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, Riviera / Cote d'Azur
A beautiful drive through the villages of the French Riviera and Cannes
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 Cannes
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Fréjus Cathedral, Fréjus
This cathedral in central Fréjus is part of a larger fortified medieval complex
Dating back to the 5th century when the baptistery was built makes it the oldest in the Provence region and one of the oldest in France. At this ancient, Merovingian style baptistery you can still see a 5th century baptismal basin for full immersion, as well as Roman columns.
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Archaeology Museum, Fréjus
Displaying Fréjus’s archaeological heritage, mainly from the Roman period
Situated right next to the cloisters of the Cathedral in Fréjus, the museum houses some great examples of Roman artefacts from the ongoing excavations in the city.
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Les Calanques de l'Esterel, Saint-Raphael 
Les Calanques de l'Esterel, Saint-Raphael
Dramatic scenery, imposing cliffs and secluded coves near Saint-Raphael
Les Calanques de l'Esterel are rocky inlets and coves that expand from Saint-Raphael to Mandelieu-la-Napoule and drop steeply into the limpid waters of the Mediterranean.
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Basilique Notre-Dame de la Victoire, Saint Raphael
Beautiful church built at the end of 19th century inspired by the church of Saint Sophie in Istanbul
This beautiful church was built as part of the plans by Mayor Felix Martin to "transform" St Raphael into a more attractive town for people to live in and tourist resort. Abbot Bernard commissioned the project to architect Pierre Aublé.
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Parc Zoologique de Frejus (Frejus Zoo) 
Parc Zoologique de Frejus (Frejus Zoo)
Zoo where you can see animals from all around the world as well as Mediterranean plants
Established in 1971, the Zoological Park Frejus is located in a typical Mediterranean natural landscape and enjoys the mild climate of the Riviera.
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Malpasset Dam (Barrage de Malpasset)
The ruins of a dam between Frejus and the city of Cannes
The Malpasset Dam is known for the disaster it caused on 2 December, 1959. Today it's the end point of the hike leading up to the ruins.
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 & Dining in Cannes
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Private Caterers
Excellent gastronomic meals in your own accommodation
Turn your dining room into a high-class restaurant where you can enjoy delicious meals prepared for you by Philippe Lescot, a passionate private chef who has had a wealth of experience working in various restaurants around the world.
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La Plage Belles Rives Beach Club, Juan les Pins
Private beach of the Belles Rives hotel in Juan les Pins
Soft white sand, a private pontoon, a lounge bar and a restaurant at the water's edge make this beach club a very special place to be.
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La Table du Chateau Restaurant
Refined seasonal cuisine inspired by nature, tradition and the château’s own garden
The Château de la Tour feels like a private residence, offering an intimate and refined experience. With Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2000, Chef Didier Anies, at the helm, the restaurant is a true destination for elegance, creativity and exceptional cuisine - unique in Cannes.
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Plage du Festival Beach Club
Chic beachside retreat with gourmet dining and dreamy cocktails
La Plage du Festival offers a refreshing gourmet experience in a chic and relaxed atmosphere. With its beachside setting, stunning views, and vibrant cocktails, it’s a must-visit spot in Cannes.
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L'Or Bleu Restaurant, Theoule-sur-Mer
Michelin-starred dining with surprise menus and breathtaking sea views
L'Or Bleu, a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers an unforgettable dining experience where cuisine is elevated to the level of art. Set in an elegant, contemporary setting with breathtaking views over the bay of Théoule-sur-Mer, this Relais & Châteaux establishment is the perfect place for a memorable evening.
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Fouquet's Restaurant
Parisian elegance meets Michelin-starred cuisine in Cannes
Le Fouquet's at the Hôtel Le Majestic combines Parisian charm with culinary excellence, led by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire. A timeless spot for culture and cuisine lovers in Cannes.
What to do
Things To Do in Cannes
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Road bike hire
Quality road bike rentals with delivery to the French Riviera
This company is based in Cannes and offers a wide range of road bikes, with delivery available to Antibes.
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Luxury A4A Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to ten people
Take a trip on board this luxury yacht along the Riviera, cruising to any destination of your choice.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
19 super water slides on one site, with toboggans & the black hole
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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Motorbike hire
Wide selection of BMW, Ducati, Harley Davidson and Triumph motorcycles available for rent
Based in Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Motor Yacht REHAB - French Riviera Weekly Yacht Charter
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to twelve people
Take a trip on board this luxury yacht along the Riviera, to any destination of your choosing.
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Specialised yacht charter itineraries to truly experience the French Riviera, leaving from Cannes
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.
