Where does the Mimosa Route start and end?
The Mimosa Route starts in Bormes-les-Mimosas and ends in Grasse, covering around 130 kilometres. Visitors can take a car to tour the towns along the route, experiencing the beautiful scenic views of the French Riviera and Provence. Show more
What kind of festivities can one expect during the Mimosa Route celebrations?
During the Mimosa Route celebrations, visitors will enjoy various festivities as each town showcases the unique characteristics of the mimosa flower through flower parades, exhibitions, night parades, visits to mimosa forests, and the Miss Mimosa election. Apart from that, visitors can explore the local markets to taste delicious delicacies and attend cultural events held in each town along the route. Show more
When is the Miss Mimosa election held during the celebrations?
The Miss Mimosa election takes place at the end of the celebration. The contestants represent their towns and compete in events held in each town along the Mimosa Route. The final event is held in Grasse, where the winner is announced. Many visitors attend the preliminary rounds held in each town, followed by the final event. Show more
What are some other activities one can do while visiting the various towns along the Mimosa Route?
Apart from enjoying the beauty of the mimosa flowers and experiencing the festivities, visitors can explore the distinctive architecture of each town, which includes historic buildings like churches. For instance, Bormes-les-Mimosas has a sweet medieval-looking village, and Grasse has many old perfume workshops. Visitors can also indulge in local cuisine, which includes specialties such as tarts, sweet bread with almonds, and products made out of mimosa petals and flowers. Show more
