The project of the Path of the Wise was born during a session of the Council of Elders formed by 9 women and 9 men aged 60 and over, chosen for their wise experience by the Municipal Councillors. That day, the subject of reflection was the question of how to bring our republican motto “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” to life?
The birth of the Path of the Sages
The idea germinated that sprinkle the city with sentences emanating from famous women and men, globally recognized for their wisdom and their humanism, could challenge the awareness of passers-by Borméens as tourists. In order to justify this bold and innovative project in the eyes of the Mayor and his Municipal Council, the decision was taken to combine this route with historical plaques which were to be installed on the city's emblematic monuments. The members of the Council of Elders then determined the route of this path within the medieval village and worked on the support, texts, images and symbols of these plates.
Le butterfly symbol was chosen because it represents joy, beauty, grace and lightness of being. It refers to the power of personal transformation by its strong power of rebirth. Indeed, before being a butterfly, this insect is first an egg, then it becomes a caterpillar before being a chrysalis and finally a butterfly. Each new step symbolizes a change in life, the let go on what you were to appreciate what you have become. As a symbol of wisdom, This animal is a source of inspiration in life. Under his fragile appearances,
The butterfly has a great strength. Indeed, his life is fleeting (life span of a few days to a few weeks) and yet, it spreads joy and good humor by the grace and beauty of its flight, enjoying every moment that nature offers it. So why not do like the butterfly, to approach with confidence everything that life offers us, good or bad experience, because after all it only lasts a moment. These experiences are not the past the better preparation for the future allowing us to move forward more serenely on the paths of life?
The biography of Pericles
Athenian strategist, orator, statesman and father of democracy
Aristocrat, from a great noble family, he participated at a very young age in the political life of the Athenian Republic. Il supports the democratic regime, and promotes, through various measures, the participation of all citizens in city affairs. Pericles gave his name to a century, not so much by his brilliant talents as a statesman, and especially as a politician, as thanks to the quite exceptional duration of his political preeminence in the Athenian democracy which had reached its peak. He is the architect of the Athenian splendor, makes Athens pass from all-out war to pacifism.
He relies on the prestige of his cultural and social achievements, impose Athenian hegemony to the still independent Greek cities. It promotes the arts and literature and adorns Athens with admirable monuments (the Propylaea, the Parthenon, etc.). Great admirer of philosophers and artists (Sophocles, Socrates) he made his homeland the model democracy that provided subsistence and work to all his fellow citizens. Under his leadership, Athens becomes a major artistic, cultural and literary center, but its supremacy and its imperialism arouses the jealousy of other city-states Greeks, especially from Sparta, its long-time rival. Pericles died of the plague in September 429
The cistern, underground cathedral
Until 1875, the village was supplied with drinking water from wells and fountains. Due to drought and population increase, the municipality decides to build a cistern to guarantee a constant water supply. The cistern, fed mainly by the source of the Landon hills, has a capacity of 1500 m³ and is located underground, below the small stadium near the school.
Over the years, the supply system in water is regularly revised to cope with the rapid growth of tourism. Waste water is no longer poured into tank carts, but into more modern solutions are considered. In 1907, at a meeting of the Municipal Council, the need for better water supply to meet the needs of the inhabitants of Lavandou and Bormes is discussed. A request is then made to the prefect. In 1913, Bormes obtains the status of climatic station, which leads to increased requirements in terms of health, hygiene and sanitation.
In 1919, during the Spanish flu epidemic, emptying septic tanks became a concern to prevent the spread of infections. In 1922, it was decided that the village of Bormes, as a health resort, must to equip oneself with infrastructure meeting the needs of hygiene and beautification. In 1924, the municipalities of Lavandou and Bormes are connected to the groundwater of the Batailler plain to solve the problem of running water in homes. In 1933, showers and sinks were installed in the municipal school for the well-being of the students.
During the Second World War, water supply network is damaged and in 1945, the municipality rations water by distributing power supply cards giving right to 10 liters per day per person. Water shortages persist for several decades, but the construction of the Canal de Provence and the Trapan dam in 1969 allows to compensate for the lack of water, especially during the summer months. Despite this, it still happens, even in the 70s, that thewater supply or, temporarily interrupted as a cost-saving measure for ensure access for all.
Also find the Path of the Sages on Baludik!
To discover the fun and geolocated route, scan this QR code. Games and surprises await you with the Baludik application.