Blooming Mimosa

Visiting the Tanneron massif

The Mimosa road is 130 km from Bornes-les Mimosa to Grasse. The Tanneron massif, in Mandelieu, is the closest to Nice to enjoy the Mimosa blooming end January, beginning February. It takes less than 1h from Nice to the village Tanneron. We chose to take the exit Grasse and come from the north. The road is narrow and curvy but very beautiful.

Buying honey in the Vial shop in Tanneron village

When arriving at the main square in Tanneron village, take a sharp turn to the left and go all the way to the top. You’ll arrive at a house with green shutters. That’s the family Vial’s place. My friend who was here already 15 years ago said it looked exactly the same then.

Today Bernadette et Bernard Vial have two main activities; horticulture and beekeepers. Bernadette explained that the beehives are kept in Tanneron during the mild winter. Unfortunately the Mimosa flower can’t produce honey but that doesn’t stop the bees from using it as food which gives the honey a tiny Mimosa taste.
Of course we bought honey, fresh fruits and Mimosa.

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The History of Mimosa in France

Mimosa drink

Bernadette also told us that the Mimosa was imported to France from Australia by Captain Cook in the beginning of the Nineteenth century. The Mimosa adapted easily to the climate of sunny summers and mild winters at the Riviera. It reproduces itself very easily and that is especially grateful after bushfires which regularly happen in the area.

While back home, I was inspired to make a Mimosa cocktail with sparkling wine (I used Crement) and Mimosa syrup from Mme Vial’s shop. It was too sweet and I prefer just an oragne juice.

I also brought home some flowers and the hole house scented Mimosa for some days.

Nice hiking with a marvellous view

Taking the south road back in the direction of Mandelieu-la-Napoule we stopped at the parking Grand Duc and walked into the The Communal forest of Le Grand Duc.
If you want to go directly to the Grand Duc circuit, take the A8 to Mandelieu center and then D92 towards Tanneron which takes about 45 min. from Nice. The hike on the Grand Duc path is easy but sometimes rocky. It’s appr. 7 km with 220m height difference.
In the forest you can smell the mimosa and admire the yellow trees. At some spots you have a wonderful view over Cannes, Ile des Lerins and the Mediterranean sea. It took about 2 hours with a picnic break.