Grimaud

Discover Grimaud, a charming village in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez

Grimaud is a destination that checks all the boxes for a vacation in Provence. This medieval village is situated on the hills overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, in the heart of the Maures Mountains, in the Var department.

Perched on a hill, it overlooks both the forest and the coastline. And it has two very distinct faces: the historic village, with its castle, Saint-Michel Church, and Provençal alleyways, and Port Grimaud, the waterfront town designed by architect François Spoerry, a few kilometers below, right on the water’s edge.

In other words, in a single day, you can explore a listed medieval site and stroll along the canals of an internationally renowned marina. Not bad for a town in the Var department that remains much quieter than its neighbor, Saint-Tropez.

The medieval village of Grimaud

The 11th-century castle overlooks the village from its hilltop perch. It’s the first thing you’ll see upon arrival. Designated a Historic Monument, its imposing ruins offer breathtaking views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the wooded hills of the Maures Mountains. Take the time to climb to the top—the panoramic view is well worth the effort.

On the way back down, explore the village on foot, without a set route. You’ll come across the Romanesque-Provençal-style Saint-Michel Church, dating from the late 12th century, which houses a 1850 fresco depicting Saint Michael, Saint Peter, and Saint Bartholomew, as well as contemporary stained-glass windows created in 1975.

On Rue des Arcades, you can admire the Maison des Templiers, a beautiful 16th-century Renaissance-style building with three Gothic arches. A little further on, don’t miss the Saint-Roch mill. Restored by the Compagnons du Tour de France in 1990, it stands on a small hill very close to the village.

And to finish off the walk, head to the Pont des Fées. This “magical” bridge is actually the old aqueduct that supplied the village with water. A beautiful testament to the local heritage, often overlooked by visitors in a hurry—which is a real shame.

Port Grimaud, the lakeside town not to be missed

Just a few kilometers from the medieval village, discover the lakeside town of Port Grimaud, designed by architect François Spoerry, which offers a completely different atmosphere.

It is one of the most famous lakeside towns in the world, yet it has only been around for about fifty years. Everything here is stylish, colorful, and unexpected. It’s a far cry from the old stone walls of the castle—and it is precisely this contrast that makes a visit so interesting.

Port Grimaud has plenty of charm with its canals, colorful houses, and harbor, which is home to many sailboats and pleasure craft. The town has been designated as having “Remarkable Contemporary Architecture”—an official recognition that confirms what visitors feel from the moment they arrive: there is something unique here.

The best way to explore Port Grimaud is by boat. A must-do activity: a tour of the port along the canals, which lets you discover the lakeside town from a whole new perspective. It almost feels like Venice, but with the Var sunshine as a bonus. Locals even call Port Grimaud “Little Venice of Provence.”

If you prefer to stroll on foot, the waterfront and the market are also worth a visit. Plan on spending at least half a day. And if you’re visiting in the summer, arrive early in the morning—Port Grimaud’s international reputation draws thousands of visitors every year, and the parking lot fills up quickly.