A preserved Provençal beauty

The town won the national label along with the municipalities of Marcolès (Cantal) and Villeneuve (Aveyron), on September 21 in Polignac (Haute-Loire). Upon the announcement of the honorary title, the villagers exclaimed: 'And, that makes four'!

OBVIOUS RECOGNITION

Réunie les 20 et 21 septembre, la Commission Qualité et Labellisation du réseau national s’est prononcée pour la labellisation de ces trois villages candidats. Perché entre collines et Méditerranée, la commune est une étape incontournable pour les touristes ! Ce n’est pas une notoriété supplémentaire qu’elle est venue chercher avec cette candidature au titre de l’un des Plus Beaux Villages de France, mais, de l'avis de tous, une reconnaissance de ce qui semblait être une évidence ! Car, la ville cumule les reconnaissances nationales.

Thus, in 2004, the ministère de la Culture distinguished 460 'Jardins remarquables', including a garden in Bormes-les-Mimosas. This distinction rewarded parks and gardens of cultural, aesthetic, historical, or botanical interest, whether public or private. Recently, the town learned that it belonged to the prestigious club of 'the most beautiful bays in the world' for the environmental richness of its coastline. It is also part of the 'Ville active et sportive' label, holding a second laurel for this distinction.

A PRESERVED VILLAGE

Ces officiels commune sur les plus hautes podium des distinctions et conforte l'attrait du village. Il compte une magnifique implantation géographique et se présente tel un village-crèche entre mer et colline. C'est pour la partie du village 535 communes

many titles put the steps of the medieval suspended village that the selection was decided from its first participation. François Arizzi, the first magistrate, declared with emotion and pride: 'This rewards its protection thanks to previous generations and the current work of the staff as well as all those who have managed to preserve its beauty'. He highlights the beautification work in the village both by the municipality and by individuals, and notably the restoration of facades, public spaces, and greening. So many efforts that have preserved the heart of this Provençal village from urbanization. And which won over the jury. 'It is a wonderful reward. In fact, I noted the appreciation of the selection committee which mentioned in its statement that this classification of our evidence was like an obvious choice', congratulated the mayor. •

UNANIMOUS REACTIONS:

Meeting the residents of Bormes-les-Mimosas, this obvious choice is confirmed by the unanimous testimonies of these inhabitants, who love their village and are happy to live there. Dany Sperzagn, née Escartefigues, poet, autobiographer, and author of three novels. Since 1988, she has lived with her husband in one of the alleyways she describes so well: 'Bormes-les-Mimosas, this beautiful medieval village where life is good. Wandering through the alleyways on the trail of a past full of mysteries to find yourself outside of time: Rue des Brigands, ruelle des Sarrazins, passage du guet (le portaou), rue des endettés, venelle des amoureux! Contemplating these houses of yesteryear covered in bougainvillea and blazing fuchsias, and when it is hot, to the sound of the cicadas, a short break is essential in the cool shade of the vaulted cuberts. Bormes-les-Mimosas is also, in all seasons, a bouquet of flowers. I remain forever and always in love with this village.' Jean-Pierre Guerry comes from a borméo-lavandouraine family. A shopkeeper selling beach items and gifts in the boutique Le Bilboquet in La Favière, he comments: 'It is a well-deserved reward! Everyone should know that these distinctions are valuable for the village but also for the entire municipality right down to its seafront. In the long run, it is a chance for everyone: locals, shopkeepers, accommodation providers, and holidaymakers. Congratulations on this honorary title!'

carried out for the development.