Activities A host of options for your stay!
Welcome to Bormes les Mimosas, one of France’s most beautiful villages, perched on a hill in the Massif des Maures, facing the Mediterranean Sea. It’s an authentic, typical village, perched on a hill with a breathtaking view.
L’Hostellerie du Cigalou is located in the medieval heart of the town, dating back to the 12th century. The area and its surroundings are historically and culturally rich.
Bormes is in the Var, the country’s third most wooded department, in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
As a result, we’re ideally situated for a multitude of activities of all kinds, in wonderful landscapes, all year round!
Below, we’ve written a small selection of some of our favorites, but please don’t hesitate to tell us about your desires or interests, and we’ll be happy to make suggestions during your stay.
Discover our heritage
To stroll through the old village of Bormes les Mimosas is to plunge into a world of centuries-old stonework, where history can be read on every façade and in every alleyway. There’s nothing more pleasant than getting lost, eating a mimosa ice cream, stumbling across the Rompi Cuou alleyway (or “casse-cul” in Provençal!), or sipping a glass of local rosé in the village’s most beautiful square, Lou Pouli Cantoun (or “the pretty corner” in Provençal!).
Visit Saint-François-de-Paule chapelbuilt in honor of the saint who saved Bormes from the plague, boasts impressive frescoes and refined architecture. The terrace of the Château des Seigneurs de Fosoffers a breathtaking panorama of the bay, the Hyères islands and the surrounding hills.
To understand and discover these fascinating stories, we highly recommend the Museum of History and Art of Bormes (MHAB) located just a few steps from our hotel.
TheTourist Office in the village of Bormes (you can’t miss it, it’s right next door to the Hostellerie du Cigalou!) offers two tours in the heart of the village:historical and botanical. And if you’d like to learn more about the local flora and fauna, there’s also a coastal tourdeparting from Cabasson beach. Also on the coast is the mythical Fort de Brégançonalso open to visitors from the Tourist Office at various times of the year.
Nearby is the charming village of Collobrièresthe “capital” of the Maures and of chestnuts, classified as one of the Villages de Caractère du Var. For motorcycle enthusiasts, the road to Collobrières is incredible. We also recommend the Chartreuse de la Vernea huge, imposing building lost in the mountains, which can be visited all year round.
In Hyères les Palmiers, a fifteen-minute drive away, several museums and art centers are a must: for example, the Villa Noailles or the Carmignac Foundation on the island of Porquerolles.
As you can imagine, many painters have been inspired by these incredible landscapes. In the neighboring commune of Lavandouthere’s a “Chemin des Peintres” along the coast, as well as the Villa Théo art center . Villa Théothe former home of painter Théo Van Rysselberghe, where classical and contemporary exhibitions are held throughout the year.
The joys of the Mediterranean
Just a few minutes by motorized vehicle from our village neighborhood, you’ll find a wild and unspoilt coastline, boasting an abundance of flora and fauna thanks to its proximity to the Port Cros National Park.
We recommend one of the region’s most beautiful beaches: l’Estagnolwhere you can spend the day and enjoy a variety of dining options, or just pack a picnic! We’re also thinking of hiking the coastal path. Starting from the Cabasson beach, not far from the Fort de Brégançon, you can hike to the l’Argentière beach de la Londe les Maures. There, you’ll walk along the coast and have the privilege of discovering all the Borméan beaches, accessible only by sea and via this path.
The Lavandou seaside is also famous for its 12 beacheseach more beautiful than the last. The sentier du littoral (coastal footpath ) is also magnificent.
These landscapes are of course the scene of numerous water sports: sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, paddling, boat trips…
We love the Mattes underwater trail on the edge of the Argentière beach in La Londe les Maures, accessible to all as long as you can swim with your fins, mask and snorkel! It’s open from June to September, as a self-guided tour following the buoys, or accompanied by a guide on request from the Intercommunal Tourist Office (on the port of La Londe).
There are nine diving clubs between the towns of Bormes les Mimosas, Le Lavandou and La Londe les Maures: enough to conquer the world of silence in the magical universe of the Port-Cros National Park.
Are you more at ease on the sea than on it?
From the port of Bormes les Mimosas (in the Favière district), discover the islands of Hyères with less impact on a hybrid boat from the company Latitude Verte !
In the heart of nature
If you love nature, breathtaking views and small dirt roads, you’ve come to the right place. From the Hostellerie du Cigalou there are numerous walks and hikes in the Massif des Maures. Whatever the season, cork oaks, Hermann’s tortoises, umbrella pines, rosemary and mimosa are all on offer!
If you want to see the mimosa in flower, you’ll need to come between January and March. You can also visit Cavatore Nurseriesthe European mimosa specialist, with over 200 different species of the plant.
In the medieval village district, vegetation plays a fundamental role in its charm and identity. Whether through its famous mimosas, varied Mediterranean flora or lush gardens, nature is an integral part of the Provencal village experience. We love strolling through the Parc Gonzalez or the Parc du Cigalou, just a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
Do you like to taste local produce or shop locally? There’s no shortage of wineries in Bormes, especially along the “wine route” between Cabasson and La Londe les Maures. A dozen estates will welcome you with open arms for tastings, discovering their know-how, or even unusual activities for the whole family (think of the vineyard safaris at Domaine de la Sanglièreor jazz evenings at Château de Brégançon).
We also have several oil mills open all year round. Moulin du Haut Jasson and Domaine du Jasson both specialize inolives and are located in the nearby town of La Londe les Maures. In Cuers, the Moulin des Cinq Ponts is a cooperative with an old mill dating back to the 20th century, open to visitors and producing excellent oil.
The famous Domaine du Rayolthe Mediterranean garden, is also a must-see during your visit.
We’ll say it again, but please don’t hesitate to come and talk to us about your ideas. We’ll be happy to advise you on what to do!
Emblematic events all year round
Bormes les Mimosas and the surrounding area are the scene of many celebrations, whatever the season. Each one brings its own special moments and memories, along with the events that characterize them.
At Hostellerie du Cigalou, we’re ideally located for all the events taking place in the medieval Provencal village of Bormes!
In autumn and winter, the mimosa blossom brings its share of great moments:
- Mimosalia, the mimosa and rare plants festival, in January.
- The Corso Fleuri de Bormes, the oldest Corso in Provence, with its floral floats that parade through the village in February. The view from our restaurant, as well as the terraces and windows of our rooms, are the most popular places to admire this spectacle , which makes thousands of people dream.
- The Corso Fleuri in neighbouring Le Lavandou in March
- Then in spring and summer, the omnipresent sun and the songs of the cicadas are perfect for welcoming :
- The Musicales dans les Vignes festival from June to September, with concerts in and around the vineyards of Bormes, a truly suspended moment in a privileged setting.
- Fiesta, the Borman carnival in the colors of Argentina in July, with Argentine music , tango in the alleys, workshops, conferences…
- The liberation of Bormes on August 17, with military parades, concerts and village festivities.
Upcoming dates in and around Bormes:
Sports en Lumière
Dates: June 14 and 15, 2025
Location: At La Favière, in the port of Bormes les Mimosas
This event offers more than 40 free sporting activities for all ages, from introduction to jet-skiing to flying trapeze, with a high-level sports sponsor each year.
Photo credit: A.Roux
Me’Gusto Rosé Festival
Dates: June 7 and 8, 2025
Location: In the medieval village of Bormes, right under the windows of our hotel!
This festival showcases the wines of Provence with tastings, entertainment and concerts.
Photo credit: Me’Gusto
Nature Week
Dates: Monday, April 21 to Sunday, April 27, 2025
Location: On trails in the commune and neighbouring communes. Information at the Tourist Office.
Celebrate the region’s natural beauty with themed hikes through the picturesque landscapes of Bormes les Mimosas and the surrounding area.
Credit- Damien Bonfils
Fête des Vins du Terroir AOC Côtes de Provence
Date: Sunday, April 20, 2025, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Location: Place Charles-Camoin, La Londe les Maures
Description: A festive gathering for wine lovers, with tastings of local wines in a convivial atmosphere.
Abracadabra” flower parade
Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025, 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Location: Front de mer, Le Lavandou
Take part in the “Abracadabra”-themed flower parade, with decorated floats, brass bands and a flower battle.