Skip to main content

Port Grimaud

The little Venice of the Saint Tropez peninsula created in the 1960s

Location
Grimaud
Featured in
Towns & Villages
Updated

Port-Grimaud is a purpose built Venetian-style Provençal village that looks as if it has been there for centuries. In the sixties Alsatian-born architect François Spoerry bought a large piece of swamp by the coast and over four years created one of the most successful property developments in France.

In Port-Grimaud, no two houses are alike. The colours of the stucco vary from cream to ochre, from white to mauve. In front of each home is a private dock, for those who like to keep their yacht within arm's reach.

Spoerry found inspiration for Port-Grimaud in the fishermen's quarter of La Ponche in Saint-Tropez, where pastel-coloured houses line the cobble-stoned streets.

Port-Grimaud isn't just successful with home buyers, but also with tourists who come in droves to wander about the quays and streets, cross the bridges, and take a refreshment at one of the many bars and cafés. Market days are especially popular and are highly recommended.

If you want to avoid those crowds and take in this unique village at your leisure, come in spring or fall. But then the village shows a gloomy side: most of the homes are secondary residences, with the shutters closed during the absence of the owners.

Jump to

  1. History & Culture in Grimaud
  2. Sights & Attractions in Grimaud
  3. Beaches in Grimaud
  4. Dining in Grimaud
  5. Events in Grimaud
  6. Things to do in Grimaud
  7. Cycling in Grimaud
  8. Hiking in Grimaud
  9. Yachts & Sailing in Grimaud
  10. Watersports in Grimaud
  11. Families in Grimaud
  12. Nightlife in Grimaud
  13. Villas in Grimaud
  14. Holidays Rentals in Grimaud
  15. Hotels in Grimaud
  16. Campsites in Grimaud
  17. How to get to Grimaud
  18. Property For Sale in Grimaud

History & Culture in Grimaud

Spoerry was a sailor, but above all an architect with keen insight. The swamp bordering the Mediterranean sea created a lot of nuisance during heavy rains. It would quickly flood and waters spread to nearby Cogolin. Grimaud itself was, as a village, less susceptible, since it lies perched on top of a hill. Its countryside in the lower plains however was equally affected by the floods.

So, when Spoerry approached those in power with his plan to create a Venice-like village with canals, bridges, and quays, with an infrastructure that would combat the flooding of the lands, he received easy permission. First, he designed half of the village, about 1,000 houses and so the story goes he quickly sold most of them while still in the planning process (mainly to Swiss buyers). With those proceeds he continued with the planning for the second part of Port-Grimaud.

Sights & Attractions in Grimaud

The Romanesque church (with Vassarely's stained windows) is a must. Spoerry, who died a few years ago, rests in a tomb inside the church.

Sights in Grimaud

See all Sights in Grimaud

Beaches in Grimaud

And after your walk through the village, you can gather your bathing materials and head for the beach of Port-Grimaud, from where you have a lovely view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The end of the afternoon holds a special surprise, when the late sun spreads a golden glow over the town of Saint-Tropez at the end of the bay.

In the high season, it's quite a struggle to find a good spot. However, if you arrive early in the morning, you have a good chance of some privacy. Holiday makers, particularly those on the Côte d'Azur, like to sleep in.

Beaches in Saint-Tropez

See all Beaches in Saint-Tropez

Dining in Grimaud

Restaurants in Grimaud

See all Restaurants in Grimaud

Events in Grimaud

Events in Grimaud

See all Events in Grimaud

Things to do in Grimaud

Even with the hordes of tourists, Port-Grimaud is very much worth a visit.

What could easily have been a kitsch village is in fact a very charming and appealing place. Take a water taxi tour that will pass by areas of the village not reachable on foot.

The market is held on Mondays and Fridays at Place Francois Spoerry, and on Thursdays and Sundays at Place du Marche.

Things To Do in Grimaud

See all Things To Do in Grimaud

Cycling in Grimaud

Cycling Routes in Saint-Tropez

See all Cycling Routes in Saint-Tropez

Hiking in Grimaud

Walking Routes in Saint-Tropez

See all Walking Routes in Saint-Tropez

Yachts & Sailing in Grimaud

Watersports in Grimaud

Watersports in Grimaud

See all Watersports in Grimaud

Nightlife in Grimaud

Bars & Clubs in Grimaud

See all Bars & Clubs in Grimaud

Villas in Grimaud

Villas in Grimaud

See all Villas in Grimaud

Holidays Rentals in Grimaud

Holiday Rentals in Grimaud

See all Holiday Rentals in Grimaud

Hotels in Grimaud

Hotels in Grimaud

See all Hotels in Grimaud

Campsites in Grimaud

How to get to Grimaud

Transfers for Saint-Tropez

See all Transfers for Saint-Tropez

Property For Sale in Grimaud

Property for Sale in Grimaud

See all Property for Sale in Grimaud

Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in Saint-Tropez and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this glamorous Riviera town.

See allLatest News & Reviews

Upcoming Events

Saint-Tropez is well-known for its annual sailing regattas, including the Rolex Cup and the Voiles de Saint-Tropez. There are also some more traditional festivals that you can attend such as the Bravades. Musical events are mainly focused on classical and jazz music and the very popular Place des Lices market takes place every week.

See allUpcoming Events
the main market square in sarlat la caneda
Le Challenge Interclubs Regatta, Golfe de Saint-Tropez
International Air Festival 2020, Frejus
What's On in Saint Tropez September 2018
Les Voiles de St Tropez
Chestnut Festival, Collobrieres