Two-day road trip in Provence: Mary Katherine’s immersion experience

Mary Katherine on the beach in Menton in the middle of winter

Hello, my name is Mary Katherine. This week, I’m on an immersion stay with Virginie in Provence, and we’re visiting several places in the region. In this article, I’d like to tell you about one of our days — or rather two! — during my immersion.

Day 1: Menton during my immersion in Provence

Arrival in Menton for Mary Katherine and Virginie in Provence

Yesterday, Virginie and I went on a road trip along the French Riviera. We had planned to visit Menton, then head to Grasse to visit the International Perfume Museum. We were also planning to spend the night in Grasse.

Arriving in Menton – a two-day road trip in Provence

A colorful street in Menton on the French Riviera in winter

We arrived in Menton by car, and I was amazed by the many viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean Sea along the way. We found parking quite easily, near a small fairground. The parking meters weren’t working very well, but Virginie eventually managed to get a parking ticket.

We then crossed the street and noticed a lot of water on the ground. We wondered where it was coming from. Later, we discovered that there had been an extremely high tide the night before, which explained the large puddles all around the museum.

Having a drink in Menton (yes, at 11 a.m…)

 A sunny break in Menton, facing the Mediterranean Sea

We walked along the promenade for a while and noticed that several restaurants were already open. I suggested we stop for a drink (it was 11:00 a.m.). A restaurant called Coco Loco caught our attention, so we sat down and ordered two margaritas. They were a bit strong… so we were quite happy about that. It was a lovely moment.

Seaside walk in Menton

Seaside walk in Menton, between the sea and the mountains

After our drink, we continued our walk until we reached what seemed to be the end of the promenade. Along the way, we met lots of dogs. My favorites were two French bulldogs being walked by a woman who was on the phone the entire time.

After this walk, we got back in the car and headed toward Grasse.

Day 1: Arrival in Grasse and discovering the world of perfume

 Virginie in Provence and Mary Katherine during their winter road trip

Once in Grasse, we found a parking spot very easily. We didn’t know exactly where the museum was, so Virginie asked a woman (very kind) who was with her young son. She decided to walk us there herself. Thank you, madam!

We first stopped at the Fragonard Museum. The visit was very interesting: you discover the history of perfume through the centuries. The two other famous families in the perfume world are Molinard and Galimard.

International Perfume Museum in Grasse: perfume through the centuries

Historic distillation stills at the International Perfume Museum in Grasse

We then walked to the International Perfume Museum. We happily wandered through the rooms and discovered how perfume has evolved over the centuries: its creation, production, and preservation.

We saw old clay and glass bottles, and even ancient bathtubs. After such a full day, we headed to the hotel.

Evening at the hotel in Grasse: a simple (and perfect) dinner

The hotel where we were staying didn’t have a restaurant, so we stopped at Monoprix to buy a few things: wine, a corkscrew, Roquefort cheese, ham, crispbread, and Poilâne bread.

To reach the hotel, we drove along a narrow road leading to a closed manor that had been turned into a hotel (I don’t remember the name). We were exhausted. After showering, we met in my room, shared a glass of wine and our improvised dinner. I think we fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillow.

Day 2: The Mimosa Route and return to Rousset

Mary Katherine during her immersion in Provence, a quiet moment

Breakfast at the hotel in Grasse

At 8:00 a.m., the hotel caretaker brought us breakfast: coffee, tea, several jams (including a grapefruit marmalade), orange juice, oats, fresh cheese, and crêpes. A real feast.

The Mimosa Route: Bormes-les-Mimosas → Grasse

At 9:00 a.m., we were back on the road, this time heading toward the Mimosa Route. I knew those trees looked familiar. In California, we call them “acacias.”

The Mimosa Route stretches from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Grasse. This itinerary is recommended from January to March and represents a winter version of the French Riviera, with a mild climate ideal for flowering.

We saw many mimosa trees in bud, ready to bloom, but only a few already had those famous bright yellow flowers. We followed the route and then headed back.

Back to Rousset: landscapes, oak trees, and homemade quiche

Mary Katherine during her immersion in Provence, in Rousset, in winter

The drive back to Rousset was beautiful. We stopped twice to take photos. I am always amazed by the similarities between some plants back home and those found in Provence.

I also noticed the road lined with oak trees. Here, people often talk about the holly oak because its leaves resemble holly leaves. I agree — the resemblance is striking.

Back at the house, we enjoyed a quiche made by Léo with Alex. Thank you, Léo and Alex! Then I got started on my homework. It was definitely a wonderful road trip.

If you are coming to Provence for a language immersion stay, I truly invite you to contact Virginie in Provence. She will be delighted to help you discover the many facets of Provence — landscapes and scents, culture and gastronomy — all while helping you improve your French.