The Var is famous, in late winter, for the explosion of colour that is Mimosa season. There are, remarkably, 200 different varieties grown locally, in nurseries or in the wild. Many visitors explore the 'Route du Mimosa'; a breathtaking 130 kilometres between Grasse and the aptly-named, medieval town of Bormes-les-Mimosas; lined with villages which all celebrate the season with flower decorations and traditional events!
The Mimosa Festival in Tanneron
At the centre of the Mimosa Route is the splendid, perched village of Tanneron which celebrates annually with an Artisans Market, Musical Procession, and Flower Parade. We are all hugely proud of the Tanneron Fete du Mimosa in the Pays de Fayence and it's a real highlight of the end of winter; heralding as it does the arrival of spring.
Tanneron Fete du Mimosa 2024
In 2024, the festival was held on 28 January; and featured Lo Celso the Clown and the Tagajazz Dixieland band (led by saxophonist Eric Fillou). Everyone had a fantastic time!
The Children's Carnival in Mandelieu
The annual Fête du Mimosa in Mandelieu also celebrates the region's emblematic golden flower. One of the largest such celebrations in Provence, a unique component is the children's carnival which anchors the first day and includes activities, inflatables, face painting, live entertainment, and a boom party to finish.
The 5-day event typically includes night-time shows in La Napoule, the election of the Mimosa Queen at the Centre Expo Congrès, a night-time parade from the Capitou district to the town centre, and the Grand Corso Fleuri on the seafront promenade. There are also guided tours through the mimosa fields and workshops on floriculture for gardening enthusiasts.
Mandelieu Fete du Mimosa 2024
This year, the event started on Thursday February 15th with floral decoration of of the Chapelle Notre Dame des Mimosas and a joyous, 30-strong choir concert of the Shiny Gospel Group at the Notre dame du Liban church. The theme this year was 'Sport en Folie' (referencing the fact that the Olympics will be hosted in France later in 2024)!
This 'fun and games' theme came alive in the following Children's Carnival and the Grand banquet gaulois closed out the Friday festivities. Restaurants and street stalls offered specially prepared mimosa-based dishes; a unique culinary experience.
The highlight of the Festival was, of course, the Grand Corso Fleuri, held on Sunday 18th February 2024. Floats, dancers, musicians, stilt-walkers and acrobats paraded down Avenue Henry Clews, handing out armfuls of mimosa to spectators:
There were 12 carnival and flowery structures accompanied by 24 troops; featuring 'fun and games' motifs. Fully sold out, the event took place in glorious late winter Provencal sunshine.
How to Get there
By car: Motorway exit n°40, take the direction of La Napoule by the avenue du Maréchal Juin or exit n°41, take the avenue Gaston de Fontmichel then the avenue de la Mer. All the parking lots of Mandelieu-La Napoule are free at this time.
By train: Railway station in La Napoule, 2 minutes walk from the course
By bus: PALM EXPRESS A to Géant Casino then line 23 to the Balcons d'Azur traffic circle (free shuttles on Sundays) Line 22 from SNCF Cannes by the sea front
Resources
The Facebook page for Mandelieu Tourisme
The Facebook page for Tanneron EN Fete
Accommodation
With stunning views, private pool, super-fast WiFi and modern air-conditioning, Haute Vue is a large holiday home with private pool in Montauroux; right in the middle of Mimosa country and a short drive from Tanneron and Mandelieu. Sleeping 10/12 in 5/6 bedrooms, it is the perfect central base for a holiday in the South of France; close to the beautiful perched villages of Provence and in easy reach of the beaches and sights of the sparkling Côte d'Azur.
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