Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var
One the most flowery villages in France with stunning sea views
If you're looking for a medieval village with fine sea views, plenty of flowers and fine dining restaurants on cobbled lanes, then Bormes les Mimosas is for you.
With plenty of gourmet restaurants to try, this sleepy little hillside village is made even prettier by the careful nurturing of blooming flowers throughout the year. The mimosa tree after which the village is named, blossoms from January to March.
In terms of things to see, there is a medieval ruined castle, sadly not open to the public, artisan shops and a market. The closest beach (family-friendly) is at La Faviere, where you can also find a marina and a diving club.
There's not much to be said about the nightlife in Bormes-les-Mimosas, although the streets are filled with the music of buskers on summer evenings and there are some nice terrace cafés and bars to enjoy some aperitifs and the wonderful view before heading to dinner. If you're fancying a night at the clubs, head to Saint Tropez
Bormes les Mimosa has several budget hotels where you can stay, offering simple bedrooms with sea views.
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- History & Culture in Bormes-les-Mimosas
- Sights & Attractions in Bormes-les-Mimosas
- Dining in Bormes-les-Mimosas
- Events in Bormes-les-Mimosas
- Things to do in Bormes-les-Mimosas
- Nightlife in Bormes-les-Mimosas
- Hotels in Bormes-les-Mimosas
- How to get to Bormes-les-Mimosas
- Property For Sale in Bormes-les-Mimosas
History & Culture in Bormes-les-Mimosas
Bormes les Mimosas is a very pretty medieval town, with a ruined castle guarding over a village of pink-stone buildings spilling down the hill on narrow, winding lanes.
It's a wealthy town these days, full of expensive shops and fine dining restaurants. The 'les Mimosas' part of the name was added in the 60's to reflect the incredible greenery and flowers the town is known for- in particular the mimosa (Australian wattle) tree which blossoms from January to March.
The views across the coast are stunning, making it a lovely place to wander through the boutiques and find a nice terrace restaurant for a long, leisurely lunch. Down at Port-Bormes and Le Lavandou you can do much of the same. It's a tough life on the Côte d'Azur.
Sights & Attractions in Bormes-les-Mimosas
In terms of things to see, there is a medieval ruined castle dating from the 12th century, which although not open to visitors, does afford a nice view over the coast and a park bench to enjoy it under the parasol pines.
If you continue climbing uphill past the castle you'll reach an absolutely spectacular lookout spot in the grounds of the 13th century Romanesque chapel. There's also the 18th century Church of Saint-Trophyme and the Chapel of Saint-Francois-de-Paule, who 'saved' the village from the plague. Nearby in Cabasson is the Bregançon Fort, the summer residence of French presidents.
Dining in Bormes-les-Mimosas
With plenty of gourmet restaurants to try in the area, why not go Michelin-starred when it's really quite reasonably priced?
La Rastègue is the only Bormes restaurant to currently hold a Michelin star, impressing the inspectors with modern French cuisine using fresh, local produce. It also has a nice terrace view.
Lou Portaou has a simply wonderful rustic setting in a romantic grotto- archway in the middle of town, serving good and inventive (if slightly expensive) Provencal food.
For something simpler, have a pizza at L'Azzura or a crepe at Crepe d'Or.
Down at Port-Bormes, CAP120 is the most popular for elegant waterfront dining.
Events in Bormes-les-Mimosas
As you can imagine, many of the events in this town are floral-based. But certainly worth the trip to enjoy...
Events in Saint-Tropez
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Brocante Le Jas des Robert (flea market)
The Brocante (or flea market) Le Jas des Robert has become a must-see place for the bargain hunters of the Golfe de Saint-Tropez.
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Saint-Tropez, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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Le Challenge Interclubs Regatta, Golfe de Saint-Tropez
For four weekends throughout the year, four sailing clubs based on the Bay of Saint-Tropez compete at the Challenge Interclubs.
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International Air Festival, Fréjus
120 hectares of aerial ballets, 30,000 visitors, 100 kite flyers, 18 countries, free workshops, and a hot air balloon area.
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Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Regatta
A famous classic regatta that ends the Mediterranean sailing season, St-Tropez’ late-summer regatta brings in 300 yachts, both ancient and modern, for maritime effervescence.
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Fête de la Chataignes - Chestnut festival, Collobrières
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
Things to do in Bormes-les-Mimosas
The densely forested Maures hills rise up behind the town, providing hiking and mountainbiking paths galore for 'outdoor' types. Down by the sea you can rent a boat for the day and explore the coast, go diving in the crystal clear waters, or just hit the nearby beaches for some watersports. Or, of course, you could just have lunch.
How to get to Bormes-les-Mimosas
As with many other towns in Provence, the historic village is up on a hill away from the coast, with a newer part of town leading down the hill, and a marina village 'Port-Bormes' a few kilometres away on the sea.
Bormes les Mimosas village is inland of Le Lavandou (which used to be part of Bormes but broke away in 1913), on the stretch of Var coastline about halfway between Saint Tropez and Toulon.
Transfers for Saint-Tropez
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Private airport transfers
From Nice airport to Saint-Tropez, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Millenium Transport Transfers
For more than 10 years, Millenium Transport has been the leading firm in terms of top-of-the-range transports with driver and provides a high quality of service in order to satisfy the needs and expectations of international clients who make the French Riviera so famous.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Acarre Limousine Transfers
Acarre Limousine offers transfers from the airport, train station and other taxi services whether it is from the beach or to a nightclub.