6 best things to do in Bormes-les-Mimosas
Located between Toulon and Saint-Tropez, Bormes-les-Mimosas is a sleepy medieval village bursting with flowers that has much to offer! From land to sea, these are the 6 best things to do in Bormes-les-Mimosas.
Located in the Var department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region and nestled amongst wooded hills overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean beyond, Bormes-les-Mimosas is a true hidden gem of the Côte d’Azur.
The village of Bormes traces its history back to the 12th century, and is the picture of medieval fairy-tale charm with crooked streets that wind up to a rustic castle on the hill. In Bormes, it can almost seem like entire buildings are made up of flowers. Dubbed one of France’s ‘Most Flowery Villages’, Bormes-les-Mimosas definitely lives up to its name! From January to March the town is lit up by the sunny yellow buds of Mimosa flowers that fill the streets with its light and sweet scent. During the rest of the year, you can find every shade of bougainvillaea, from sunset orange to vivid purples, colouring the town’s quaint stone walls.
Often overlooked for its famous neighbours of Saint Tropez and Cannes, Bormes-les-Mimosas has just as much style and culture to offer, a lot more charm, and much to do if you know where to look!
1. Stroll around town
The whimsical alleys and pathways of Bormes-les-Mimosas provide a look into the town’s history, artistic habitants, and undeniable namesake! Pass a delightful afternoon by wandering up and down the narrow maze-like paths in the village! At every corner there is another enchantment to marvel at, whether an adorable boutique, a brilliant view of the ocean, a quaint cottage, or a bright burst of bougainvillaea.
Notable streets include la Venelle des Amoureux with its artist ateliers, rue Rompi Cuou with its 83 steps, Place de l’Isclou d’Amour with its lovely fountain and panoramic view, the lively rue Carnot, and Place Gambetta at the heart of the village.
2. Visit a local market
There is no better way to experience the flavour of Provence than through the markets of Bormes-les-Mimosas, of which there are plenty! There, you will find tables piled high with everything from provençal spice mixes and rosemary infused olive oils, to local honeys, liquors, jams, and sausages! You can also find local jewellers and other artisans displaying their wares. The markets here have a variety of attractions that are sure to delight!
In the village, the market is located at Place Saint François, with its sweeping views of the hills and ocean, on Wednesday mornings from 8am to 1pm all year round. During the summer, there is also a market that takes place on Tuesday evenings from 6pm onwards. A refreshing stroll around an evening market is the perfect way to end a hot summer’s day!
Bormes’ markets:
In the village: Wednesday morning year-round; Tuesday evenings from 6pm onwards during July and August
In the pines: Tuesday mornings year-round
In the Favière district: Saturday mornings from May to September; Monday evenings from 6pm onwards during July and August
3. Enjoy the beaches
The Côte d’Azur is famous for its beaches, and the beaches of Bormes-les-Mimosas are no exception with their soft sand and clear, sparkling waters!
The largest beach in Bormes is Favière beach, stretching out 680 metres long. From Favière harbour, you can enjoy many water based activities such as snorkelling in the bay of Bormes-les-Mimosas.
Other notable beaches include Cabasson beach that has views of the Brégançon Fort, and Estagnol beach with its wooded park and fine white sand. Also nearby are the many fabulous beaches of Le Lavandou which you can take your time to discover by sea kayak rental in Le Lavandou!
To really soak in the wild beauty of the shore, try a catamaran cruise along the Mediterranean coastline which will take you around the Gulf of Saint Tropez from Ramatuelle to Sainte-Maxime!
4. Explore the Îles d’Or
A few kilometres out at sea, you will find the aptly named Îles d’Or: Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant. Covered in emerald green trees and surrounded by white sandy beaches and translucent waters that are also home to France’s first marine park, these islands are a dreamer’s paradise!
It's easy to visit these islands during the day with a boat trip from Bormes-les-Mimosas. Thanks to both the National Park and National Marine Reserve of Port-Cros, the environment of the islands is beautifully preserved. The waters around them also boast incredible biodiversity, and snorkelling and diving these vibrant waters is a must! For those who have never dived before, this is the perfect environment in which to do so, and you can make your first dive in Port-Cros from Bormes-les-Mimosas.
For a more thrilling way to explore the islands and their surroundings, you can even go on a jet ski tour to Porquerolles from nearby Hyères!
5. See the Fort Brégançon
Almost hidden among the dense greenery that surrounds it, the Fort Brégançon sits jauntily on a 35 metre rocky outcrop rising out of the sea near Bormes-les-Mimosas. This small but mighty fortress has a long and ancient history of protection against pirates and other raiders. However, the Fort Brégançon is not just your regular 13th century fort, because it is also the official summer residence of French presidents since 1968. That said, you never know who you might meet in the streets of Bormes-les-Mimosas!
You can reserve ahead of time for a guided tour of the fort when it is open to visitors, or you could book a catamaran cruise to the Fort de Brégançon from Hyères to see the fort from a different perspective whilst enjoying a day out on the water!
6. Discover the beautiful surroundings
If you're looking for a place to relax whilst still being able to enjoy everything that the South of France has to offer, Bormes-les-Mimosas is the perfect base to explore other parts of Provence and the Côte d’Azur. Less crowded than its neighbouring cities of Saint Tropez, Nice, Cannes, and Marseille, Bormes offers a quaint and peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of the Côte d’Azur, whilst still being centrally located.
Whether you want to do a day trip to other villages along the coast or deeper into Provence, spend the day by the beach or explore further inland around the Maures mountains, you can do it all from Bormes!
A great way to experience the beautiful surroundings of Bormes-les-Mimosas is through a wine tasting bike tour near Saint Tropez, among the vineyards of the peninsula!
Bormes-les-Mimosas really is a jewel of the Mediterranean, and though it may be a small village, it has so much to offer. Its multitude of beaches and proximity to the Îles d’Or mean that there are plenty of incredible activities near Bormes-les-Mimosas to add a side of adventure and thrill to your trip! The town of Bormes itself is an endlessly charming place to stroll and relax, and from Bormes, the Côte d’Azur is your oyster!