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| The beautiful mimosa in bloom |
Calendar for 2019:
Fete du
Citron, Menton – 16th February to 3rd March 2019
Carnival
de Nice – 16th – 28th February 2019
Fete du Mimosa, Mandelieu La
Napoule – 20th – 27th February 2019
This is the second installment covering the three big spring
festivals – this time it’s the very colourful and flamboyant Mimosa Festival in
Mandelieu-La-Napoule.
Fete du Mimosa – Mandelieu-La-Napoule.
Mandelieu-La-Napoule is a
small seaside town located about 10km west of Cannes and it Is immensely proud
of its prominent spring flower, the mimosa. From late January to early March the
hills behind Mandelieu burst with colour and fragrance with the flowering of
the mimosa trees.
Originally from Australia,
the mimosa was first introduced to Europe in the middle of the 19th century.
Thanks to the warm climate and the siliceous soil the plant thrived and played
a large part in the development of the cosmetics industry in and around Grasse
but it also became widespread in the wild in the region around Mandelieu,
Tanneron, Pegomas and La Roquette.
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| A close-up of the mimosa trees |
The ‘rearing’ and harvesting
of this vibrant yellow flower became a big local industry and growers would sell their wares every day in
the season to buyers from the north of France and abroad. Having played an
important role in the regions prosperity it has been celebrated annually since
1931 with the Mimosa Festival.
The Mimosa Festival - The Details
Mandelieu-La-Napoule – 20th
– 27th February 2019
This years’ festival is on
the theme of Marco Polo and it comprises an opening event on the beach followed
by several parades both by day and in the evening over the course of the 8 days.
Opening Evening
The festival opens with a
Marco Polo-themed sound and light show on the beach beside the Chateau de La
Napoule at 7pm on Friday 22nd February – prices are €15 for adults
and €13 for children aged 2-17. This entry fee will get you a sunlounger on the
sand to watch the spectacle.
Election of the Mimosa Queen
Saturday, February 23rd at
2:00 pm: Election of the Queen of Mimosa at the Expo Congress Centre - Free
admission
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| A float in the mimosa parade |
Corso – Flower parades:
It is free to attend a parade
but for the best views and seats you will need to purchase a ticket in advance.
Tickets can be purchased online and in the tourist office.
Prices are €15 for
adults and €13 for children aged 2-17. Kids under 2 can sit on your lap for free.
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| Corso - Mimosa parade |
Be sure to get there early
for a good spot if you haven’t reserved a seat!
On Saturday February 23rd, from
6.30 pm, there will be a night parade of floats covered in the mimosa flowers
grown on the surrounding hills. The parade winds its way through the streets of
the city centre to the sound of brass bands and street orchestras
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| Lots of live music accompanies the parades |
Sunday February 24th at 2.30
pm: Big Flower Parade in La Napoule, on the Promenade du bord de Mer. Right
beside the sea the Grand Corso Fleuri will parade along in an explosion of
colour and scents! With the theme of the "Adventures of Marco Polo", the
golden floats will be accompanied by musicians, street artists, and marching
bands!
If you would prefer to see
the mimosa in its’ natural habitat why not join one of the hikes organised by
the tourist office, or even drop me a line and join one of mine!
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| Mimosa and mountains from a hike in the hills behind Mandelieu-La-Napoule |
You can also arrange to have
bouquets of mimosa sent to friends and loved ones:
During
the festival period there will be a fun fair located in the big parking
beside the rivier Siagne (opposite the Pullman hotel) - Parking de la Siagne - Avenue du Général de
Gaulle
Access: Mandelieu-La-Napoule can easily be reached from Cannes via bus or train.
Accommodation:
Visiting the French Riviera and haven't booked your accommodation yet? Why not check out our wonderful, centrally-located, self catering, townhouses and apartments sleeping from 2 - 11 people. All our properties are air-conditioned and are located on pedestrian streets within 5 minutes walk of the beach. We are a small family-run company so we are on hand for anything you may need before, during or after your stay!
Chic Gites - Accommodation Cannes
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