Spring holidays:
6 flowery getaways on the French Riviera

Here we are, after a long winter, spring is finally here. The return of spring means the return of the sunshine, flowers, birds singing… Nature is gradually coming back to life. Spring also means Easter and bank holidays… The perfect opportunity for a little getaway in the sun! Nice, Monaco, Cannes… You can’t make your mind up?

Here are the 6 unmissable flowery getaways this spring on the French Riviera!

1- 50 shades of yellow on the Mimosa Route

Whether as a cocktail or a flower, mimosas exude a summery fragrance. As a matter of fact, its tree, which blooms in winter, is the symbol of winter sun! Isn’t that poetic?

On the French Riviera, a 130-km route is dedicated to the flower: the Mimosa Route. From Bormes-Les-Mimosas to Grasse, going through Nice, you will discover over 90 species of the flower, admire the botanical gardens in Sainte-Maxime, stroll through Europe’s largest mimosa forest in Mandelieu… And of course, the highlight of the show: the International Perfume Museum in Grasse, where you can smell the flower in all its forms!

→ View our 8-step sensory itinerary on the Mimosa Route!

2- “La vie en rose” at the ExpoRose

Just like Édith Piaf, you can see “la vie en rose” with the ExpoRose!

To celebrate the arrival of spring every year, the town of Grasse holds the ExpoRose: an extended weekend to celebrate designers and producers. The town turns into a vast floral gallery where passers-by can admire roses under all forms: bouquets, cut flowers and shrubs. It is the perfect time to take a stroll under the sun, through the town’s scented streets.

→ Are you intrigued? Find out more about ExpoRose in Grasse (in french)!

3- Feeling romantic at the “Fête des Violettes” (Violet Festival)

If you’re looking for the perfect occasion to declare your love, this is it!

The Fête des Violettes takes place every year in the small village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup. The village wraps up the winter season and celebrates the return of spring and sunshine by sporting a long coat of violets. The programme includes musical serenades, local dancing and float parades during the Bloemencorso. The day concludes with a battle of the flowers. A romantic setting in shades of violet that’s perfect for lovers, and a warm atmosphere to enchant the entire family!

→ Learn more about Tourrettes’s emblematic violets!

4- Filling up on flavours at the “Fête de la Fleur d’Oranger” (Orange Blossom’s Day)

The town of Vallauris celebrates the return of spring every year by holding the Fête de la Fleur d’Oranger: a rural celebration honouring the flower, a speciality from the region.

On this occasion, watch the pickers parading in period attire in the streets of the town, accompanied by a musical group. This is the perfect time to fill up on local flavours: socca, pan bagnat, buvette… And of course, the famous fougassette, a small orange blossom brioche: a pure delight!

→ Do you love orange blossom? Find out more about the emblem of Vallauris!

5- Exotic stroll on the Promenade du Paillon

Step away from the many celebrations for a bit and enjoy a quiet moment on the Promenade du Paillon, in Nice!

Throughout the walk, you will experience a breathtaking botanical excursion.

The journey through nature celebrates Mediterranean destinations and notably its mother city, Nice, with ever-present carnations, the city’s emblem. Throughout your stroll, you will discover other continents: from North America to Oceania.

A small detour through Africa will have you contemplating Erythrina, a magnificent tree with large leaves and red-orange blossoms in spring!

→ Head to the Promenade du Paillon in Nice!

6- A tangy day in the citrus garden of the Palais Carnolès

For a perfect ending to your spring trip on the French Riviera, take a walk full of colours and flavours in the citrus garden of the Palais Carnolès!

The garden of the Palais Carnolès is highly famous: it goes all the way round the former summer residence of the Princes of Monaco and harbours the largest collection of citrus fruits in Europe. No fewer than 137 citrus varieties are listed on the site! Take a stroll among the tangy fragrances of orange trees, lemon trees and bitter orange trees, and discover sumptuous contemporary sculptures.

→ Find out more about the garden of the Palais Carnolès in Menton

Do you have any questions? We have the answers!

What to do during the spring holidays?
Spring is the perfect season to take a well-earned holiday. With the school holidays, Easter celebrations and bank holidays, it’s the perfect time to take time out for yourself. And what better than to plan a trip in the sun with the children, with your special someone, or with friends?
There are many destinations available: you can celebrate the end of winter in the North of France (Lille, Nantes…), or you can plan a fun family trip in one of the many amusement parks in Paris. However in the spring, the most popular destinations in France are probably in the South.
For your spring holidays, we recommend you pick one of the many destinations on the French Riviera: flamboyant gardens, fragranced alleys, boat tours on azure waters… The guarantee of a dream holiday!
●     Unmissable towns on the French Riviera
●     French Riviera villages
●     Unmissable spots on the French Riviera
●     Unmissable events
What are the dates of the spring holidays?
Spring starts towards the end of March. The spring school holidays coincide with the Easter holidays in April. Easter holiday dates vary according to your geographical zone in France.
→ Check out the spring holiday dates for each zone here
Where can I go for the weekend in spring?
This spring, with the bank holidays coming up, do you wish to plan an extended weekend in the sun in France? Lyons, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Marseilles, Toulouse… You’re not sure.
Follow the guide! Here are the perfect destinations to enjoy a weekend in the spring:
●     Nice
●     Antibes
●     Cannes
●     Grasse
●     Menton
●     Monaco
●     Saint-Tropez
●     Cagnes-sur-Mer
●     Hyères
●     Saint-Raphaël
●     Mandelieu
●     Bormes-Les-Mimosas
●     Lavandou
→ Read our guide for a successful weekend on the French Riviera
What to do with the family during the spring holidays?
Once you’ve checked your children’s Easter holiday dates, all you need to do is pick your holiday destination for the spring and the things to do with the whole family!
Amusement parks in Paris, holiday clubs under the Marseilles sun or charming villages in Nice? Follow the guide!
→ Read about the best things to do with the family on the French Riviera!
What are the most popular destinations in spring in France?
In spring in France, a lot of people head towards the same top destinations in the South. Everyone is looking to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of spring in sunny destinations.
If you go to the South of France in the spring, you run the risk of running across a lot of tourists. You can pick less crowded spots with fewer tourists.
Follow the guide! Find out what to visit on the French Riviera to avoid the crowd this spring:
●     The most beautiful natural sites
●     French Riviera villages
●     Ecotourism on the French Riviera