by Tim Harry

Created on: October 06, 2010

Located on the French Riviera, in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region, Bormes les Mimosas is often regarded as one of the most colourful of French communes. Just 25 miles from St Tropez, Bormes les Mimosas is an often visited

Originally the commune of Bormes les Mimosas was simply known as Bormes; the town though took on the accolade of les Mimosas in 1968. It was an accolade given in recognition of the amount of Mimosa flowers that flourish within the commune’s boundaries. Mimosas are yellow, fragrant flowers, imported from Mexico in the 1860s. The yellow Mimosas can be found throughout the region, and this has inspired 8 villages to create an 80 mile trail known as the Route du Mimosa, with Bormes les Mimosas being the starting point for the route.

The history of Bormes les Mimosas though goes back much further than the introduction of the Mimosa flowers. Greek and Roman artefacts speak of settlements in the area from antiquity. Over the centuries though the settlement of Bormes found itself in a precarious position being attacked by Saracens, Moors, Spanish and Italian city states, this gave rise to the need for ramparts and other defences.

Invasion though was not the only threat that Bormes has faced though and the Black Death of the fifteenth century all but wiped out the population of the village, with the remaining population only being saved by the miraculous intervention of Saint Francois de Paul.

The more recent history has been kinder to Bormes les Mimosas, and towards of the nineteenth century a push was made to turn the village into a holiday resort.

The picture postcard element of Bormes les Mimosas is to be found in the old heart of the village. The oldest part of Bormes les Mimosas is situated on a hill, slightly away from the Mediterranean coastline. Here old houses are decked with pink tiles, either side of a maze of narrow streets. Head uphill and there are the remnants of a thirteenth century chateau. The outside can be walked around, and there is also a small garden with benches to sit upon. The view from the chateau offers the chance to admire the vista over the surrounding countryside as well as across to the nearby islands. Even higher up the hill is a thirteenth century chapel.

Notable sights within Bormes les Mimosas also include the Eglise Saint Trophime, Musee d’Arts et Histoire and the place de Saint Francoise de Paule.

Travel out from the old part of Bormes les Mimosas and there is also much on offer to the visitor. There is a new town section to the town, but the area towards the sea brings with it many activities. There is a marina at the Port de Bormes in the Faviere quarter of the town. The marina offers the chance to take part in various water sports as well as deep sea fishing.

Around Bormes les Mimosas there are also a number of miles of beaches which combined with a distinctive Mediterranean climate ensure possibilities to pass many a pleasant hour. The beaches of l’Estagnol, Pellerin, Faviere and Cabasson are particularly well regarded for their pure waters and sand.

All around Bormes les Mimosas there are pleasant walks, both for the casual and serious hikers, although one of the most popular walks takes people from Faviere along to Cap Benat. The Cap is famed as being the home if the summer residence of the French President at the Fort de Bregancon.

Famed for its flowers, Bormes les Mimosas is a place to visit to experience a relaxed settlement in what can be a hectic region of France. The chance to relax on the beach and to wander through beautiful landscapes ensures that Bormes les Mimosas will remain a popular destination for visitors. 

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