The Route of the Mimosa, symbol of the French Riviera

The Ruta de la Mimosa, symbol of the Costa Azul in winter, offers a mild climate, a kind of retreat between the blue of the sea and the yellow of the sun.Until the end of March, millions of mimosa invade with their intoxicating perfume the hills and valleys of the Côte d'Azur, covering the region with yellow and light.Taking advantage of the flowering of the mimosa, we propose an itinerary to discover the essence of this piece of the French Riviera.The Mimosa Route, created in 2000, crosses 8 municipalities in the provinces of Var and Alpes-Maritimes: Bormes-les-Mimosas, Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Raphaël, Mandelieu-la Napoule, Tanneron , Pégomas and Grasse. An itinerary of 130 kilometers that runs between Bormes-Les-Mimosas and Grasse, the capital of perfume. We discover the stages and the main towns of the route. Itinerary Route of the MimosaStage 1.Bormes-les-Mimosas Capital of the mimosa in the Var, Bormes-les-Mimosas is the most beautiful village in bloom of France, medieval village of the XII century has 700 unique plant species in France. From January to March the medieval city is adorned with a long "golden mantle", explosion of yellows and perfume. Nearby, the famous white sand beaches and crystal clear waters of Cabasson Brégançon Estagnol and Pellegrin.Stage 2.Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer Rayol-Canadel is a charming and peaceful town where happiness has been preserved ... Created in 1925 from the extension of the boardwalk on about 300 hectares, autonomous municipality since 1949, currently includes three neighborhoods and it extends along 4 km along the RD559 road. An exceptional place where the wooded hills of the Corniche des Maures fall into the blue Mediterranean water with unparalleled views of the d'Or islands.Stage 3Sainte-Maxime With its 11 km of Mediterranean shores, Sainte-Maxime is an oasis of tranquility where the walks at the edge of the water allow you to savor moments that you would like to be eternal. The charm of Provence is evident from its old tile houses, its typical market, its commercial streets and its shaded walk. As a family, you can enjoy many rest and leisure activities.Stage 4Saint-Raphaël Saint-Raphaël, a protected town located at the gates of the Estérel massif, invites you to discover its exceptional coastline and its protected nature. Its 36 km of coastline will take you from its center with your feet in the water to the ports and hidden coves of Boulouris, passing by the island d'Or and the Agay inlet. While the Corniche d'Or (Cornice de Oro), carved in the rock, it dominates the seabed that has an extraordinary transparency.Stage 5Mandelieu-la-Napoule This first stage in the Alpes-Maritimes is the cradle of the cultivation of mimosa. It is located at the foot of the Tanneron Massif, which houses the largest mimosa forest in Europe. To travel: the path of the customs officers and their castles, before ascending to the Estérel massif. Its volcanic red rocks that are immersed in turquoise water are well worth a visit.Stage 6Tanneron Tanneron, with its 22 villages in the heart of the massif of the same name, is the largest wooded area of ​​mimosa in France, both cultivated and wild: they are true yellow forests of small hairy balls, so beautiful when seen in their natural environment . From December to March, the abundant flowering of mimosa will reserve you a scented, intoxicating surprise of gold and light: a true wonder.Stage 7Pégomas In Pégomas, the mimosa captivates the sight and the smell and for that reason it is celebrated. Cultivated in the hills of Tanneron, its inhabitants take care of it and dedicate time to it. The Garden of Mimosas houses 11 varieties of this flower. The last weekend of January we celebrate as it deserves the appearance of the first cocoons. Pégomas enjoys the pleasant and colorful image of a holiday land. You have to stop at it to discover its true and beautiful nature, made of many facets.Stage 8Grasse Rising in the middle of sunny hills, this town reveals all its charm to those who spend time walking through its winding streets and cozy squares. World capital of perfume, Grasse highlights its heritage riches thanks to its title of City of Art and History. Its historic center, its International Museum of Perfumery and its tourist perfumeries are other attractions for visitors.Some recommendationsThe ideal route is to travel by car, and it is best to do it on Highway 8, so you can stop at different towns and beaches with tranquility. We invite you to discover the Provencal gastronomy along the Mimosa Route of the Cote d'Azur. Some examples: the bouillabaisse soup, the ratatouille soup, artichokes "in barigoule", snails "à la suçarelle", rataouille, pastis, tapenade, anchoïade ...
 The main Festivities of the Mimosa
Bormes-les-Mimosas: Mimosalia (exhibition and sale of collectible plants, the last weekend of January and great parade of the Mimosa the third Sunday of February);
Sainte-Maxime (large flower parade on the first or second Sunday of February); Saint-Raphaël (carnival during the February holidays);
Tanneron (Mimosa party on the first Sunday of February).