Surroundings
A unique and enchanting place.
What to do in and around Bormes les Mimosas?
Bormes les Mimosas enjoys an exceptional location in the heart of the Provencal countryside, between the hills and the Mediterranean Sea. The charming old medieval village of Bormes-les-Mimosas boasts picturesque narrow streets, colourful houses and an authentic Provencal atmosphere. Near Bormes les Mimosas, visit the must-see places in Provence, such as Le Lavandou, Cavalaire, Saint-Tropez and Fréjus, for a holiday at Camp du Domaine packed with excursions.Surroundings
The extraordinary natural environment of Bormes-les-Mimosas.
Set against the backdrop of the Maures forest and regularly cited as “Europe’s most beautiful village in bloom”, Bormes les Mimosas is a richly preserved natural setting. Nature is everywhere, starting with its name. The village of Bormes was officially named Bormes-les-Mimosas in 1968, in honour of the exponential number of mimosa trees in the village, which light up the gardens during the winter season. Imported from Australia in the 19th century, the highly invasive mimosa has acclimatised perfectly to life on the Côte d’Azur, where its characteristic yellow pompom-shaped flowers can be seen between mid-December and mid-March, depending on the weather. The village of Bormes les Mimosas is home to hundreds of species of plants and trees, which can be seen in the narrow streets, parks and gardens of the commune. Every Tuesday in spring, the Bormes les Mimosas Tourist Office, located in the heart of the old village, offers guided tours of the village’s remarkable natural heritage. For nature lovers, don’t miss the Domaine du Rayol, around 15km from Bormes-les-Mimosas, a temple of Mediterranean biodiversity.
Miles of beach.
Although the old village of Bormes les Mimosas is located on the heights of the commune, it also has numerous access points to the sea. With its 17 kilometres of fine sandy beaches, Bormes-les-Mimosas is the top destination for all water sports enthusiasts. From large beaches such as La Favière, close to the port of Bormes-les-Mimosas and on the edge of the campsite, to more intimate and wild coves such as La Mère Dieu and L’Estagnol, you’re bound to find a spot you like during your visit, with crystal-clear turquoise waters that have nothing to envy of exotic landscapes at the other end of the planet. The port of Bormes-les-Mimosas is a pioneer in its field, having been the first port in Europe to be certified as a “Clean Port” and active in the field of biodiversity. As part of the “Re-Fish” initiative, artificial nurseries imitating Posidonia meadows have been set up in the port so that juvenile fish can take refuge, feed and grow before joining their congeners at a deeper level. Bormes les Mimosas, a true paradise for all living species.
Heritage and culture.
With a cultural heritage dating back to the 12th century, the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas is now listed as one of France’s most beautiful sites. Its many narrow streets, picturesquely-named squares, churches and cubert bear witness to the historical activity of the village of Bormes les Mimosas.
- The Saint-François chapel, located at the top of the village of Bormes les Mimosas, dates back to the first half of the 16ème century, in homage to Saint François who delivered the town from the plague.
- The church of Saint Trophyme in the heart of the village dates back to the 18th century, when the first church built within the castle walls became too small. It is dedicated to Trophyme, the evangeliser of Provence, and welcomes many presidents on holiday in Bormes-les-Mimosas, and more particularly at the Fort de Brégançon, for mass.
- Notre-Dame de Constance chapel, which dates back to the 12th century, is located on one of the highest points in the commune of Bormes les Mimosas and offers an exceptional panoramic view. It’s a popular walk for hikers.
In 2022, Bormes-les-Mimosas inaugurated its brand new Museum of History and Art in the heart of the medieval village, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in 2400 years of the town’s history in augmented reality. A must-see during your visit!
Handworker art.
The village of Bormes les Mimosas is so inspiring that many artists and craftspeople have settled here, and still work here. Today, there are many creative craftspeople in a wide variety of fields. Several painters with very different styles bring the Bormes’ landscapes to life through their works, such as Mireille Payre, or the original sculptors who create their works from branches found in the scrubland. During your visit to the village, don’t miss the shop run by Stéphane Marchioni, an artisan glassmaker who handcrafts pieces of glass to the delight of visitors and the curious. You’ll also find a number of pretty shops selling cutlery, hats, ceramics and jewellery, all perpetuating traditions in the heart of the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas. Don’t miss the temporary exhibitions by local artists at the Bormes’ Museum and the Maison des Artistes, which are sure to immerse you in the local atmosphere.
Fort de Brégançon.
The Fort de Brégançon faces the coast, on the Cabasson beach side. It stands on a rocky outcrop some thirty metres above sea level. A strategic site, it allows you to keep an eye on the surrounding area while being sheltered from the east wind. In the Middle Ages, it was a fortified seigneurial residence, before being taken over by the royal administration in the 17th and 18th centuries and taking on a military role in coastal defence. After the First World War, the fort was decommissioned and equipped with water and electricity, before becoming a residence and holiday resort for the President of the French Republic. All the heads of state of the Fifth Republic have stayed here, from General de Gaulle to Emmanuel Macron. Business lunches with many of the world’s leading political figures are occasionally held here, giving the commune of Bormes les Mimosas an international reputation. Visits to Fort de Brégançon are possible, especially out of the summer season and by prior arrangement, by contacting the Bormes-les-Mimosas Tourist Office.
Beaches
With their fine sand and crystal-clear waters, the wild, picturesque beaches of Bormes-les-Mimosas attract tourists from all over the world every year. Set in unspoilt countryside, they offer breathtaking views of both the surrounding hills and the Iles d’Or. A true paradise for water lovers.
Natural spaces
Find yourself in the middle of nature, halfway between the hills and the Mediterranean Sea, smell the pine trees and the sea spray, hear the cicadas and jays singing, see the dolphins playing in the waves… and what if life, the real life, was here? Discover the Var’s must-see natural areas and immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery.
The markets
A true symbol of the Côte d’Azur, Provençal markets are the ideal place to discover new flavours and aromas typical of the region. Fill up on fresh, seasonal produce at one of the markets in the area, and discover the many passionate local producers delighted to help you discover their products.
The must-sees
The Côte d’Azur is packed with must-see places to visit during your stay at Camp du Domaine. Spend a day discovering Le Lavandou, Cavalaire, Saint Tropez and why not Fréjus for a holiday full of emotion and stars in your eyes. Follow the guide!
