While winter still remains here on the Côte d'Azur, the hinterland is covered with golden yellow hues. The mimosa flowering period starts in January and lasts until mid-March, so it's the perfect time to take in the sights along the mimosa route. Like a foretaste of spring in pictures...
Fragrance and colors
Mimosa road is 130 kilometers long and links the coastal town of Bormes-les-Mimosas to Grasse, the city of perfumes. The itinerary runs partly along the coast before getting lost in the hilly hinterland. The bright yellow mimosa often stands out beautifully against the blue sky and the sea.
Winter blooming
The mimosa first appeared in the south of France around 1880. Wealthy Englishmen introduced this decorative tree into the gardens of their French country homes to brighten their winters. This was the beginning of the growing popularity of this winter flowering plant.
Bormes-les-Mimosas
The medieval city of Bormes-les-Mimosas in the Var region deserves its name! Up to 90 species of mimosas grow there. From January to March, the sweet scents and sunny yellow of the flowers await you. Moreover, one of the most famous flower parades in France takes place there every February.
A sunny path
Mimosas thrive in the mild climate of the French Riviera and line the road in many places. The first half of the touristic itinerary essentially follows the coastline: Bormes-les-Mimosas, le Rayol-Canadel, Sainte-Maxime then Saint-Raphaël and Mandelieu-la-Napoule at the foot of the Tanneron massif.
Massif de l’Estérel
Next to Mandelieu-la-Napoule lies the volcanic mountain range of the Massif de l'Estérel, one of the most beautiful coastal regions of the French Riviera. The rugged reddish-ochre rocks stand proudly on the blue water and form a beautiful walking area.
Tanneron
From Mandelieu-la-Napoule the route passes through Tanneron, Pégomas to reach its final point: Grasse. In Tanneron, you will find the most extensive forest of mimosas, both wild and cultivated. Follow the Circuit du Grand Duc.
Forests and orchards
Many mimosa growers work around Tanneron. Many of them offer a guided tour. Tanneron also holds an annual mimosa festival in February. And of course, you can take the most beautiful walks through the golden woods here!
Pégomas
Pégomas is the next stop on the Route d'Or, which winds through the largest mimosa forest in Europe. In the Jardin des Mimosas, you will find eleven different varieties of mimosas. As a bonus, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks of the Mercantour National Park.
Grasse, the fragrant one
The perfume city of Grasse is the end point of the Mimosa Route and invites you to discover many other floral scents. In addition to the perfumes, you will also find an old medieval center, winding streets and pleasant squares to enjoy this beautiful route for hours.
Mimosa eggs
Present on Mediterranean plates since ancient Rome, mimosa eggs don't get their name for nothing: the crumbled egg yolk resembles the woolly flowers of the mimosa. And why not add a sprig of mimosa to your plate?
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By Rédaction France.fr
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