It's hard to miss it when visiting the French Riviera, it's everywhere. Originally from Australia, the mimosa has found a home in Provence, so much so that it has become the region's emblem. Grand festivals are even organized in its honor, such as the Fête du Mimosa, celebrated with great fanfare in Mandelieu-La-Napoule. To learn more about this plant from the acacia family, take the Route du Mimosa, a 130 km route that winds through eight villages from Bornes-Les-Mimosas to Grasse. EDEN CAB can accompany you on your journey by providing you with a van or a Mercedes sedan with a private driver who will drive you everywhere on the French Riviera with professionalism and discretion.

What should you know about mimosa?

The true vegetable gold of the French Riviera, the Mimosa It has a fascinating history that began around 1880, when it was introduced from Australia to the slopes of the Croix des Gardes in Cannes by illustrious winter visitors such as the Duke of Vallombrosa and Lord Brougham. Thanks to the efforts of the Horticultural and Acclimatization Society, its cultivation quickly spread from Mandelieu to Tanneron. The region rapidly became a global production center, exporting its yellow grapes to all the major European capitals.

Botanically related to the genus AcaciaThe mimosa comes in nearly 1,200 species with varied uses, ranging from cut flowers to ornamentals. Among the emblematic varieties of the French Riviera, we find the Gallic, a vigorous tree with brilliant sulfur-yellow blossoms, the Mirandola with large, luminous clusters ideal for large gardens or even the Tournairesremarkable for its red wood and early flowering as early as December. Varieties such as the Warm Welcome They are prized for their intense fragrance and large, fragrant grains, while others stand out for their robustness, such as the Gaulois Astier capable of withstanding temperatures of -10°C. Finally, theAcacia retinodes, better known as the Mimosa of the 4 seasons, ensures a prolonged floral presence until summer so that we can continue to admire this plant beyond winter.

The Mimosa Route: 130 km of escape into pure bliss

Taking place from January 1st to March 31st between the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments, the Mimosa Road offers a 130km sensory journey through eight exceptional stages. This trip begins at Bormes-les-Mimosas, the Var capital housing the national collection of Julien Cavatore, before joining the hanging garden of the Rayol Canadel facing the Golden Islands. The journey continues with a gourmet stopover at Sainte-Maximewhere the chocolate factory Muscadine The sublime yellow flower, then plunges into the red rocks of the Esterel until... Saint RaphaelThe beating heart of the route is located at Mandelieu-la-Napoule et Tanneron which are home to the largest mimosa forest in Europe; the perfect opportunity to visit a forcing house and discover the secrets of harvesting. It's also worth noting that Mandelieu hosts the biggest mimosa festival. Finally, after a visit to Pegomas, heir to Italian botanical traditions, the adventure ends masterfully at Grasse , the city of perfumes, where the essence of mimosa enriches the creations of the greatest historical perfume houses.

Highlights for celebrating the Mimosa Festival on the Riviera

Winter on the French Riviera is illuminated by grand festivals and flower parades, where the mimosa becomes the star of spectacular processions.

The Mimosa Festival of Sainte-Maxime – 1^er February 2026

On Sunday, February 1st, 2026 at 14:30 pm, Sainte-Maxime comes alive to the rhythm of its traditional Mimosa ParadeFor this magical edition, ten majestic floats and numerous artistic troupes will parade along the promenade under the captivating theme of "Eras Through Time." The result of the passionate work of local associations, this grand procession will blend brass bands, creativity, and a shower of yellow flowers to offer a vibrant spectacle for the whole family.

Mimosa celebration in Biot – February 8, 2026

Sunday, February 8, 2026, the village of Biot celebrates the opening of the winter season with its traditional Mimosa FestivalOrganized by the Biotoise Association of Traditions, this immersive day plunges visitors into the heart of Provence: streets decorated by volunteers, a local producers' market, and folk performances. Between musical entertainment and the free distribution of fragrant sprigs, this convivial event concludes with a friendly drink, offering an authentic and sensory experience amidst the golden scents of the region.

Flower parade in Bornes-Les-Mimosas – February 14 and 15, 2026

On the weekend of February 14th and 15th, 2026, Bormes-les-Mimosas celebrates its emblematic flower paradeAn event rich in tradition and conviviality. The festivities will begin on Saturday with a mimosa market and free entertainment for the whole family. The highlight of the weekend takes place on Sunday with the grand parade of flower-covered floats, accompanied by festive troupes and rhythmic brass bands.

Mimosa Festival in Mandelieu-La-Napoule – From February 11 to 15, 2026

Since 1931, the Mimosa Festival in Mandelieu-la-Napoule has been the unmissable event of the French Riviera winter. For its 2026 edition, from February 11th to 15th, the town celebrates "The Carnival of Carnivals"A spectacular journey through 12 iconic carnivals around the world, from Rio to Venice, via Goa and Chinese New Year. The program promises to be electrifying: after a traditional opening ceremony on Wednesday and the Miss Mandelieu pageant on Thursday, the festivities will build to a fever pitch with a Grand Gallic Banquet and fireworks display on Friday evening. The weekend will be the highlight of the event with an artisans' village, an illuminated night parade on Saturday evening, and culminating in the grand finale: the Grand Flower Parade on Sunday at 14:30 pm on Avenue Henry Clews. During a visit to Mandelieu, various activities can also be undertaken. after the Mimosa Festival, activities include hiking or relaxing on beaches with clear waters.

Activities not to be missed around mimosa on the French Riviera

Apart from major festivities and parades of flower-covered floats, mimosa also features in many immersive activities.

Themed tour "The Odyssey of the Mimosas" at the Domaine du Rayol

In January and February, the Domain of Rayol becomes the stage for an exceptional natural spectacle within its Australian garden. As part of "The Mimosa Route"This property, managed by the Conservatoire du Littoral (Coastal Conservancy), offers guided nature walks to discover the forty or so species found on the site. The themed tour is a veritable botanical world tour: you will learn the secrets of caring for these winter giants, the incredible diversity of their foliage and fragrances, while also becoming aware of the ecological challenges related to their conservation.acacia dealbata, a species as beautiful as it is invasive.

Guided walk "The mimosa and its companions of Tanneron" in Tanneron

Every weekend, from January 24th to 1^er In March, the village of Tanneron hosts guided walks called "The Mimosa and its Companions of Tanneron." Starting from the hilltop village, this immersive experience plunges you into the fascinating history of the mimosa and local fragrant plants, such as myrtle and lavender. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you will walk for 2 hours through the hills where wild mimosas and exotic crops mingle.

Please note: This hike in the heart of the mountains involves some elevation gain and requires hiking boots and a water bottle. Due to the steep terrain, this route is not recommended for people with reduced mobility or families with strollers.

Mimosa: Discovering its production and extract in Grasse

Within the Scented PathsIn February, the "Pure Signature" workshop in Grasse offers an exceptional immersion into the secrets of mimosa. Under the expert guidance of Frédéric BadieA UNESCO-certified perfumer will guide you through the inner workings of industrial extraction via a mini-conference and a video presentation detailing each step, from concrete to absolute. After a comparative olfactory session between mimosa from Grasse and that from Morocco, you will move on to the creative process: the workshop allows you to... create your own 100% natural perfume tailored, by exploring the olfactory families that enhance this winter flower. Grasse also invites you to experience other authentic experiences.

To explore the Mimosa Route or participate in the many festivities surrounding this legendary plant on the French Riviera, don't hesitate to book a luxury car with private chauffeur in EDEN CABYou will travel peacefully and in the utmost comfort.