A parade of bright blooms beside the Cote d’Azur, loudly declares the end of winter

(TRAVPR.COM) UK - December 21st, 2011 - Near the western end of the French Riviera, the city of Saint Raphaël regards the end of January as the turning point towards warmer days ahead.

The worst of the winter weather having passed, yet sometimes with snow still on the ground, the region’s mimosa trees blossom spectacularly at this time, lending their name to the Mimosalia event, 28th and 29th January 2012.

This is the community’s celebration of the labour-intensive, high-output agriculture that produces beautiful, striking plants and impressive displays of related artisan creativity.

Saint Raphaël’s historic beachfront promenade sees the start of the parade, moving though to the city centre.

Large, painstakingly prepared floats decorated with literally tonnes of yellow mimosa flowers, roll through the streets among elaborately-attired dancers, and accompanied by musical bands in energetic carnival style.

The costumes are extraordinary – butterflies and enormous flower-heads, with the athletic performers a little under-dressed for January, possibly bidding for the title of Miss St Raphaël in the Mimosa Festival that follows.

Flower battles are not unknown, perhaps fuelled by the famous Mimosa cocktail, like a stronger Buck’s Fizz. The party atmosphere is alive in the bars across town, and visitors are made very welcome.

The plant’s cultivation means various products feature mimosa-essence as a vital ingredient. Stalls and shops offer perfumes and desserts, even herbal aromatherapy remedies and cosmetics, providing souvenirs of a memorable event.

Quality Villas can arrange luxury Cote d’Azur villa rentals for anyone wanting to enjoy the Mimosalia in St. Raphaël.

More information about visiting St. Raphaël can be found at http://www.saint-raphael.com/OTSR_EN/.

About Quality Villas
Quality Villas is a family run UK based villa rental specialist that is proud of their helpful, knowledgeable team and their personal service that larger companies cannot match.

All the rental properties in their portfolio are personally chosen and inspected, and all come with a private pool (unless on the beach) and a team of staff to make the client’s stay relaxing and hassle free. The reservations team personally knows each property and its location and are therefore able to advise in detail about any villa and the nearby towns and villages.

Quality Villas have been operating since 1986 and offer luxury holiday rentals in France, Italy and Morocco.

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