Walking tour in Bormes-les-Mimosa
Walking tour in Bormes-les-Mimosa
Attractions along the itinerary:
- Terrasse de la Maison des Assotiations
- Place Saint-Francois
- Chapelle Saint Francois de Paule et Ancien Cimetrie
- Chemin de l’Orangerie, Draille des Bredoulles
- Le Pous d’Amoun
- Panorama, esplanada du Chateau
- Chateau des Seigneurs de Fos
- Place de l’Isclou d’Amour
- Cubert
- Place lou Poulid Cantoun
- Musee d’Arts & Historie
- Rue Pompi Cuou (Rue Casse-Cul)
- Place Chapon, Jardin Exotique
- Place Pouverin, Ruelle du Moulin
- Rue Carnot
- Eglise Saint Trophyme
- Rue des Bouganvillees
- Venelle des Amoureux
- Place du Figuier
- Place du Puits de la Republique
- Place du Bazar
- Parc du Cigalou
- Parc Gonzalez
- Terrace “Maison des Associations” Roof: This terrace offers a fantastic panoramic view of the village. It overlooks the town hall, constructed in 1892, adorned with the village’s coat of arms, a golden lion on a silver and blue background. Opposite the terrace, you’ll find a rare monument dedicated to the French Revolution.
- Place Saint-François: This square hosts a Provencal market every Wednesday morning, with petanque games in the afternoon. In late January, part of the “Mimosalia” exhibition takes place here. Behind the square, you can spot traces of a windmill typically used to grind corn.
- Chapel Saint-François-de-Paule and Old Cemetery: The chapel was built in 1560 in honor of Saint François de Paule, who saved the village from the plague in 1481. It showcases a Roman-Provencal style, modern stained glass windows (1995), and the old cemetery, resting place of painter and engraver Charles Cazin.
- Chemin de l’Orangerie and Draille des Bredouilles: These picturesque pathways lead to parts of the 12th-century village. You’ll encounter Mediterranean vegetation like quinces, laurel, olive trees, almond trees, fig trees, and wild mimosas. The “Draille des Bredouilles” follows ancient stone walls used as quarries.
- Le Pous d’Amoun: A typical Provencal well made from dried stones.
- Panorama – Esplanade of the Castle: Enjoy a splendid view of Bormes-les-Mimosas, Batailler, the yacht harbor built in 1969, La Favière district, and Cap Bénat. You’ll also spot the Yères archipelago: Le Levant (a naturist destination), Port-Cros (a national park), and Porquerolles. The ruins of the 13th-century chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Constance and its oratory path (GR90) are in the background.
- Castle of the Lords of Fos: Constructed between the 13th and 14th centuries, this castle was classified as a historical monument in 1931. It features original ramparts with arrow slits.
- Place de l’Iscleu d’Amour: A small love square adorned with typical Provencal architecture and a garden of plants from Australia and South Africa.
- Rue Cubert: An indoor passageway beneath houses, a typical street that has existed since the 12th century.
- Place Lou Poulid Cantoun: The most photographed square in Bormes-les-Mimosas, showcasing medieval architecture, old fortress walls, the Clock Tower (18th century), and beautiful plants.
- Museum of Arts and History: Founded by artist Charles Benézit in 1926, this museum offers free entry.
- Rue Rompi-Cuou (Lower Street): With its numerous shops and workshops, this street with 83 steps leads to the lower part of the village or a sculptural labyrinth of small streets and cuberts.
- Place du Figuier (Fig Tree Square): Here, you’ll find the ambiance of southern houses with colorful flowers, facades with ancient patina, artistic ironwork, and interior items.
- Place de la République (Well Square): The facade of a cork factory, which produced cork here until 1945.
- Rue Carnot: The main shopping street that divides the village into two parts: the medieval upper part and the 16th-century lower part.
- Saint Trophime Church: Built between 1775 and 1783 in Roman style, this church features a Georges Pompidou square and sundials. Frescoes were discovered during its interior restoration in 1999. French presidents often attend Mass here.
- Rue des Bougainvilliers: A charming street overlooking the church with a view of the bell tower, stained glass windows, and support wall. It’s a paradise for vegetation with sage, fragrant abutilons, solanums, and bougainvilleas.
- Venelles des Amoureux (Lovers’ Alley): Many craftsmen have opened soap, wood, bronze, and stone shops here.
- Place du Bazar: The old shopping district, the venue for the Mimosalia exhibition.
- Parc du Cigalou: The only park in the village with pergolas, alleys framed by eucalyptus, century-old cedars, and palm trees. There are children’s games and plenty of benches offering views of Bormes Bay and the Golden Islands.
- Parc Gonzalez: A 2,400m² botanical garden with 250 plant species, including Acacias, Banksias, Eucalyptus, Hakea, Grevillea, Melaleuca, and Eremophila.