If you love villages in bloom, Bormes-les-Mimosas is one of the most beautiful on the Côte d’Azur. With its picturesque streets, colorful facades and views down to the sea, we loved strolling through this haven of peace. Its authentic atmosphere and typically Provençal architecture totally won us over!
Discover our complete guide to the must-do activities in Bormes-les-Mimosas and useful tips for planning your visit.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas worth a visit?
The village of Bormes-les-Mimosas is definitely worth a visit. With its medieval remains, wisteria and bougainvillea-decorated buildings, and panoramic views, it’s a great place for a stroll. We were particularly charmed by the remarkable views over the village, the valley and the sea. It’s one of the most beautiful villages on the Côte d’Azur, renowned for its exceptional floral displays!
1. Stroll through the village center
Place Gambetta is the beating heart of Bormes-les-Mimosas. Carved out of the schist of the hill, it is the focal point of all the village’s alleyways. We particularly appreciated its conviviality. Dominated by the Hôtel Bellevue, the square is also home to the Tourist Office. While you’re exploring, don’t miss the unique Rue des Contours, Ruelle des Sarrazins, Rue Romi Cuou or Rue du Cubert!
- Numerous café and restaurant terraces
- Local craft stores
- Narrow cobbled streets
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2. Follow the Way of the Wise
The Chemin des Sages, an initiative of the town council, revives the history of forgotten places while recalling the values of the national motto (liberty, equality and fraternity). Along the way, we discovered remarkable sites such as the bandstand, the “pous d’Amoun” (18th-century well), the “graille des Bredouilles” (discreet path used by unlucky hunters), “lou portaou” (ancient medieval village entrance) and the Chapelle Saint-François.
- Local heritage discovery trail
- Information panels along the way
- Accessible free of charge
3. Visit the Bormes Museum of History and Art
The Musée d’Histoire et d’Art de Bormes, commonly known as MHAB, is housed in one of the village’s oldest residences, dating from the 17th century. Opened in 1978, the facility is distinguished by its interactive approach, with a histopad that takes you on a journey through the centuries, from the 1st century BC to the present day. We rounded off our visit in style by climbing to the top of the museum’s tower, which reveals a breathtaking view of the village and its surroundings.
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm (winter season), Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 7pm (summer season) – more info here
- Prices: €8.50 for adults and free for children under 7.
- Interactive tour with histopad
- Stairs to the top of the tower
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Enjoy views down to the sea
Bormes-les-Mimosas offers exceptional panoramic views over the orange roofs of the Provencal village to the Mediterranean Sea. We were amazed by the breathtaking views over the valley and the coast. The lush nature that surrounds the village creates an idyllic setting, especially in spring when the mimosas are in bloom and in summer when the Mediterranean vegetation is at its peak. You can stop at various points in the village to admire these panoramas, each offering a unique perspective on this magnificent region.
- Several viewpoints in the village
- Bring your camera to capture these spectacular views
- Ideal at sunset for exceptional lighting
5. Spend a romantic night in the village
For a romantic getaway in Bormes-les-Mimosas, the Eden Rose Grand Hôtel offers an idyllic setting blending elegance and history. Originally, the Pavillon property, located below the building you can see in our photo, was transformed into a hotel in the early 20th century by its visionary owner. Between 1903 and 1906, he had the Grand Hôtel du Pavillon built, relegating the old Pavillon to the status of an annex. Today, this charming place overlooks the village and the sea, and immerses you in a gentle Provencal atmosphere ideal for a romantic getaway.
- See prices, photos and availability
- Characterful establishment with a rich history
- Panoramic views from some rooms
6. Admire the château of the Lords of Fos and the Church of Saint-Trophyme
Occupied as early as 1257 by Roger de Fos, the château hosted no fewer than 26 lords until the French Revolution. Between 1654 and 1791, it became a convent, before finally being bought out by private owners. Not far from there, the Church of Saint-Trophyme continues this rich past: it replaces a 12th-century chapel originally located within the castle walls, which had become too dilapidated to accommodate the faithful. Today, these 2 monuments represent the heart of the village’s historical and architectural heritage. We searched for the best viewpoints of the religious building during our visit.
- The château is visible from the outside
- The church is open to visitors
- Characteristic medieval architecture
7. Visit the Provencal market
The Provencal market is held every Wednesday and is an authentic experience not to be missed. We were seduced by the quality and diversity of the products on offer: sun-drenched fruit and vegetables, freshly caught fish, traditional cooked dishes, artisanal honeys and many other delights. You’ll also find a wide selection of Provence souvenirs. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample local specialities and chat with producers who generously share their passion.
- Opening hours: every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Local products and Provencal crafts
- Catering available on site
8. Visit wineries and taste Provence wines
The vineyards around Bormes-les-Mimosas offer an authentic immersion in the world of Provence wines. We loved wandering through these sun-drenched vineyards and talking to passionate winemakers who shared their know-how with us. From fresh, fruity rosés to floral whites and garrigue-flavored reds, cellar tastings reveal the full richness of the local terroir. A great opportunity to take a few bottles home as a souvenir and prolong the flavours of Provence at home.
- 9 wineries in the commune – more info here
- Reservations recommended for estate tours
- Tastings often free with purchase
- Several AOC appellations in the region
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Great kayak trips in:
Saint-Tropez to the Ramatuelle reserve
Cassis to the calanques - Helicopter flight from Cannes
- Shuttle service along the coast between Nice and Saint-Tropez
- Bike tours: eBike in Nice – Mountain biking in the Esterel massif
Other activities near Bormes-Les-Mimosas
The area around Bormes-les-Mimosas is full of natural, cultural and seaside treasures to discover. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, heritage or outdoor activities, here are 3 must-sees to explore in the immediate vicinity of the village:
Fort de Brégançon
A symbol of presidential power, Fort de Brégançon stands on a rocky islet facing the sea. The official summer residence of the Presidents of the French Republic, this emblematic site can be visited at certain times of the year. The guided tour explains the history of the building, its furnished rooms and its exceptional views over the Mediterranean.
Le Lavandou
Just a few kilometers away, Le Lavandou is a charming seaside resort renowned for its sandy beaches, lively port and numerous water sports activities. You’ll also find a beautiful seafront promenade, a typical Provencal market and a more festive atmosphere in season. It’s a great complement to your visit to Bormes.
Estagnol beach
Consideredone of the most beautiful beaches in the region, Plage de l’Estagnol seduced us with its white sand, turquoise waters and unspoilt natural setting. Bordered by a pine forest ideal for picnics in the shade, it’s perfect for a family day out or a dip in a heavenly cove.
Ideas for excursions further afield
If you have more time, be sure to explore some of the Côte d’Azur’s coastal nuggets: stroll through the perched streets of Gassin and Grimaud, discover the atypical charm of Port Grimaud, the “Venice of Provence”, or let yourself be seduced by the mythical atmosphere of Saint-Tropez. Finally, for an unforgettable nature getaway, set sail forÎle de Porquerolles, a little paradise accessible by boat from the Giens peninsula or Le Lavandou.
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How to get to Bormes-Les-Mimosas + parking
Where is Bormes-Les-Mimosas?
- In the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Var department
- Lavandou = 10min drive
- Toulon = 45min drive
- Saint-Tropez = 1h drive
Use our map to find your way around the Côte d’Azur:
How to get there?
The quickest and most convenient way to reach Bormes-les-Mimosas is by car, as the village is located inland. By public transport, there are regular buses from Le Lavandou, notably line 886 of the ZOU! network. The nearest SNCF train station is Hyères, a 30-minute drive away, from where you can take a bus or cab to the village.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Parking in Bormes-Les-Mimosas
Parking in the old village of Bormes-les-Mimosas can be tricky in high season, due to the narrow streets and crowds of tourists. We strongly recommend using the Saint-François parking lot, which is semi-covered and chargeable, with spaces reserved for people with disabilities. It’s ideally located at the entrance to the village, giving you easy access to the historic center on foot. During the summer months, it’s advisable to arrive early in the morning to find a place more easily.
Useful tips for visiting Bormes-Les-Mimosas
How long and when is the best time?
2 hours are enough to explore the historic heart of Bormes-les-Mimosas and its main attractions, but we recommend you spend half a day here to fully enjoy the atmosphere and leisurely visit the museum and the scattered monuments.
The best time to visit the village is undoubtedly during the mimosa blossom season, between January and March, when the village is decked out in gold and deliciously fragrant. Spring also offers a remarkable floral spectacle with wisteria, bougainvillea and other Mediterranean plants. Autumn is ideal for enjoying pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, perfect for a more leisurely visit.
Directions and difficulties + map
As Bormes-les-Mimosas is a hilltop village, visiting it involves a lot of climbing up and down, sometimes on uneven cobblestones or stairs. We recommend that you start your visit at Place Gambetta, then gradually climb up to the castle and church, following the Chemin des Sages, which guides you through the major points of interest.
Public toilets accessible to the disabled are available in the village. Despite these improvements, some parts of the village remain difficult to access due to the site’s naturally steep topography.
Visiting with children
The Musée d’Histoire et d’Art de Bormes-les-Mimosas is particularly suitable for families, thanks to its Histopad, an interactive tool that makes the visit fun and exciting for the youngest visitors. It allows them to travel virtually through the centuries and discover the history of the village in an immersive and entertaining way.
The Chemin des Sages route can also be transformed into an impromptu treasure hunt for children, who will enjoy spotting the various points of interest. In summer, take regular breaks in the shade and bring plenty of water.
Best restaurants
We haven’t yet been able to test all the restaurants in Bormes-les-Mimosas, but we’ve selected these 2 quality options:
- Le Jardin Restaurant: renowned for its refined Provencal cuisine served in an enchanting setting with a terrace shaded by Mediterranean plants.
- Restaurant Lou Portaou: named after the main Provencal entrance to the village, this restaurant offers traditional cuisine in an authentic atmosphere.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
