The Route du Mimosa, Riviera / Cote d'Azur
A beautiful drive through the villages of the French Riviera and Saint-Tropez
Each year under clear blue winter skies, a carpet of gold creeps across the rolling hills and quiet stone villages of the French Riviera. As spring approaches, the mimosa trees come into spectacular bloom in the South of France, the sprays of soft yellow flowers vivid against the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
The Route du Mimosa is a 130km driving route created to celebrate this extraordinary phenomenon, linking eight villages and towns that are famous for their stunning mimosa displays and festivals.
Any visiting Australian will be heard to ask with puzzlement about the mimosa flower. ‘Why’s there so much wattle? How did it get here?’ While the French are often quick to claim the fluffy, soft baubles of yellow flowers as their own, the mimosa tree is in fact the famous wattle tree - Australia’s national flower- imported to France in the 1800’s by visiting British, who thought it would grow well in the sunny climate. And they were right. By the time the Belle Époque was in full swing and the Riviera was a wintertime resort of glittering parties and grand hotels, the Mimosa tree had transformed the landscape, turning the valleys and forests a burnished gold and becoming the local symbol that winter’s grip was broken.
Which, of course, is a timely reminder that the South of France is a wonderful place to be in the late winter, particularly if you feel like a driving holiday through glorious scenery, stopping at local festivals and quaint villages along the way.
The sweet-smelling mimosa flower blooms from late January to early March and the Route du Mimosa is best driven in February, which is when the majority of mimosa parades and village festivals take place. This is the most pleasant time of year to be driving along the Riviera, avoiding the clogged roads and heavy heat of midsummer allowing you to enjoy the crisp air, snow on the Alps and the Mediterranean shining in the winter sunshine.
To be honest, you could do this trip at any time of year as it takes in some very pretty towns and countryside, from the foothills of the Alps down to the long white sandy beaches of Saint Raphael on the Gulf of Saint Tropez.
What to see
Below is a description of the eight villages that are on the Route du Mimosa, which stretches between the Var and the Alpes Maritimes. You could definitely take a few detours from this route: Saint Tropez, Frejus and Gassin are easy additions, while Roquebrune-sur-Argens is also thoroughly recommended. From the final stop at Grasse, Antibes, Cannes, Nice and Monaco are within easy reach.
Bormes les Mimosas: The Route du Mimosa begins here, in a town so celebrated for its beautiful mimosa that it had ‘les Mimosas’ added to its name in the 1960’s. This quaint medieval village spilling down the hillside is known for its gastronomy and flower-filled lanes. There is an exhibition Mimosalia at the end of January, a flower parade in early February and a local nursery has 180 varieties of Mimosa on display.
Rayol-Canadel sur Mer: This quiet village is just 15km from Bormes-les-Mimosas, set among pine and mimosa trees. The unmissable highlight is the Domaine du Rayol, a large spectacular garden by the sea, which has wonderful mimosa displays among other exotic species. This is one of the ‘30 Grand Sites of France’, and no wonder, for this is an extraordinarily beautiful place.
Sainte Maxime: This relaxing beach resort has a wonderful range of mimosa festivities including a Miss Mimosa competition and a flower parade with gorgeous floats. There’s also a botanical garden with a glorious display of mimosa.
Saint Raphael: Located on the wide sandy beaches of the Gulf of Saint Tropez a short distance from Sainte Maxime, Saint Raphael is also transformed when the mimosa blooms. Early February sees a fantastic landscaping exhibition and competition, while the town hosts a spectacular flower carnival in late February. Because this stretch of coastline is a burnished red rock, the yellow mimosa looks particularly vivid against red rock and blue sea.
Mandelieu-la-Napoule: On the Alpes Maritimes coast by Cannes you’ll find this pretty seaside town, which hosts the large Mimosa Festival in mid-February. The town crowns a Mimosa Queen and a flower parade turns the streets into a riot of colour and life.
Tanneron: The route becomes even more visually stunning as you leave the coast and begin the climb into the foothills of the Alps, where vast mimosa forests turn the valleys into gold. The commune of Tanneron has the biggest mimosa forest in Europe, and the village is nestled right in the middle of it! Their festival takes place in early February.
Pégomas: Back down the hill a little you’ll find this pretty little town, where the river paths and gardens are lined with mimosa.
Grasse: Where better to finish a flower tour than in the world-capital of perfume? The fragile, sweet-smelling Mimosa is one of the flowers used by the famous parfumiers of this medieval town.
Sights in Saint-Tropez
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Massif des Maures, Saint-Tropez Region
The Massif des Maures lies above the coast to the west of Saint-Tropez and continues on to Hyères. Although the Massif is not a designated Natural Park (as opposed to the Plaine des Maures, which is) the area is sparsely populated because of the rugged landscape.
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La Chartreuse de la Verne, Collobrieres
Located in Collobireres, the old Carthusian monastery of Our Lady of La Verne is close in distance from the major tourist towns.
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Domaine du Rayol, Le Rayol-Canadel
This wonderful botanical gardens, dating from the early 20th century, are located in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer. They are a great place to spend a day outdoors, with a cafe, a bookshop and lots of exhibitions and guided tours to discover the secrets of Mediterranean floral species.
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La Tour de l'Horloge
Cogolin's 14th century hilltop clock tower is all of what is left of its original castle, which was destroyed in 1579 during the Religious Wars. It now dominates the town creating an imposing view.
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Le Chateau Grimaud, Grimaud
Situated on a hilltop dominating the town, this medieval castle boasts absolutely breathtaking panoramic views over the Maures massif and the Saint-Tropez gulf.
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Fort Freinet Ruins, La Garde-Freinet
This is a rock cut settlement above the present day village of La Garde, which was where the original inhabitants lived.
Where to lunch
It would be hard to refuse a meal in the delightful medieval village of Bormes les Mimosas. However, you can't go far wrong if you stop at any of the pretty villages along the route, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants to meet your needs. Depending on the day you travel through you may also catch the local market which offers up the perfect food for a picnic!
Restaurants in Saint-Tropez
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La Palmeraie Restaurant, La Croix Valmer
In the heart of an Andalusian garden or on the terrace opening on to the park, you can enjoy a dinner under the stars in a calm and authentic Provencal environment.
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Colette Restaurant
Renowned for its fine and distinguished cuisine, the talented chef creates tasty southern flavoured compositions served on the luxury terrace.
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L'Isoletta Restaurant
The restaurant of the Bastide de Saint-Tropez hotel is run by Sardinian chef, Alessandro Caria, and his team.
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La Ponche Restaurant
The gourmet restaurant’s secluded dining room offers a splendid view on Saint-Tropez’s bay. In total secrecy, the hosts can dream along as they admire beautiful landscapes that resemble works of art.
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La Voile Restaurant, Ramatuelle
Open to all, the starred restaurant provides an opportunity to get to know La Réserve Ramatuelle in the most delicious possible manner.
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Matsuhisa Restaurant
Discover pan-Asian cuisine in all its splendour, with breathtaking views of the Pampelonne Bay.
What to do
Things To Do in Saint-Tropez
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Luxury Lizard Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Luxury To Escape Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
