The Mimosa Route: a must-see in Provence in winter

A mimosa tree in bloom along a sunny Provençal road.

Hello!

My name is Marie Catherine, and I live in California.This winter, I decided to come to Provence for a French immersion stay with Virginie in Provence.

From our very first email exchanges, the connection felt easy and warm. I’ve loved Provence for a long time, and I wanted to discover it in a different way.

I absolutely do not regret my choice. Thanks to Virginie, I not only improved my French, but I also discovered beautiful places and local traditions that I didn’t know before.

After telling you about our two-day road trip in Provence, I wanted to come back to one of my biggest highlights from this winter stay: the Mimosa Route.

The Mimosa Route in Provence: a unique winter experience

The Mimosa Route offers an incredible journey through stunning landscapes dotted with blooming mimosa trees. This winter itinerary follows the French Riviera and passes through typically Provençal villages.

In winter, when the mimosas are in full bloom, the landscapes are filled with bright touches of yellow and release a wonderfully delicate fragrance.

Where is the Mimosa Route located?

The Mimosa Route, an iconic journey between sea and hills, deeply rooted in Provence

The Mimosa Route stretches for about 130 kilometers, from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Grasse. It is especially popular between January and March, when the mimosas bloom and gently announce the end of winter.

It’s an ideal getaway to discover a quieter Provence, far from the summer crowds.

Our day on the Mimosa Route

Along the Mimosa Route, every turn reveals a new floral surprise

Before setting off, we enjoyed a generous breakfast: homemade crêpes, grapefruit jam, yogurts, and orange juice. Virginie calls it a “champion’s breakfast.” As a lover of French gastronomy, I was simply in heaven.

A generous homemade breakfast to start the day during a French immersion in Provence

We hit the road around 9 a.m., a good time to avoid traffic. We chose to drive the Mimosa Route in reverse. The day before, we had followed the coast to Menton and then reached Grasse, which became the starting point of our day’s itinerary.

First stop: Grasse

Marie-Catherine discovering the world of perfumes and Provençal craftsmanship

In Grasse, mimosa is everywhere. It’s a color, a scent. Naturally, it is celebrated at the International Perfume Museum, where we also discovered many other fragrances.

Even though Grasse isn’t the place where you see the most mimosa trees, this stop is fascinating for understanding their cultivation, especially thanks to the heated greenhouses that speed up their growth.

Second stop: Tanneron

In Tanneron, mimosa reigns supreme… sometimes with a donkey for company

We arrived in Tanneron around 10 a.m., taking our time and enjoying the drive.

This village lies at the heart of the largest mimosa forest in Europe. Many visitors were there for hiking. As for us, we preferred strolling through the local market stalls and discovering the specialties on offer: mimosa syrup, mimosa jam, and handmade local products.

You can also find metal sculptures covered with mimosas, including a donkey. Honestly, it was really fun.

Third stop: Bormes-les-Mimosas

Along the Mimosa Route, nature is precious and deserves our respect

In Bormes-les-Mimosas, one sign immediately catches your eye: “Picking mimosa is forbidden.” The message is clear.

The village is absolutely stunning. In the middle of January, the streets are calm, almost deserted. The mimosas bring light and color to the façades.

After a French-style picnic — bread, cheeses, and charcuterie — we got back on the road in the late afternoon.

The return to Rousset

Marie-Catherine on the way back to Rousset after a day on the Mimosa Route.

I really enjoyed the drive back to Rousset. Once home, I settled into my small independent guesthouse to write about this experience. We then had dinner, and I went back to my homework. I’m so eager to improve quickly… I never stop.

This day will remain etched in my memory as a highlight of my immersion in Provence.

Would you like to live this experience?

Marie-Catherine during her immersion stay in Provence with Virginie in Provence

If you’re considering a French immersion stay in Provence, I highly recommend contacting Virginie in Provence. She will help you discover the landscapes, scents, culture, and gastronomy of Provence, while naturally supporting you in improving your French through everyday life.