We’ll clear this up at the start: there are two main varieties of Mimosa. The Mimosa cocktail is one part champagne and one part orange juice, similar to a Buck’s Fizz which is two parts orange juice and one part champagne. When talking about Mimosas, one may also be referring to the species of herbs and shrubs, of which there are 400 classed in the ‘Mimosa’ genus. It is this form of Mimosa that is admired during the festivities in the French Riviera this February.

The Mimosa Festival is held at the Port of La Napoule, which is near the region of Cannes in the south of France. The festival activities last a week from the 17th to 26th February and begin with the crowning of this year’s Mimosa Queen. This title is no mere trifle: the awarding is organised through the committee that votes for Miss France. You’ll get the chance to hire the Queen of Mimosa’s and runners up as they ride on the floral floats in Port La Napoule.

These processions of floral floats run throughout the week. Since some species of Mimosa curl up their leaves at night, you’ll also get the opportunity to examine these flowers at night with the nocturnal procession of floral floats.

There will be more to do than stand dockside and watch flowers float past. Over the weekends a daily Provençal Market runs at the Centre Expo Congresis from 10AM-7PM. Details of the entertainment to be put on throughout the course of the week will soon be released. Among the confirmed sessions and workshops is an event where you can learn about how Mimosas are used in perfume. The option of a walk in the Mimosa region of France is available, too, in the form of a 2-3 hour tour where you’ll get to see Mimosa’s growing naturally.

If you fancy a leisurely tour through France why not get a P&O Ferry across the channel? The Mimosa Festival will be a perfect way to wind up your trip.

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