Discovering the Mimosa Route

If you want to learn all there is to know about mimosa, Julien Cavatore, producer and collector of this gold on a stick, is your man, offering visitors a myriad of precious advice on pruning, watering, potting and growing. In short, the perfect place to start the Mimosa Route!

If you fancy something exotic, opt for a novel and refreshing tour of the Parc Gonzalez. This botanical garden, awarded the « Remarkable Garden » label by the French Ministry of Culture, showcases over 500 plant species. And for a taste of castle life, why not enjoy a guided tour of Fort de Brégançon? A royal idea!

Le Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, a little gem on the Var coast between the mountains of Les Maures and the Mediterranean, offers a privileged panorama of the Îles d’Or. At the end of the winter, the mimosa is in flower and its thousands of « golden suns » light up the village and its Domaine du Rayol, le Jardin des Méditerranées. In this extraordinary place which is part of the Conservatoire du Littoral, you’ll take a trip through the landscapes of the five continents characteristic of the Mediterranean climate. At this time of the year, the Domaine du Rayol organises tours on the theme of mimosa, to find out all there is to know about the forty-odd varieties it hosts.

Set on the Mimosa Route, Sainte-Maxime offers a delicious combination of the Riviera’s charm, history and relaxation. To discover the town, which has been awarded the “Remarkable Architecture” label, start the day with a tour of the architecture and heritage proposed by the town of Saint-Maxime.

Gourmets definitely won’t want to leave without a stop-off at the Chocolaterie La Muscadine, to taste the « Chocofleurs » and their delicate flavour of lavender, orange blossom and, of course, mimosa!

Saint-Raphaël, with its heavenly coastline and its succession of creeks, beaches and calanques and their crystal-clear water, has a preserved natural setting. After a little wander around the narrow streets of the old town, looked down on by the tower of the Romanesque San Rafeu church, head for the Massif de l’Esterel, the winter realm of mimosa on the Côte d’Azur. The hike (or guided walk) of La Tour des Lacs des Péguières, which winds through a tree-filled decor of thousands of mimosas in bloom, will make this 4th stage of the Route du Mimosa an enchanting break.

Open your eyes wide for the 4th step of the Route du Mimosa tour! Here, you’ll be able to admire the superb Corniche d’Or, a genuine work of art on the Côte d’Azur, where red ochre rocks plunge down into the turquoise waters of the Med. Make sure your camera is primed. If you’re a fan of colour, don’t miss the popular mimosa fair in Mandelieu-la-Napoule in February, headlining a fun programme of processions, live music and flower fights.

Lace up your walking shoes and slip on your backpack for step 3! In winter, the Massif du Tanneron is home to Europe’s largest mimosa forest. Whether you’re travelling with the family or your better half, enjoy an unforgettable forest walk among trees adorned with clouds of gold. Wind up your tour with a well-earned dose of sugar to recharge your batteries: mimosa honey is absolutely fantastic! Nature lovers can prolong the pleasure with a visit to the Fondurane biotope – a refreshing stroll for every age in tranquil surroundings.

The village of Pégomas, on a plain below the Massif du Tanneron, was founded in the 17th century by Italians. They developed olive trees, vines and fruit trees, bringing with them their precious knowledge of aromatic and perfume plants. On the hillsides of Pégomas, the Reynaud family has been growing mimosa for three generations to make bouquets, scented candles, soaps and toilet waters. And every year in Pégomas, the evening of the « Bal du Mimosa » celebrates the symbol of the winter sun of the Côte d’Azur with its gentle perfume.

Mimosa is famed for its fluffy golden blooms, taste – and especially it’s fragrance! So, what better than a visit to the town of Grasse to put your nose to the test? Enjoy a tour of the Musée International de la Parfumerie and unveil the secrets of the scents that make our heads spin. Make the most of your stop-off in Grasse to discover the local plant nurseries, where mimosa is grown in heated greenhouses. The local farmers will be delighted to share their passion with you. The ancient perfumery know-how of Grasse is now on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.