Grimaud, Golfe de Saint Tropez
Hilltop village which has maintained its medieval character
In summer there is no better place to enjoy the lush flowers of the bougainvillea, plumbago or oleander than in the pretty village of Grimaud. Close to the Mediterranean sea on the first hilltop before the Massif des Maures, Grimaud sits there with a cocky attitude that says: we've been here for ages and that's the way it's going to be for centuries to come.
Saint-Tropez may have won the celebrity contest and claimed the name of the Gulf, but Grimaud wins the fame for prettier village. The word "pretty" comes to mind constantly when you walk the cobble-stoned streets and alleys. Meticulously swept and scrubbed each morning by the workers of the commune, they lead you up and down, through archways and around sharp corners to a new alley or surprise you with a fountain on a private square.
In the narrow streets you find many restaurants, boutiques, and galleries that display local artists. Before you allow yourself to be drawn into the local shops or galleries, pay a visit to the Church of St. Michel, a wonder from the 11th century, Romanesque without a Gothic addition. Spartan, but pure. Sit down in one of the pews and let you imagination go back centuries ago.
The prettiness of Grimaud comes at a price. Or I should say, the price of the village contributes to its prettiness. Grimaud is one of the richest villages of France. In part, because the village houses are bought up by foreigners and restored to perfection. In the surrounding area, villas dot the landscape, most of them owned by outsiders. The tax revenue for secondary homes is substantial. When you see the daily watering of flowers, the scrubbing of the streets, you know that the village budget is ample. But the main revenue for Grimaud comes from its hugely successful satellite village on the water, Port-Grimaud.
Along with a couple of cafe's and restaurants, you'll find a local butcher, baker and fruit 'n' veg shop. In the centre you'll find a boules pitch which you try yourself or watch others from one of the benches that line the square. There are two or three galleries/gift shops, but most of your time here should be spent wandering the little cobbled back streets that hide a wealth of charming, flower-covered houses.
History & Culture in Grimaud
Grimaud is a fine example of the medieval perched village, and is towered over by the ruins of the 11th century Grimaud castle. The Grimaldi family (those of Monaco fame) were the seigneurs of the castle and gave their name to the village. The castle has always been so dominant in the region with its vast view over the sea, that the gulf below was known as the Gulf of Grimaud until the late 19th century. Now the waters are know as the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
This village has been extremely well restored, with warm stone and Provencal-painted buildings, vaulted passageways and fountains in pretty squares. It's quite a sleepy place with a traditional feel, and in the centre you'll find a boules pitch where you can have a game or just watch the locals play from one of the benches that line the square. If heading to Port Grimaud, you'll discover a modern town that has been designed to look like an old Provencal town built on canal waterways, with pastel-coloured buildings sitting by the pretty port. Despite only having been designed and built in 1998, the architect has succeeded in making this village look and feel quite authentic - and a really rather pleasant place to be.
Sights & Attractions in Grimaud
Follow the steps up to the ruined 11th century castle, 'Chateau de Grimaud', which was destroyed by Richelieu during the 17th century Wars of Religion. There are commanding views of the countryside and coast from up here. Back in the village the 12th century Romanesque Saint-Michel is worth a look, as well as the 15th century Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs. Just outside the village is an old flour mill with a beautiful restored windmill, or you can head further afield to the ruins of the aqueduct at Pont de Fées. You can also take a walking tour of the village, pick up a pamphlet at the tourist office.
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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Abbaye du Thoronet
One of the famous Cistercian abbeys, the Abbaye du Thoronet was built in the late 12th century. This is a magical place, set in beautiful countryside of the Var. The abbey is wonderfully tranquil, surrounded as it is by woods and small streams.
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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.
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Les Grottes de Villecroze, Villecroze
These caves were formed some 700,000 years at the end of the last ice age. They are the the result of a slow calcification of plants and mosses in a huge waterfall that covered the whole of the current cliff.
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.
Events in Grimaud
With craft fairs and village fetes you will not be short of things to keep you entertained in Grimaud or around the Port area. Make sure you check our events calendar so that you don't miss out.
Events in Grimaud
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Fête du Romerage
A very traditional religious parade accompanied by folk dancing and music, and finished with three short theatre pieces.
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Fête de la Chataignes - Chestnut festival, Collobrières
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
Things to do in Grimaud
Situated on the edge of the Massif des Maures, Grimaud is in a fantastic spot for outdoor pursuits. The Maures have many hiking and mountain-biking trails which pass by Grimaud, including the long-range hiking trail GR51.
From Grimaud villlage you can also take a short hike to the beautiful ruins of the old aqueduct at Pont de Fees.
On summer nights, one of the best activities of the area is to head up to the ruins of the castle, where one section has been transformed into an outdoor theatre with a program of events, including a world music festival 'Les Grimaldines' in July.
Down on the coast, Port Grimaud is near the end of the GR9 hiking trail or you can take a diving excursion to explore the coast underwater. Why not rent a boat for the day and head out on the Golfe de Saint Tropez, stopping at sandy beaches and quiet coves along the way.
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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Cable Wakeboarding, Le Muy
Cable park on Lake Rabinon (5 hectares) where you can water ski, knee board, and wake board.
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Sunforce Watersports, Ramatuelle
Sun Force is located on the famous Pampelonne beach. Its owner, Pierre Tourneq, has been running this business for over 30 years, surrounded by a fully qualified team.
Hotels in Grimaud
As Grimaud is a slightly less expensive alternative to its neighbour St Tropez, it's a popular place to be based. There are a couple of very nice local boutique hotels in or near the village, plus a good selection of B&B's. Further accommodation options can be found Saint Tropez itself.
Hotels in Grimaud
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Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
6 September 20257 NightsIn the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Price: €974
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Renaissance Hotel
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
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Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel & Spa, Mane
A partnership between those in charge at l’Occitane (natural beauty products) and professionals working in the hotel and spa sectors.
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La Maison d'Aix Hotel
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
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Moulin de Lourmarin Hotel, Lourmarin
Located in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this former oil mill welcomes its guests in an enchanting setting surrounded by lime trees.
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La Bastide de Gordes Hotel & Spa, Gordes
This is a luxury hotel and spa perched in the heart of Gordes, one of the most beautiful towns in France.
How to get to Grimaud
Port Grimaud, 5km away on the coast, is a modern town designed in the old Provencal style, with a bustling superyacht marina. To get to the old village by public transport, you can take the train to Saint-Raphael, then hop on the bus to Grimaud St-Pons where you can then change for the line 7702 to Grimaud. Alternatively, in the summer a little tourist train (complete with commentary) runs from Port Grimaud up to the village.
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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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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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.
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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.
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
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
Elegant property located in a private estate, within walking distance of the village
Price: €5,900,000
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