Have you ever dreamed of an itinerary dedicated to the mimosa? Well, we’ve made it happen! The Route du Mimosa, which stretches between Var and Alpes-Maritimes, from Bormes les Mimosas to Grasse, promises you 130 km of azure and gold. This tourist route, recommended from January to March during the mimosa’s blooming season, is typically a symbol of a winter Côte d’Azur that offers numerous events and cultural visits around the famous yellow pompom under a mild climate.
The mimosa route: a 100% mimosa itinerary
The mimosa and the winter blue sky together offer such a contrasting dreamy view. In Bormes les Mimosas, and with our neighboring municipalities in Var and Alpes-Maritimes, we wanted to turn your dream into reality, so we created the Route du Mimosa! Covering 130 km, start from kilometer 0 in Bormes les Mimosas, then cross the municipalities of Rayol Canadel sur Mer, Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Raphaël, Mandelieu, Tanneron, Pégomas, until you reach Grasse, kilometer 130.
Bormes les Mimosas (starting point-kilometer 0)
Upon arrival in the village, get the tourist circuit brochure at the Office de Tourisme et des Loisirs and set off to discover its numerous mimosas! Stop along the Boulevard du Soleil to admire the many varieties of mimosa, as well as in the parks of Cigalou and Gonzalez, which boast over 90 varieties of mimosa. Take advantage of your stay to discover the Pépinières Cavatore, which hold the national collection of mimosas with over 250 species and a dedicated arboretum!
Le Rayol Canadel sur Mer (kilometer 15)
Rayol Canadel sur Mer is a charming, peaceful village where happiness is preserved. The Domaine du Rayol and its Jardin des Méditerranées invite you on a journey through Mediterranean landscapes from around the world, including Australia with its many mimosas. It’s a truly enchanting moment on your route
Sainte-Maxime (kilometer 42)
Sainte-Maxime is a true haven of tranquility boasting 11 kilometers of stunning Mediterranean shoreline. Here, leisurely strolls along the water’s edge invite you to savor moments that you’ll want to last forever. Immerse yourself in the charm of Provence as you admire its old tiled houses, browse its typical market, explore its shopping streets, and relax in its shady promenade. With family or friends, you’ll never run out of things to do with the many leisure activities available year-round.
Saint-Raphaël (kilometer 59)
Saint-Raphaël, gateway to the stunning Esterel Massif, beckons you to explore its pristine coastline and breathtaking natural beauty. With 36 kilometers of shoreline, you can immerse yourself in the heart of the city with your feet in the water, wander through the picturesque ports, uncover hidden coves in Boulouris, marvel at the iconic Île d’Or, and finally reach the Agay roadstead – all while being surrounded by blooming mimosa trees!
Mandelieu (kilometer 108)
Experience the vibrant hues of Mandelieu, a coastal town that comes to life in winter. Immerse yourself in the dazzling blue waters of the Mediterranean, take in the striking red ochre cliffs of the Esterel, and explore the golden yellow Tanneron forest. Here, you can witness an incredible natural spectacle and indulge in a range of exciting activities such as hiking, biking, and golf, as well as a variety of water sports. And don’t miss the world-renowned Mimosa Festival, which takes place every February, adding a burst of sunshine to your winter holiday.
Tanneron (kilometer 112)
Tanneron, the easternmost commune of Pays de Fayence, bordering the Alpes Maritimes, boasts the most abundant display of mimosa flowers, earning it the title of “yellow forests“. It is the largest area in France planted with both cultivated and wild mimosa! The hills of Tanneron are adorned with a beautiful blend of mimosa, strawberry trees, flower crops, heather, olive trees, pine trees, chestnut trees, and cork oaks. With more than 22 hamlets scattered across its territory, Tanneron is a haven of natural beauty. The cultivation of mimosa across Tanneron’s entire surface has made it the most beautiful flower of this commune. These small fluffy balls, bright yellow and so fragrant, are a sight to behold in their natural environment. Make sure to stop by Tanneron at kilometer 122 of the Route du Mimosa to admire its stunning mimosa display!
Pégomas (kilometer 115)
Pégomas, a town located in the heart of the French Riviera, is deeply rooted in the history of the mimosa. Nestled between the foothills of the Tanneron massif and the Grasse region, it offers a breathtaking scenery of golden hills during the winter months when the mimosa blooms. Founded in the 16th century by Italian families, the town’s landscape is dotted with olive trees, vines and fruit trees that reflect their expertise in cultivating aromatic plants like the mimosa. The Siagne and the Mourachonne rivers flow through the plains of Pégomas, adding to the town’s charm and providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors.
Grasse (kilometer 130)
Explore the captivating region of Pays de Grasse and immerse yourself in its essence: the genuine beauty of its landscapes, the allure of its villages, and the exceptional skill of its craftsmen, make it a must-visit destination! Grasse, the global epicenter of perfume, boasts a rich heritage in perfume-making and was recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.