Bormes-les-Mimosas: must-see attractions to explore from your campsite

Vue sur le village de Bormes-les-Mimosas dans le Var © iStock

 

Situated in the Var, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Bormes-les-Mimosas is a charming Provençal village, nestled between the hills and the Mediterranean. Voted one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’ in 2024, it stands out for its flower-lined streets, colourful houses and rich heritage. From your campsite, set off to explore this iconic village, its Mediterranean landscapes and the nearby Var coastline, for a holiday steeped in nature and authenticity.

What are the best campsites for exploring Bormes-les-Mimosas?

Family holidays near the beaches of the Var

Just 2 km from the sea and 3 km from the centre of Bormes-les-Mimosas, the Clau Mar Jo *** campsite is a small, family-friendly campsite ideal for enjoying the Var coastline. Set in peaceful surroundings, it features a water park with slides and a paddling pool, a children’s playground, table tennis tables, a pétanque campground and a sauna. Holidaymakers can stay in mobile homes or apartments.

Open from April to November.

3-star campsite in the heart of the Var

Set in the heart of a 12-hectare, rolling nature reserve, the Parc de Bormes *** campsite offers a peaceful setting shaded by umbrella pines, close to the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas and the beaches of Le Lavandou. Ideal for family holidays, it features a large heated swimming pool with a paddling pool, a wide range of sports facilities and seasonal entertainment, as well as a restaurant, a snack bar and a bakery. Mobile homes, lodges and pitches are available so you can make the most of the Var coastline. Open from April to September.image

The campsite’s swimming pool in a peaceful, tree-lined setting © PARC DE BORMES (Bormes-les-Mimosas - 83)

Affordable camping on the Côte d’Azur

Just 1.1 km from the beaches, the Beau Séjour ** campsite in Le Lavandou welcomes you to a 1.5-hectare wooded setting, with a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. Just 3.5 km from Bormes-les-Mimosas, it offers fully equipped mobile homes as well as pitches for tents, campervans and motorhomes. Its location makes it easy to enjoy the beaches of the Var and water sports, whilst staying in a quiet and pleasant environment.

Open from April to November.

A 4-star campsite with a water park in the Var

In La Londe-les-Maures, between Hyères and Le Lavandou and 14 km from Bormes-les-Mimosas, the Les Jardins de La Pascalinette **** campsite welcomes you to a lush, flower-filled setting, close to the beaches of the Côte d’Azur. Its vast 2,000 m² water park, featuring swimming pools, slides and water play areas, will delight the whole family. The campsite also offers a range of accommodation options, a restaurant, a mini-market, a wellness area and entertainment to help you make the most of your stay in the Var. Open from April to September.

Would you like to extend your stay and discover more campsites in the Var? Click here.

What are the must-see attractions in Bormes-les-Mimosas?

A family stroll through the old village

From your campsite, take the time to explore Bormes-les-Mimosas and its old village, where every alleyway holds its own share of surprises. As a family, the walk is a real long the narrow cobbled streets, past colourful façades and flower-lined passageways, with that pleasant feeling of gradually travelling back in time. As you make your way uphill, stop off at the Church of Saint-Trophyme, which overlooks the village and is a lovely example of Bormes’ heritage.

St Trophyme Church © iStock

Then continue on your way to the castle of the Lords of Fos, perched on the heights above the old village. Although only ruins of the ancient fortress remain today, the site is well worth a visit for its atmosphere and the exceptional panoramic view it offers over the Mediterranean coast and the Hyères Islands.

View of the ruins of Fos Castle© iStock

Children will love playing at being little explorers amongst the ancient stones before continuing the adventure towards the Notre-Dame de Constance Chapel. To reach it, take the Way of the Cross, which climbs up from the castle: a lovely walk punctuated by stations, ideal for taking your time and enjoying the surrounding countryside. On arrival, the chapel offers a stunning new viewpoint over Bormes-les-Mimosas, the hills of the Massif des Maures, the Var and the Mediterranean. On a clear day, the view stretches all the way to the islands offshore. It’s a lovely way to explore the village with the family, amongst ancient stone buildings, narrow alleyways, Provençal countryside and sweeping panoramic views, before strolling back down at a leisurely pace to enjoy an ice cream or a break on a terrace.

Bormes-les-Mimosas, a village in full bloom

In Bormes-les-Mimosas, your holiday takes on the feel of a Mediterranean garden! With nearly 700 varieties of plants and flowers adorning the narrow streets, building facades and gardens, the village offers a real spectacle throughout the seasons. And as its name suggests, the mimosa holds a very special place here: no fewer than 90 species and varieties can be admired across the area. In winter, when the fragrant yellow pompons light up the hills, the village takes on a particularly enchanting air.image

Mimosas in bloom © iStock

This rich flora has, in fact, earned Bormes-les-Mimosas the prestigious ‘4 Fleurs’ award – the highest honour awarded by the national ‘Villes et Villages Fleuris’ scheme – as well as the title of ‘France’s Most Beautiful Flower-Filled Village’. For families wishing to go beyond a simple stroll, botanical tours are organised once a week, from January to September, offering a deeper understanding of the local flora, the various species of mimosa and the distinctive features of Mediterranean vegetation. This is a wonderful opportunity to discover the village in a different light, accompanied by a guide, and to learn to recognise the plants that make up the beauty of Bormes’ landscapes. Remember to check with the tourist office for dates, times, meeting points and any registration details, as these may vary depending on the season. And to make the most of this experience, be sure to wear sturdy shoes: here, the most beautiful gardens and the prettiest plant species are sometimes hidden around the bend of a narrow alleyway or along the paths that wind their way up to the higher parts of the village!

The rich flora of Bormes-les-Mimosas, which has earned it the national ‘Villes et Villages Fleuris’© iStock

The most beautiful beaches in Bormes-les-Mimosas

After strolling through the village’s flower-filled alleyways, head for the sea! With nearly 20 kilometres of coastline, including 12 kilometres of beaches, Bormes-les-Mimosas is the ideal destination to make the most of the Mediterranean coast. With their small coves, long stretches of sand and waters in lovely shades of turquoise, the beaches of Bormes-les-Mimosas are among the most beautiful on the Côte d’Azur. Whether you’re travelling with the family, there’s a little corner of paradise for everyone: Cabasson Beach, nestled in unspoilt natural surroundings, offers a superb view of Brégançon Fort; Brégançon Beach charms with its idyllic setting and crystal-clear water; whilst Estagnol and Pellegrin beaches invite you to lay out your towel in a particularly peaceful Mediterranean setting. Whether you fancy a day with your feet in the sand, a refreshing swim or simply a few hours soaking up the sun, the coastline of Bormes-les-Mimosas has something for everyone. From your campsite, all you have to do is choose your beach, pack your beach bag and set off to explore this magnificent Var coastline!

The crystal-clear waters of Estagnol Beach © iStock

Brégançon Fort, a site steeped in history overlooking the sea

From Cabasson Beach, your gaze is immediately drawn to Brégançon Fort, perched on its rocky islet facing the Mediterranean. You simply cannot stay in Bormes-les-Mimosas without visiting this iconic site, which was notably chosen as the official residence of the Presidents of the French Republic from 1968 onwards. Surrounded by water and Mediterranean landscapes, the fort offers a setting that is as spectacular as it is unusual, allowing you to discover another facet of the region’s heritage. Good news for those keen to explore: Brégançon Fort is open to visitors in July and September, usually as part of guided tours, allowing you to explore its rooms and discover its history whilst enjoying exceptional panoramic views of the coastline. As visiting arrangements may vary depending on the time of year and the specific year, it’s best to book in advance and check the days, times, prices and access conditions before you set off. The visit can also be an opportunity to combine heritage and relaxation by planning a break afterwards at Cabasson Beach, situated directly opposite the fort. A perfect day out during the holidays: after a few hours with your feet in the sand and a swim in the turquoise waters, set off to explore this iconic spot on the Côte d’Azur before heading back to your campsite at your leisure.

Chemin du Littoral and view of Brégançon Fort © iStock

The Wine Route: discovering the flavours of Provence

After strolls through the village and days at the beach, why not set off to discover another of the Var region’s treasures? Around Bormes-les-Mimosas, the Wine Route invites you to explore the landscapes of Provence and visit local vineyards and wine producers. Here, the vines thrive amongst the hills, pine forests and the Mediterranean, producing AOC Côtes de Provence wines prized for their diversity and character. Fresh, fruity rosés, more structured reds or delicate whites: there’s something to suit every taste – to be enjoyed in moderation, of course! Several estates in the region offer tours, tastings or simply direct sales – a wonderful opportunity to chat with the winemakers and discover the secrets of their craft. Côtes de Provence wines regularly win awards at competitions and tastings, testifying to the quality of the work carried out by the region’s producers. For holidaymakers who love fine food and local produce, this getaway offers a lovely break in the heart of the Provençal countryside. And after stocking up on a few bottles to extend your holiday at home, head back to the campsite to share – why not? – an aperitif with a taste of the South!

The Wine Route, inviting you to explore the landscapes of Provence© iStock

A holiday combining discoveries and the delights of the South

Why not make the most of your stay in Bormes-les-Mimosas to enjoy a whole host of experiences? Here, a holiday isn’t just about the beach: thrill-seekers can take to the skies with a session of parasailing or set off to explore the coastline on a sea trip aboard a hybrid boat – an original and gentler way to explore the Mediterranean, an activity that children particularly enjoy. Beneath the surface, diving enthusiasts can also explore the seabed of the Var. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the town offers numerous signposted walking trails, perfect for a family outing to discover the coastal landscapes and the Massif des Maures. And if you fancy exploring the surrounding area, head to Le Lavandou, Saint-Tropez or the La Londe-les-Maures Zoo – all great ideas for days out to mix things up a bit. As for events, the famous Flower Parade brings a burst of colour, decorated floats and a festive atmosphere to the village streets every year. Finally, it’s impossible to talk about a holiday in Provence without mentioning the local cuisine! Make the most of your stay to discover the wines of the Var vineyards, sample the famous Aups truffle or treat yourself to a slice of tarte tropézienne, the Var’s iconic sweet treat. With its blend of sea, nature, new discoveries, traditions and culinary delights, Bormes-les-Mimosas offers a wonderful setting for a family holiday full of memories.

Example of a flower parade © iStock