Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, South of France (le Midi), France

Bormes-les-Mimosas Beaches

Overview

Bormes-les-Mimosas offers a classic French Riviera experience, with a stunning coastline nestled below its famous medieval village. While the historic village is perched on a hill a few kilometers from the sea, the shore is lined with an impressive 17 kilometers of predominantly fine sandy beaches. This variety ensures that whether you seek a bustling atmosphere or a quiet natural cove, you'll find your perfect spot along its celebrated coast.

The shoreline presents a diverse collection of beaches, each with a unique character. Editor's picks highlight the lively and accessible Beach de la Faviere, the town's largest beach located conveniently by the port. For a truly scenic day, the calm, lagoon-like waters of Beach de l'Estagnol are a standout, while Beach de Cabasson provides an iconic view of the Fort de Brégançon. For those seeking tranquility, Beach de Léoube is a secluded gem, and the nearby wild stretch of Plage du Pellegrin is another local favorite known for its preserved natural beauty.

Beyond the main beaches, a coastal footpath, the 'sentier du littoral', connects many of these spots and is perfect for discovering more intimate coves hidden from the main roads. This path allows for adventurous walks between better-known beaches, revealing the rugged beauty of the coastline. For a complete look at all the seaside options, from the most popular stretches of sand to the most secluded hideaways, be sure to explore our full guide to the beaches of Bormes-les-Mimosas.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Bormes-les-Mimosas a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Bormes-les-Mimosas is an ideal destination for a family beach holiday. Many of its beaches, like Plage de l'Estagnol and Plage de la Favière, feature calm, shallow waters perfect for children. Plage de l'Estagnol is particularly noted for its lagoon-like feel and shady pine forest, while La Favière is the largest beach and offers proximity to shops, restaurants, and water sports clubs.

Beach de l'Estagnol

Beach de la Faviere

How do you get to the beaches from the old village of Bormes-les-Mimosas?

The historic village of Bormes-les-Mimosas is located on a hill, a few kilometers from the coast. To reach the beaches, you will need to travel by car, bus, or bicycle. The main seaside district is La Favière, which has a large beach and marina. Other more remote beaches like Estagnol and Cabasson are accessible via the Route de Léoube, with some requiring a short walk from the car park.

Beach de la Faviere

Beach de l'Estagnol

Beach de Cabasson

Do you have to pay for parking at the beaches in Bormes-les-Mimosas?

Parking access varies. The main beach at La Favière has both free and paid parking areas, especially during the summer. For the popular wild beaches like Plage de l'Estagnol and Plage du Pellegrin, access is typically through private domains that charge a daily fee for parking, which can be around €12 per car. These fees apply from approximately April to October. Outside of this period, access may be free but limited.

Beach de la Faviere

Beach de l'Estagnol

Plage Crique du Pellegrin

Are the beaches in Bormes-les-Mimosas sandy or pebbly?

The vast majority of beaches in Bormes-les-Mimosas boast fine sand. Popular spots like Plage de l'Estagnol are known for their white sand, while La Favière has light beige sand. While there are some small, secluded coves along the coastal path that might have pebbles or be more rocky, the main, accessible beaches that attract most visitors are sandy.

Beach de l'Estagnol

Beach de la Faviere

What is the 'sentier du littoral' and can you use it to find hidden beaches?

The 'sentier du littoral' is a coastal footpath that allows you to walk between many of Bormes-les-Mimosas' beaches. It's an excellent way to discover more secluded coves and wild beaches that are not accessible by car. One popular route connects Cabasson beach to Pellegrin beach, passing by gems like Estagnol. Another section runs from La Favière towards Le Lavandou. It's perfect for hikers looking for adventure and less crowded spots.

Which beach is better: Plage de l'Estagnol or Plage de Pellegrin?

Both Plage de l'Estagnol and Plage du Pellegrin are considered among the most beautiful wild beaches, but they offer slightly different experiences. L'Estagnol is famous for its calm, shallow, lagoon-like bay and pine forest, making it a favorite for families with young children. Pellegrin is a longer, wilder stretch of sand, also backed by vegetation, and is the starting point for beautiful coastal walks. Both are accessed via paid parking.

Beach de l'Estagnol

Can you swim in the sea in Bormes-les-Mimosas and what is the water temperature like?

Yes, you can definitely swim in the sea. The waters are known for being clear and turquoise. The main swimming season runs from June to October. In June, the average water temperature is around 21°C (70°F), warming up to a peak of about 24°C (75°F) in August, before gradually cooling down in autumn.

Are there any naturist beaches in or near Bormes-les-Mimosas?

While Bormes-les-Mimosas itself doesn't have officially designated naturist beaches, some of the more remote coves along the coastal path are known for practicing tolerated naturism. For official naturist sites, the nearby Ile du Levant is a world-renowned naturist destination, accessible by ferry. Additionally, Layet beach in the neighboring town of Le Lavandou is a well-known naturist beach.

Layet Beach

People Also Ask

How do the beaches in Bormes-les-Mimosas compare to those in Le Lavandou?

Bormes-les-Mimosas is particularly famous for its series of wild, preserved beaches like Estagnol and Pellegrin, which are set in natural landscapes and often require paid parking for access. Le Lavandou also has beautiful beaches, such as the famous Saint-Clair beach, which tend to be more developed and directly accessible from the main road, often with more restaurants and amenities right on the sand. Bormes is often preferred for a more natural and rugged beach experience, while Le Lavandou offers more traditional resort-style beaches.

Beach de l'Estagnol

Plage Crique du Pellegrin

Beach Le Lavandou

What is the best time of year for a beach holiday in Bormes-les-Mimosas?

For a classic beach holiday with warm sea temperatures, June and September are often considered the best months. You'll enjoy pleasant weather and warm water, but with fewer crowds than the peak season of July and August. May and early October are also beautiful for visiting the beaches and hiking the coastal paths, though the sea will be cooler.

Are the beaches supervised with lifeguards?

The main, family-oriented beaches are supervised during the high season. Specifically, Plage de la Favière and Plage de Cabasson have lifeguard stations, typically operating from June to September. The more remote, wild beaches and smaller coves along the coastal path are generally not supervised.

Beach de la Faviere

Beach de Cabasson

Which beach has the best view of Fort de Brégançon?

Plage de Cabasson offers the most direct and stunning view of the Fort de Brégançon, the presidential summer residence. The beach is located right opposite the fortress, providing a unique and picturesque backdrop for your beach day. You can also get great views from the coastal path that starts at Cabasson.

Beach de Cabasson