Spring vacations:
6 flowery escapades
on the Côte d'Azur

That’s it, winter is over and spring is here! The season marks the return of sunshine, flowers and songbirds… In short, nature is gradually returning to its pretty colors. And when you think of spring, you think of the Easter vacations and public holidays… The perfect opportunity for a little getaway in the sun! Nice, Monaco, Cannes… Can’t decide between several vacation destinations?

Here are the 6 must-see flowery getaways on the Côte d’Azur this spring!

1 – 50 shades of yellow on the mimosa trail

Whether in cocktail or in bloom, the mimosa gives off a summery scent. In fact, this winter-blooming tree is the symbol of sunshine in winter! Poetic, isn’t it?

On the Côte d’Azur, a 130km road is dedicated to this warm flower: the Route du Mimosa. From Bormes-Les-Mimosas to Grasse, via Nice, you can discover more than 90 species of this flower, admire the botanical gardens of Sainte-Maxime, wander through the largest mimosa forest in Europe at Mandelieu…

And of course, the highlight of the show: the Musée International de la Parfumerie in Grasse, where you can smell the flower in all its forms!

Experience the Mimosa Route in 8 stages!

3 – See life in pink at ExpoRose

Like Édith Piaf, see life in pink atExpoRose from May 8 to 11, 2025!

Every year, to celebrate the arrival of Spring, the town of Grasse organizes ExpoRose: a long weekend showcasing designers and producers.

The town is transformed into a huge floral gallery, where passers-by can admire roses in all their forms: bouquets, cut roses and shrub roses.

It’s the perfect time to stroll through the sun-drenched, fragrant city streets.

DISCOVER EXPOROSE

3 – La Fête des Roses et des Plantes at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Come and celebrate floral beauty at the Fête des Roses et des Plantes 2025, on May 3 and 4, 2025, at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a not-to-be-missed event for gardening and nature enthusiasts. The villa’s nine themed gardens will be decked out in their finest colors and fragrances to offer visitors an enchanting spectacle.

For two days, plunge into a world of exceptional plant creations, discover rare varieties and take part in interactive activities. Between workshops, exhibitions and meetings with experts, the event promises an immersive experience, blending floral art, horticulture and the harmony of places, all set against a Mediterranean backdrop. A unique opportunity to rediscover the art of gardens and dive into the fascinating world of plants.

CELEBRATING ROSES AND PLANTS AT THE VILLA EPHRUSSI DE ROTHSCHILD

4 – Fill up on flavours at the Orange Blossom Festival

Every year, the town of Vallauris celebrates the arrival of spring with the Fête de la Fleur d’Oranger (Orange Blossom Festival): a country-style festival celebrating this regional specialty.

On this occasion, you can enjoy a parade of pickers in period costume through the streets of the town, accompanied by a live band.

It’s the perfect time to fill up on local flavors: socca, pan-bagnat, buvette…

Not forgetting, of course, the famous fougassette, a small brioche made with orange blossom: a pure delight!

ALL ABOUT ORANGE BLOSSOM

5 – An exotic stroll along the Promenade du Paillon

Get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet on Nice’s Promenade du Paillon!

Along the way, you’ll embark on a breathtaking botanical voyage. This journey through nature honors Mediterranean destinations, and in particular its mother city, Nice, with the omnipresence of the carnation, a true emblem of the city.

Along the way, you can discover other continents: from North America to Oceania. With a detour to Africa, you’ll have the chance to admire the Erythrina, magnificent trees with large leaves and orange-red blossoms in spring!

DISCOVER THE PROMENADE DU PAILLON

6 – A tangy day in the garden of the Palais de Carnolès

To round off your springtime stay on the Côte d’Azur in style, head to the Jardin du Palais de Carnolès for a colorful and tasty stroll.
tasty stroll!

The garden of the Palais de Carnolès is a very famous place: it surrounds the former summer residence of the Princes of Monaco and is home to Europe’s largest citrus collection. In all, 137 varieties of citrus fruit can be found on the site! On the program: a stroll through the tangy scents of orange, lemon and sour orange trees, punctuated by the discovery of sumptuous contemporary sculptures.

DISCOVER THE CITRUS GARDEN AT PALAIS DE CARNOLÈS

Got questions? We've got the answers!

What to do during spring break
Spring is THE perfect time of year to take a well-deserved vacation. Between school vacations, Easter and public holidays, there’s plenty of time for yourself. What better way to do this than to organize a holiday in the sun, with the kids, your loved ones or your friends?
You can celebrate the end of winter in the north of France (Lille, Nantes…), or have fun with the family in one of the many theme parks in Paris. But in spring, France’s most popular destinations are probably those in the South.
For your spring vacations, we recommend you opt for one of the many destinations on the Côte d’Azur: colorful gardens, fragrant alleyways, boat trips on azure waters… Dream vacations guaranteed!
● The must-see towns of the Côte d’Azur
● Côte d’Azur villages
● Must-see spots on the Côte d’Azur
● Events not to be missed
What are the dates for spring break?
The spring season generally begins towards the end of March. School vacations during the spring correspond to the Easter vacations and take place in April. The dates of the Easter vacations vary from one region to another in France.
→ Here you can consult the calendar of spring school vacations by zone.
Where to go for a spring weekend?
Are you planning a weekend in the sun in France this spring? Lyon, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Marseille, Toulouse… Your heart’s in the right place.
We’ll guide you! Here are the ideal destinations to enjoy a spring weekend:
● Nice
● Antibes
● Cannes
● Grasse
● Menton
● Monaco
● Saint-Tropez
● Cagnes-sur-Mer
● Hyères
● Saint-Raphaël
● Mandelieu
● Bormes-Les-Mimosas
● Lavandou
→ Discover our guide to a successful weekend on the Côte d’Azur
What to do over spring break with your family?
Once you’ve checked the dates of your children’s Easter vacations, all that’s left to do is choose your spring vacation destination and, of course, the activities you can enjoy as a family!
Amusement parks in Paris, vacation clubs in sunny Marseille or charming villages in Nice? We’ve got you covered!
→ Discover the best family activities on the Côte d’Azur!
What are the most popular spring destinations in France?
The spring season in France attracts many people to the same top destinations in the south. Everyone is looking to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of spring in destinations where the sun shines.
If you’re heading to the south of France in spring, you’re likely to come across a lot of tourists. To avoid the crowds, you can opt for places that are less frequented and less popular with tourists.
We’ll guide you! Discover the places to visit on the Côte d’Azur to avoid the crowds this spring:
● The most beautiful natural sites
● Côte d’Azur villages
● Ecotourism on the Côte d’Azur

Looking for other ideas for your vacation?

Spring vacations:6 flowery escapadeson the Côte d'Azur