Port Grimaud
The little Venice of the Saint Tropez peninsula created in the 1960s
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.
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
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Musee de Faykod (De Faykod Museum), Aups
Some 50 white marble sculptures by Maria de Faykod, renowned sculptor with numerous existing works. She had the original idea to open a garden which exhibit some of her work to the public.
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Commanderie de Peyrassol, Flassans sur Issole
Acquired in 2001 the Commanderie de Peyrassol, an old Knights Templar staging post, is now one of the outstanding vineyards of Provence. Its reds, whites and rosés are to be found in the finest dining establishments in France and throughout the world.
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Train Touristique du Centre-Var
Discover the rhythm of the central Var, situated between the Verdon and the Sainte-Victoire (painted by Cezanne) in the north and the beaches of the coast in the south, this is a truly beautiful region.
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Troglodyte Caves & Rocks, Cotignac
Towering an incredible 80 metres above ground this rock face is home to numerous crevices and cave dwellings.
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Plaine des Maures Natural Park, La Garde Freinet
La Plaine des Maures is the first natural park in the Var department, to the north west of Saint Tropez. It is renowned for it's umbrella pines and cork oak trees, and is rich in fauna and flora.
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Chapelle Notre Dame de L’Ormeau, Seillans
A great way to discover the religious heritage of the area and a great example of Romanesque architecture.
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.
Dining in Grimaud
Restaurants in Grimaud
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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Chez Bruno Restaurant
This charming restaurant is located around 30 minutes from Frejus and the French Riviera and is a must visit for lovers of truffles and gastronomic French cuisine.
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
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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.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
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.
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Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Course, Tourrettes
This beautiful golf resort offers two courses, each with 18 holes, set amongst pine and oak trees.
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Golf Course De Roquebrune Resort, Roquebrune-Sur-Argens
Enjoy the best of both worlds at this stunning golf course, with the sparkling waters of the Riviera on one side and the wild Maure mountains on the other.
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Brignoles Karting Loisirs, Brignoles
Experience the thrill and fun of karting in a safe and friendly environment.
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Grimaud Karting Loisir, Grimaud
Together with electronic timing, GKL offer you top equipment and professional support for your karting experience.
How to get to Grimaud
Transfers for Provence
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Events-Cars Taxi, Grigan
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
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Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Avignon City Taxis
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Radio Aixois Taxi
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
Property For Sale in Grimaud
Property for Sale in Grimaud
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Villa for Sale
Located in a sought-after area not far from Gigaro beach, this plot offers open views of the sea (on a side) and countryside.
Price: €756,000
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Villa for Sale
Magnificent renovated farm house just a few minutes from Pampelonne beach and Saint-Tropez
Price: €5,490,000
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Villa for Sale
Nestled in the heart of the prestigious Terre Blanche estate, this superb property of approximately 428 m² of living space is set on one hectare of landscaped grounds, one of the largest on the estate, offering spectacular views of the surrounding hilltop villages and a rare living environment that is both luxurious and peaceful.
Price: €9,800,000
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Villa for Sale
Villa with private pool in the centre of the village of Saint-Tropez
Price: €5,250,000
