Embark on a captivating journey along the Chemin des Sages, a project born from a visionary gathering of the Conseil des Sages, composed of wise individuals aged 60 and above, carefully chosen by local councilors for their wealth of experience. Inspired by the core principles of our Republican motto “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité,” the council sought to breathe life into these ideals in the town of Bormes.
The Concept Takes Flight
A groundbreaking idea emerged during the council’s meeting—to adorn the town with phrases from renowned men and women, celebrated worldwide for their wisdom and humanism. The goal was to ignite the conscience of both passers-by and tourists, fostering a deeper connection with these universal values. To gain the support of the Mayor and the Council, the decision was made to integrate this pathway with the installation of historical plaques on the town’s iconic monuments. The members of the Conseil des Sages then meticulously designed the route through the medieval village and dedicated themselves to creating the perfect support, texts, images, and symbols for these plaques.
The butterfly, symbolizing joy, beauty, grace, and lightness of being, was chosen as the emblem of the project. Its transformative journey mirrors the essence of personal growth and rebirth. Just like the butterfly, we too experience different stages in life—a profound metamorphosis that allows us to release our past and embrace the beauty of who we’ve become. Symbolizing wisdom, the butterfly becomes a boundless source of inspiration. Beneath its delicate exterior lies an unwavering strength. Despite its ephemeral lifespan of a few days or weeks, the butterfly brings joy and exuberance through its graceful flight, fully savoring every moment that nature presents. Let us, like the butterfly, fearlessly embrace the experiences life offers us, both good and bad, knowing that they are fleeting. After all, our past experiences provide the best preparation for the future, allowing us to tread life’s paths with serenity.
The biography of Pericles
Pericles, a brilliant strategist, captivating orator, and esteemed Athenian statesman, is often hailed as the father of democracy. Born into an aristocratic family, he immersed himself in the political life of the Athenian Republic from an early age. His unwavering support for the democratic system and his advocacy for the involvement of all citizens in civic affairs set him apart as a true champion of Athenian democracy during its zenith.
Pericles’ influence on the Athenian Republic was so profound that he lent his name to an entire century. Not solely due to his genius as a statesman, but primarily for his exceptional and enduring political dominance. From the helm of leadership, he masterfully guided Athens through times of war, ultimately steering the city towards an era of pacifism and prosperity.
He leveraged the prestige of Athens’ cultural and social achievements to assert the city’s dominance over other independent Greek cities. Pericles actively promoted arts and literature, adorning Athens with magnificent monuments such as the Propylaea and the Parthenon. His admiration for philosophers and artists like Sophocles and Socrates further enriched Athens, transforming it into a model democracy that provided support and opportunities for all citizens.
The cistern, an underground cathedral
Until 1875, the charming village relied on wells and fountains to provide its residents with drinking water. However, with droughts becoming more frequent and the population steadily growing, the need for a constant water supply became evident. To address this challenge, the municipality took a crucial step by constructing an underground cistern, strategically positioned below the small stadium near the school. Fed primarily by the Landon Hills spring, this cistern boasts an impressive capacity of 1,500 m³, ensuring a reliable water source for the village.
As tourism thrived and the village prospered, the water supply system underwent regular upgrades to meet the demands of the burgeoning population. Outdated methods, such as pouring wastewater into tank carts, were replaced with more modern solutions. In 1907, during a pivotal Town Council meeting, the pressing need for an improved water supply to cater to the inhabitants of both Le Lavandou and Bormes was highlighted, leading to an official request to the Prefect. Subsequently, in 1913, Bormes earned the esteemed status of a health resort, resulting in heightened requirements for hygiene, sanitation, and overall salubrity.
With the outbreak of the Spanish flu epidemic in 1919, the village faced the urgent task of emptying septic tanks to prevent the spread of infection. In 1922, recognizing the significance of proper infrastructure for hygiene and beautification, the village of Bormes, as a health resort, took measures to equip itself accordingly. The following year, in 1924, the communes of Le Lavandou and Bormes established a connection to the underground water table of the Plaine du Batailler, effectively resolving the challenge of running water in homes. By 1933, the installation of showers and washbasins in the local school further improved sanitation facilities for pupils.
However, the onset of the Second World War brought its share of challenges, damaging the water supply network. In 1945, the municipality had to resort to water rationing, distributing water cards entitling each person to a mere 10 liters per day, as they strived to manage the limited resources. Water shortages persisted for several decades, but in 1969, the construction of the Canal de Provence and the Trapan dam offered much-needed relief, particularly during the hot summer months.
Despite these advancements, even in the 1970s, occasional water supply interruptions were implemented as a cost-saving measure to ensure equitable access for all residents. Throughout its history, Bormes les Mimosas has continuously evolved its water supply systems to meet the needs of its community, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of adaptability and resilience.
To experience the full splendor of the Chemin des Sages and delve deeper into the fascinating stories that unfold along this path, we invite you to explore the Baludik app.
Scan the QR code and embark on an interactive journey filled with games, surprises, and a deeper connection to the rich heritage of Bormes.