While much of Europe remains huddled under the grey skies of late winter, a vibrant transformation is currently igniting the coastline of the French Riviera. From late January through March, the region between Bormes-les-Mimosas and Grasse shed its winter slumber as millions of mimosa trees erupt in brilliant displays of gold. This seasonal phenomenon marks the peak of the Route du Mimosa, a 130-kilometer botanical journey that offers travelers a fragrant, pre-spring escape through the heart of France’s floral heritage.
The Awakening of the ‘Winter Sun’
The journey begins in the medieval hillside village of Bormes-les-Mimosas. Known for its 12th-century stone architecture and hanging gardens, the town serves as the southern gateway to a landscape that locals call soleil d’hiver—the winter sun. The mimosa, though a cultivated crop producing 18 million stems annually in the Var department, feels entirely wild here.
Early February travelers can experience Mimosalia, an annual event that gathers nurserymen and enthusiasts for plant sales and guided walks. From the ruins of the town’s ancient castle, the hillsides appear to catch fire with yellow blossoms, providing a stark, stunning contrast to the deep azure of the Mediterranean.
Through the Golden Forests of Tanneron
Heading east, the route climbs into the Massif du Tanneron, home to the densest wild mimosa forest in Europe. In the heights above Mandelieu-la-Napoule, the canopy features over 200 varieties of the plant. The fragrance—a warm, honeyed scent reminiscent of hawthorn—permits an immersive sensory experience for hikers on the local trails.
In mid-February, Mandelieu-la-Napoule hosts its historic Fête du Mimosa. A tradition since 1931, the festival features:
- Vibrant floral parades with hand-decorated floats.
- Nighttime processions and fireworks.
- The election of the Mimosa Queen.
- Guided botanical walks through the glowing Tanneron massif.
A Violet Interlude in Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Before reaching the perfume capital, the itinerary takes a purple turn at Tourrettes-sur-Loup. Since 1880, this “City of Violets” has specialized in the Victoria variety—a deep-purple flower known for its long stems and intoxicating, raw fragrance.
The village will host its next Fête des Violettes from February 28 to March 1, 2026. Visitors can witness the corso fleuri, a battle of flowers where locals pelt the crowds with petals, and explore markets offering violet-infused syrups, chocolates, and soaps.
Grasse: The Alchemy of Scents
The expedition concludes in Grasse, a UNESCO-recognized site for its intangible cultural heritage in perfumery. Sheltered from sea air and blessed with a unique microclimate, Grasse has transitioned from a medieval tanning center to the world’s fragrance headquarters.
The city’s floral legacy is most famously preserved at the Mul family estate in Pégomas. For five generations, the Muls have grown the rare Jasmine Grandiflorum and Centifolia Rose exclusively for Chanel. The numbers behind these blossoms are staggering:
- 1,000 jasmine flowers are required for a single bottle of Chanel No. 5.
- 12 tons of rose petals are needed to produce just one kilogram of absolute oil.
- Jasmine absolute from this region can command prices exceeding €59,000 per kilogram.
Travel Tips for the Floral Road
For those seeking an intimate alternative to the crowded summer lavender season, the Route du Mimosa provides a tranquil, “secret” window into Provence.
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-January to early March for mimosas and violets; May for roses.
- Route: Start in Bormes-les-Mimosas and follow the Corniche d’Or coastal road for dramatic red volcanic cliffs and turquoise waters.
- Gateway: Fly into Nice Côte d’Azur airport; the start of the route is roughly 30 minutes away.
As the “perfumed machinery” of Provence wakes up, this golden road trip remains one of Europe’s most spectacular—and aromatic—winter rewards.