The cradle of mimosa growing
The Tanneron Massif is the mimosa massif: wild mimosa and mimosa plantations: it is the cradle of mimosa growing, known as ‘Europe’s largest mimosa forest’. It can be discovered year round, especially in January and February, when the trees are flowering. This is the ideal period for taking in sunshine and making the best of holidays in a fragrant colourful environment.
Hiking
Overlooking the sea...
Located on the lowest hills of the Tanneron Massif, the Grand-Duc Communal Forest, managed by ONF (National Forest Service), provides a genuine belvedere overseeing the Côte d’Azur. With a surface area of 90 hectares (222 acres), well-kept trails and footpaths will help you make the best of exceptional vistas of the coast, while discovering the Tanneron’s specific woodland flora. Picnic tables are set up at the departure points for hiking loops. This is the ideal winter itinerary to discover flowering mimosa trees with the family or friends.
Other itineraries exist from Capitou by taking the GR 51 which then joins the Grand Duke’s forest.
Cycling tour
Technical information
- Departure point: start of Boulevard Paul Tarascon
- End point: road sign at the border of the Var département
- This segment is 7.5km (25 ft.) long, for a 450m (1,475 ft.) difference in altitude
By car
Discovering the Tanneron Massif…
- Departure from Mandelieu-La Napoule by road (D92) with a splendid coastal panorama, the Isles of Lérins, Cannes and its surroundings, the peaks of the Alps.
- Along the way, you enter the mimosa forest, in the heart of the massif.
- In the village of Tanneron, you can visit the Notre-Dame de Peygros chapel, the hothouses for growing mimosa and local products.
- Back on a winding road (D38), with many panoramas of the forests of oak, mimosa and eucalyptus, the Siagne River valley and the Southern Alps.
- Arrival at the Saint-Cassien Lake for a refreshing relaxing break.
- Return to Mandelieu-La Napoule by motorway (A8).
