Flowers & perfumes in Provence & Côte d'Azur

Your fragrant adventure begins in Aix-en-Provence, a town steeped in elegance, culture and Provençal lifestyle. The gorgeous Domaine Terre Ugo is a family-run estate where lavender reigns supreme: visitors can enjoy learning all about the plant’s life cycle, growing methods and uses thanks to the on-site educational trails, workshops and activities. Located in the centre of Aix, the Atelier Rose & Marius offers fascinating introductions to the art of perfumes and scents inspired by Provence, with a focus on raw materials and artisan methods. Salagon Priory in Mane is a must-see: this heritage site harbours various specialist gardens (holders of the “Remarkable Gardens” label) dedicated to medieval, ethnobotanical and aromatic plants. Stroll through the gardens, learn about traditional plant uses and take time to observe the magnificent landscapes forged by centuries of farming practises.

The Couvent des Cordeliers in Forcalquier is a landmark in the perfumery world, home to the Artemisia Museum showcasing the history of aromatic and medicinal plants in Provence in partnership with the European University of Flavours and Fragrances, also located on site. Various collections, herbaria and educational displays offer in-depth insights into the traditional and contemporary uses of plants. L’Occitane en Provence in Manosque is an absolute must-do: the tour spans the brand’s evolution, sourcing choices and manufacturing methods, while highlighting its unbreakable ties with Provence. Finally, it’s time to head to Valensole Plateau, famed for its particularly photogenic lavender fields! The local distilleries offer fascinating behind-the-scenes tours, showing visitors how the flowers are transformed from harvest to bottle and revealing more about the local economy that stems from this iconic bloom.

Today, the tour leaves the hinterland and heads gradually towards the coast to Bormes-les-Mimosas – a must-do village in bloom renowned, as its name suggests, for its historic ties with mimosa. Bormes is best explored on foot: savour a stroll through the narrow lanes, little squares and gardens brimming with clusters of iconic yellow flowers in winter. Bormes also marks the start of the Mimosa Route, a tourist route linking several towns in the Var and Alpes-Maritimes area and spanning nearly 130 kilometres, offering a fragrant foray into the story of mimosa on the Côte d’Azur. In February, the village lights up with the Mimosa Festival, complete with a flower parade, market, fun entertainment and even a flower battle!

As you head along the Mimosa Route towards Grasse, don’t miss a stop-off in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, in the heart of the Tanneron hills. Often referred to as the European mimosa capital, the town basks at the foot of Europe’s largest mimosa forest – the hills light up with beautiful golden blooms every year between January and March. Fragrant hiking trails and scenic routes invite visitors to immerse themselves in this magnificent natural setting. Mimosa plays a central role in local life in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, and is part and parcel of the town’s vibrant atmosphere. A Mimosa Festival takes place every year here too, with fun parades, entertainment and local produce on the festive menu, as well as workshops and guided tours on the mimosa theme – a real feast for the senses.

Your final fragrant day takes place in beautiful Grasse, the historic cradle of perfumery. Part of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the town’s perfumery expertise is unveiled through a fascinating array of tours, encounters and experiences baptized the UNESCO Perfume Roads. The MIP – or International Perfume Museum – offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the world of perfume raw materials, techniques and uses through the centuries, while the historic local perfumery houses invite visitors to delve into the past and present secrets of fragrance production. From August to mid-October, you can also enjoy touring the flower fields at Domaine de Manon or Domaine de la Rose, a botanical garden dedicated, of course, to the delicate rose. Both offer a perfect and poetic end to your stay, steeped in the flowers and perfumes of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.