The Mimosa Road
Unique Hotel & Residence offers you to discover the itinerary of the Mimosa road. You will notice many golden spots along the coastline and on the hills of the Azure. In contrast with the blue of the azure, the mimosa is back!
Symbol of the sun and gold, it can be found on more than 130 kilometers, from Bormes-les-Mimosas (Var) to Grasse (Alpes-Maritimes) through Saint-Raphaël (kilometer 59): The ideal period to walk is from January to early March: the smell of mimosa is omnipresent and the forests are golden.
Mimosa Festival: a little history
It was at the end of the 19th century that the mimosa, originally from Australia, from the Accacia family, was acclimatized with passion to our climate.
The first plans were received by English botanical enthusiasts in 1780 and dispersed in Europe, to the delight of botanical gardens. The attraction of the English for the south-east of France has allowed this flower to be established throughout the Mediterranean coast, where it has been able to flourish thanks to the favorable climate.
Over time, the mimosa, loaded with symbols, has become one of the popular emblems of the coast in winter.
The symbols of the Mimosa
Light yellow, the mimosa is one of the most used flowers in terms of symbolism. With a delicate scent, it speaks to us with the accent of the South. Here and there, the flower shines and naturally represents the Sun.
In the language of flowers, the mimosa is the evocation of secret loves: nobody knows that I love you. It also implies security, an exacerbated sensitivity
It also says: you are my only love, it is also the flower of reunion.
Symbol of gold and sun, the mimosa is also the image of triumphant life, because of the hardness of its wood and the victory over evil forces.
the Mimosa in perfumery
The most beautiful brands of the French Perfumery have used the mimosa in their most famous fragrances… Amarige by Parfums Givenchy, Paris by Yves Saint Laurent, Guerlain for its perfume Champs Elysées, Moment Suprême by Jean Patou.
The flowers of the mimosa, particularly prized for the elaboration of perfumes, are composed of a great quantity of different molecules. But only some of these molecules contribute to the aroma of the mimosa.
The mimosa has a note surprisingly similar to the violet, but more subtle and airy, but very often this one is subtracted. It is said to have a flowery, powdery and green smell. The mimosa mainly used is the cassia mimosa (acacia farnesiena), but the evolution is turning more towards the wild mimosa.
Today, the Route du Mimosa stretches over 130 km from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Grasse. This tourist itinerary, recommended from January to March, is typically the symbol of a winter Côte d’Azur which offers, under a mild climate, a kind of itinerant holiday between azure blue and yellow sun.
We propose to focus on each of the cities crossed by the “Mimosa Route” and the best to discover around this theme
Bormes-les-Mimosas
The most beautiful flowered village of France, a medieval village of the XIIth century which counts some 700 rare plant species. From January to March, the medieval city is adorned with a long “buttercup scarf”, an explosion of yellows and perfumes. Capital of the mimosa in the Var, it counts no less than 90 species. Nearby, the famous white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of Cabasson, Brégançon, l’Estagnol and Pellegrin
Rayol-Canadel-sur-mer
Le Rayol-Canadel is a charming village, peaceful where happiness is preserved… Created from the extension of La Môle in 1925 on about 300 hectares, it became an autonomous commune in 1949, it currently includes 3 districts and extends over about 4 km along the RD559. An exceptional site where the wooded hills of the Corniche des Maures plunge into the blue waters of the Mediterranean with a breathtaking view of the Golden Islands.
Sainte-Maxime
With its 11 km of Mediterranean shoreline, Sainte-Maxime is a haven of tranquility where strolls along the water’s edge invite you to savor moments that we would like to last forever. The charm of Provence can be seen through its old tiled houses, its typical market, its shopping streets and its shady promenade. With your family, you will enjoy the numerous activities of relaxation and leisure.
Saint-Raphaël
Saint-Raphaël, a listed resort, located at the gateway to the Esterel Massif, invites you to discover its exceptional coastline and its preserved nature. Its 36 km of coastline will lead you from the heart of the city with its feet in the water, to the ports, to the secret creeks of Boulouris, to the Golden Island and then to the roadstead of Agay. While the Corniche d’Or, carved out of the rock, overlooks the extraordinarily transparent sea bed.
Mandelieu-la-Napoule
This first stop in the Alpes Maritimes is the cradle of the mimosa culture. It is located at the foot of the Massif du Tanneron, which shelters the largest forest of mimosas in Europe. You can walk along the “Chemin des douaniers” and its castles, before attacking the Esterel massif. Its red volcanic rocks, plunging into the turquoise water, are worth a visit.
Tanneron
Tanneron, with its twenty-two hamlets nestled in the heart of the massif of the same name, is the largest territory planted with both cultivated and wild mimosa in France, true yellow forests of small fluffy balls, and so beautiful to see in their natural environment. From December to March, the abundant mimosa bloom will reserve you a perfumed surprise, exhilarating, of gold and light: an enchantment.
Pégomas
In Pégomas, the mimosa enchants our sight and smell, we honor it. Cultivated on the hills of Tanneron, we take care of it, we devote time to it. The Garden of the mimosas shelters 11 varieties. The last weekend of January we celebrate the first sprigs with dignity. Pégomas has the pleasant and colorful image of a vacation spot. It is necessary to stop there to discover its true and beautiful nature, made of multiple facets
Grasse
Clinging to the sunny hills, the city reveals its charm to those who linger along its winding streets and welcoming squares. The world capital of perfumes, Grasse highlights its rich heritage thanks to its City of Art and History label. Its historic center, its international perfume museum, its tourist perfume shops are all assets for visitors.