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.
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.
Dating back to the 5th century when the baptistery was built makes it the oldest in the Provence region and one of the oldest in France. At this ancient, Merovingian style baptistery you can still see a 5th century baptismal basin for full immersion, as well as Roman columns.
Musee de l'Annonciade - Art Museum
Located in Saint Tropez
The Annonciade museum was created in 1922 and holds impressive art work dating from 1890 to 1950, including some of the greatest French masterminds such as Matisse, Derain and Marquet.
Germaine L'Hardy's Botanical Garden, Gassin
Located in Gassin
Huddled up against the green hills of the village of Gassin, the beautiful private garden of Marie-Thérèse L’Hardy, a botanical fanatic, is quite surprising. Hidden from the heat, this garden is a paradise to wander around.
Musee d'Histoire Maritime
Located in Saint Tropez
Recently renovated, this modern museum is located in the dungeon of the village's Citadel, allowing visitors to discover the true identity of Saint-Tropez as a maritime city through its last 500 years of history.
Archaeology Museum, Fréjus
Located in Frejus
Situated right next to the cloisters of the Cathedral in Fréjus, the museum houses some great examples of Roman artefacts from the ongoing excavations in the city.
La Maison des Papillons - Butterfly Museum
Located in Saint Tropez
The Butterfly Museum is located in the old town, spread across two floors, the collection houses an enormous quantity of different species. There are over 35,000 specimens, including rare types from Africa and South America.
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.
La Bouillabaisse is a more low-key option to the swanky beach clubs on Pampelonne beach and is situated closer to the town of Saint Tropez.
La Ponche Beach
Located 4.9 km away
Plage de la Ponche and its neighbour Plage de la Fontanette are two lovely beaches which you can access directly from the heart of the village.
Graniers Beach
Located 5.5 km away
Plage des Graniers is a beautiful, small sandy bay surrounded by greenery and a few Provençal villas.
Canoubiers Beach
Located 7.1 km away
This beach is situated around the coastline from Plage des Graniers, and sits close to the main road of Route des Salins, so access from St-Tropez town is fairly easy.
Pampelonne Beach
Located 8.0 km away
Pampelonne Beach is the beach most people associate with Saint-Tropez. This is where you will find the A-listers, the famous beach clubs, and the super yachts resting in the bay.
Salins Beach
Located 9.4 km away
Located north of the infamous stretch known as Pampelonne beach and about 7km from the town of Saint-Tropez, Plage des Salins is a little slice of wilderness.
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.
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
Luxury Jack III Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Pampelonne & Cap Camarat Boat Trip
Located in Saint Tropez
Running every Wednesday, this trip departs from St Tropez, taking you on a tour to discover the beautiful landscapes and beaches along the coast.
Gulf of Saint Tropez Boat Trip
Located in Saint Tropez
Running every Saturday, this trip departs from St Tropez, taking you on a tour to discover the beautiful landscapes around the Gulf of St Tropez.
The restaurant of the Bastide de Saint-Tropez hotel is run by Sardinian chef, Alessandro Caria, and his team.
Colette Restaurant
Renowned for its fine and distinguished cuisine, the talented chef creates tasty southern flavoured compositions served on the luxury terrace.
Les Toits Lounge
Located in Saint Tropez
A magical place that gives you the feeling of being suspended between sky and sea, overlooking the sunbaked rooftops of Saint-Tropez and the wonderful Mediterranean Sea.
La Voile Restaurant, Ramatuelle
Open to all, the starred restaurant provides an opportunity to get to know La Réserve Ramatuelle in the most delicious possible manner.
La Palmeraie Restaurant, La Croix Valmer
In the heart of an Andalusian garden or on the terrace opening on to the park, you can enjoy a dinner under the stars in a calm and authentic Provencal environment.
La Ponche Restaurant
Located in Saint Tropez
The gourmet restaurant’s secluded dining room offers a splendid view on Saint-Tropez’s bay. In total secrecy, the hosts can dream along as they admire beautiful landscapes that resemble works of art.
