Andrea on the mimosa route

South of France on the mimosa route at the end of February

The Mimosa Route is a beautiful route along the Côte d'Azur in France, known for its breathtaking landscapes and flowering mimosa trees. This route stretches from Marseille to Nice and offers a variety of charming villages, picturesque coastal roads and magnificent views of the Mediterranean.
From January, the mimosa blooms in the south of France and awakens the first feelings of spring - for me, the perfect winter escape and ideal for soaking up the light and sun!

We started in Marseille, a direct flight from Swiss flies comfortably in 1h to this great port city and also the second largest city in France.  It is known for its rich history, cultural diversity and lively atmosphere.  The beautiful ‘Vieux-Port’ - the heart of the city - invites you to stroll around and from the Basilique Notre Dame, which is enthroned on the hill above the city, you can enjoy a breathtaking view. Le Panier, the oldest quarter of Marseille, known for its narrow alleyways, colorful houses and artistic atmosphere, invites you to linger.  A visit to the beautiful city of Aix-en-Provence is an excursion not to be missed - either by rental car or easily reached by train in 30 minutes!

The old town of Aix-en-Provence is a labyrinth of narrow streets, pretty squares and historic buildings. The architecture reflects the influence of the different eras that have shaped the city. The Cours Mirabeau - this wide, shady avenue is the heart of the city and is lined with plane trees, cafés and stores. It is a lively place to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with a glass of rosé and stroll through the local market. The light in this area is truly unique: no wonder Paul Cézanne, who was born here, was inspired by it for his works!

The 130 km road trip in lemon yellow starts in Bormes-les Mimosas, whose medieval labyrinth of alleyways runs up a hillside with plenty of Provençal flair. The village has had the plant in its name since 1961. You will realize that there are many different types of mimosa when you visit the park in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, where you can discover 40 different species. Most of the mimosa species can be found in the Australian part of the garden, where you learn that James Cook is said to have brought them to Europe from Australia. The English, in turn, brought them to the south of France, where they thrive thanks to the mild winter temperatures.

The village of Tanneron, which is located 30 minutes from the sea in the mountains, is also in a state of emergency during the mimosa season: everything is decorated with mimosas and you can buy various mimosa products from soap to jelly. Short hikes in the surrounding area invite you to experience the splendor of mimosas or you can take a leisurely drive through the ‘mimosa tunnels’ in a hire car. In Mandelieu-la Napoule, the annual mimosa festival is also celebrated with a huge parade.

In addition to the mimosa, it is also worth visiting prominent destinations such as Cassis, Saint-Tropez, Grasses and, above all, Cannes and Nice. In addition to the well-known destinations, the pretty mountain villages are also worth a visit and all this without the crowds of tourists as in the season and totally relaxed.   
A highlight at the end was the pretty artists' village of St. Paul de Vence. Here you can discover the galleries without the hustle and bustle, but with charm and good food. The Relais & Chataux Hotel Domaine de Màs de Pierre offers a wonderful end to an eventful trip. 
This pretty hotel just outside the town invites you to linger and dream. From here, it is only a 30-minute drive to Nice, where you can easily fly back to Zurich with Swiss.

Even if you don't want to travel by rental car, there is the convenient option of discovering the coast by train. The cities of Marseille, Cannes and Nice are a great combination. Other destinations such as Aix-en-Provence can also be easily reached by train. In general, there is a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere in the larger towns, while other small and well-known towns such as St. Tropez and Port Grimaud are still in hibernation. Provence in winter - the ideal winter escape for me!