Travelling the Côte d’Azur is a real treat for the senses. In summer, sea breezes blend with the fragrance of lavender; in winter the sweet scent of mimosa intoxicates fortunate travellers who happen to be passing through the area between January and mid-March and can therefore enjoy the spectacle of the Mimosa Route: a 130 kilometre drive, from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Grasse, which lights up with yellow and hosts various events to celebrate the flower that has become a symbol of the Côte d’Azur.

The route is divided into eight stages, and it’s traditionally travelled from west to east, although if you’re coming from Italy it’s perfectly possible to take the opposite direction:

– Bormes-les-Mimosas, a medieval village that’s home to some 700 flower species including 90 varieties of mimosa. In the last weekend of January the village hosts the Mimosalia festival, and there’s a parade of flower-covered floats in the last weekend of February.

– Rayol-Canadel sur Mer, with its beautiful Domaine du Rayol botanical garden, which in January and February offers Odyssée des Mimosas guided tours (subject to booking).

– Sainte-Maxime, a little town overlooking the Gulf of Saint Tropez, whose main event takes place in the first weekend of February.

– Saint Raphael, with its lovely sandy beach and a mimosa market (this year from 9 to 12 February).

– Mandelieu-la-Napoule, which hosts one of the most famous mimosa festivals in February (in 2022 it’s scheduled for 16 to 23).

– Tanneron, the first inland stage, with its Massif covered in wild mimosas.

– Pégomas, with its Mimosa Garden and the Mimosa Ball to kick off the season in January.

– Grasse, the world leader in fine perfumery.

A piece of advice: to make the most of this unforgettable experience, choose a section of the route and treat yourself to a walk or a bike ride surrounded by the extraordinary display of scent and colour.