Route du Mimosa

Winding between the coast and the region’s forested hills, this route introduces you to the natural treasures of the French Riviera – a unique land of pure charm, a festive atmosphere, and surprisingly rich heritage – as your senses are entranced by the sight and scent of mimosa. Walk through vast forests or remarkable gardens to inhale the subtle perfume of this fluffy, brilliant-yellow bloom. Visit the hothouses and meet the mimosa growers to experience their devotion to this bloom firsthand. Take time to taste local specialties made with the fragrance and flavor of mimosa, an exquisite epicurean experience! Learn about the thrilling olfactory alchemy behind mysterious fragrances. Fall under the bewitching spell of this magical sunny flower!

A LITTLE HISTORY
Sometime around 1880, mimosa, a plant native to Australia, first appeared on the slopes of the La Croix des Gardes district of Cannes, most likely introduced by one of the important winter visitors, such as the Duke of Vallombrosa, the Marquis de Morès, or Lord Brougham. The country’s Horticultural and Acclimatization Society subsequently contributed actively to promoting the plant, and mimosa producers subsequently sprung up across the region in Mandelieu, Pégomas, Tanneron, and La Roquette. The flower was then shipped to all major French and European cities from transport hubs in Cannes and Mandelieu.

A fragrant journey stretching over 80 miles! (route stops and cities)

BORMES-LES-MIMOSAS
Bormes-Les-Mimosas, in its enchanting seaside location at the gateway to the hills of the Massif des Maures and proudly designated as one of France’s most beautiful villages fleuris (villages in bloom), is 12th-century village and home to some 700 rare plant species. From January into March, the medieval city is wrapped in a dazzling golden cloak thanks to its 90 species of mimosa. Nearby, the famed beaches of Cabasson, Brégançon, Estagnol, and Pellegrin beckon visitors to experience more than 10 miles (17 km) of white sand and crystal-clear waters.

LE RAYOL-CANADEL-SUR-MER
Le Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer is a charming, peaceful village where happiness is a way of life. Founded in 1925 through the extension of the boundaries of the village of La Môle and spanning some 740 acres (300 hectares), it became an autonomous town in 1949. It currently encompasses three districts and stretches for about two-and-a-half miles along the Route Departmental 559. It is a breathtaking area, with the wooded hills of the Corniche des Maures plunging down into the blue waters of the Mediterranean and a spectacular view of the Îles d’Or, the small islands off the coast of Hyères.

SAINTE-MAXIME
With its seven miles (11 kilometers) of Mediterranean shore, Sainte-Maxime is a peaceful oasis where the waters beckon you to linger, to savor moments that you wish would go on forever. The charm of Provence is captured in the houses topped with ancient tiles, the traditional market, the lanes lined with shops, the shady promenade. With family or friends, you can enjoy the many leisure activities and major events offered throughout the year.

SAINT-RAPHAËL
Saint-Raphaël, at the gateway to the red hills of the Estérel, boasts a superb coastline and vast stretches of unspoiled nature. The 22 miles (36 kilometers) of shoreline lead you from downtown, right at the edge of the water, to the city’s ports, then to the secret coves of Boulouris and the Île d’Or, then to the harbor of Agay. The Corniche d´Or, a road carved into the russet-colored rock, winds just above the crystalline waters of the sea.

MANDELIEU-LA NAPOULE
You arrive in Mandelieu-La Napoule via the Corniche d´Or, a magnificent sightseeing road where you can pull over to gaze at the magnificent red rocks that tumble down into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You can relax in the La Napoule district with a visit to the fascinating Château, walk along the coastal path called the Sentier des Douaniers, or have a drink on the marina with a view of Cannes and the Lérins Islands. This is the last stop on the Route du Mimosa before heading into the hills toward Tanneron, a mimosa production hub. The Office of Tourism can provide information on hikes to enjoy in the mimosa-covered Estérel or Tanneron hills, or you can send bouquets of mimosa to your friends and family directly from the producer. And if you want a souvenir that will truly last, try your hand at formulating your own personal perfume.

TANNERON
In the department of the Var, this is the easternmost town of the Fayence area bordering the Alpes-Maritimes. It is also the town most surrounded by mimosa, with actual “yellow forests.” It is the largest land area in France to be covered with both cultivated and wild mimosa! Clinging to hills covered in mimosa groves, strawberry plants, floral crops, heather, and trees ranging from olive to pine and chestnut to cork oak, the town of Tanneron is composed of some two dozen hamlets scattered across its territory. The mimosa crops that cover nearly all the land of Tanneron form one of the town’s most precious gems. These tiny, fluffy, bright-yellow balls are sweetly fragrant and truly beautiful to see in their natural environment. Along the Route du Mimosa, Tanneron is located at Mile 76 (Kilometer 122) and can justifiably lay claim to the title of “Land of Mimosa”!

PÉGOMAS
Pégomas is a delightful destination for vacation and relaxation, a land where mimosa and eucalyptus trees colorfully mingle. In Pégomas, with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea and wooded hills at every turn, mimosa enchants the senses. From January to March, this tree brightens and lightens winter’s ambiance with its golden-yellow pompoms and its delicate scent drifting on the air. Growing mimosa as a crop is an art, and this venerable know-how is passed on from father to son, mother to daughter. At this time of year, mimosa growers open their doors, letting the public visit their plantations for a moment of pure pleasure. Each year, on the last weekend in January, a mimosa festival is held to celebrate this important, beautiful crop. And, to discover this natural wonder up close, eight different hikes await families or seasoned walkers, each detailed in a complete information sheet. Pégomas – where life and leisure are truly sweet.

GRASSE
The Pays de Grasse, stretched across the sunny hillsides inland from the sea, reveals its charms to those who linger there, who take time to explore its treasures. Grasse is one of France’s designated Cities of Art and History, with a fascinating past and rich heritage. The perfume capital of the world is bursting with sights to see – the historic downtown, the International Perfume Museum, the perfumeries that open their doors to the public and share their secrets –, all reasons to come and stay awhile.