Fancy a sunny getaway in the middle of winter? Discover Bormes-les-Mimosas, a medieval village nestled between land and sea, ranked among the most beautiful in France. A true ode to mimosa, every year the town is adorned with thousands of little suns with a powdery fragrance. This sensory spectacle enhances the picturesque streets and squares steeped in history. With peak flowering between January and March, it is the ideal destination for a floral interlude. Whether for a romantic stroll or a family outing, Bormes-les-Mimosas awaits you just 1.5 hours from Marseille.
Bormes-les-Mimosas, a medieval Provençal village with a thousand charms
Located at an altitude of 154 meters, Bormes-les-Mimosas stands out as the privileged heir to the wonders of Provence. Like a vibrant painting with infinite shades, the village offers visitors a timeless break. Strolling through its cobbled streets, you will discover colorful houses and ancient fountains that bear witness to the past. Place Lou Poulid Cantoun, undoubtedly the most picturesque square in the village, features a clock tower dating back to 1789. Further on, the “cuberts” — typical covered, vaulted passageways — lead to Place de l’Isclou d’Amour and its intimate atmosphere. To take in all the beauty of the region, simply head up to the Notre-Dame de Constance chapel or the Château des Seigneurs de Fos, each offering exceptional views of the Îles d’Or.
Mimosa in all its forms
A small, sun-loving flower from Australia, mimosa was introduced to Europe at the end of the 18th century. Finding the ideal climate in Provence, it now forms the largest mimosa forest in Europe and marks the starting point of an intoxicating tourist route winding 130 km to Grasse. It has become the emblem of the village and is an integral part of the local heritage. Its subtlety can be discovered in the surrounding nurseries, but also through original handcrafted creations. Its delicate fragrance can be enjoyed on the plate, with flavored brioches and cocktails, or in the bathroom in the form of soaps, perfumes, and candles.
Although the flowering period varies depending on the variety, it is most intense from January to March. Bormes organizes several festivities for the occasion. In January, the Mimosalia fair brings together nursery growers and gardening enthusiasts for botanical workshops. Then, in mid-February, the famous Corso Fleuri parade brings the streets to life with floats decorated with thousands of fresh flowers.
The enchanting coastline of Bormes-les-Mimosas
Bormes-les-Mimosas is not only famous for its medieval center. The town also overlooks one of the most beautiful bays in the world. About fifteen minutes from the village, its coastline reveals exceptional landscapes in shades of azure. The coves of fine sand and translucent waters are lined with umbrella pines, as is the case at Estagnol beach, considered one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. This picture-postcard setting is completed by the Fort de Brégançon, a true historical gem located at the tip of the hamlet of Cabasson, which proudly watches over the sea.