Bonjour! Welcome to Grimaud, a charming French town with a long history and a rich cultural heritage. It extends from the coastline to the inland and can be divided into two main parts: a hilltop medieval village and the coastal area of Port Grimaud. In Grimaud Village, you’ll be transported back in time while wandering around old stone buildings and cobblestone streets. In Port Grimaud, commonly known as Little Provençal Venice, you’ll enjoy canals and bridges, alleys and colorful houses, as well as the sea, and sand on lovely beaches. Keep reading and discover things to do in Port Grimaud and Grimaud Village in the South of France.
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Grimaud, France FAQ
Grimaud is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in the Var department in Southeastern France. It sits between the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the Massif des Maures mountain range. Grimaud neighbors world-renowned Saint-Tropez, and is just a short drive from other popular nearby places like Cannes or Saint-Raphael.
These two are the two main parts of Grimaud, where most tourists come. Yet, Port Grimaud and Grimaud Village are very different from each other, offering completely different experiences and things to do. Port Grimaud is a fairly modern coastal area full of canals, boats, colorful houses, and beaches. Grimaud Village is the oldest part of the town perched on the hill with a medieval vibe and amazing views.
Grimaud Village is located only about 6km from Port Grimaud.
Grimaud is best known for the Port Grimaud area, aka Little Provencal Venice. Also, thanks to its close proximity to Saint-Tropez it’s one of the most popular holiday destinations on the French Riviera featuring beautiful beaches. Grimaud is also home to a charming medieval village and Grimaud Castle from which amazing views extend.
Sure thing! Grimaud is one of the most unique destinations to visit on Cote d’Azur. Whether you are into strolling among the town’s streets and discovering its history and secrets, boating or admiring boats, or just relaxing on sandy beaches – there’s something for you in Grimaud that makes it worth visiting.
Things to do in Grimaud Village
Grimaud Old Town streets
Grimaud medieval village is located inland, about 6km from the Port Grimaud and beaches. It was built high on the hill and thanks to its strategic location it was once the biggest and the most important village in the area. The village even gave its name to the “Gulf of Grimaud”, which was changed at the end of the 19th century and became the current, well-known “Gulf of Saint Tropez”.
Nowadays, Grimaud village is a place where you’ll feel like stepping back in time. Its old town is fairly small and there’s no better way of getting to know it than just getting lost among the narrow cobbled streets and squares full of centuries-old buildings and historical sites. Just let yourself be carried away by the beauty and sooner or later you’ll discover every nook and cranny. Grimaud did a really nice job of keeping the charm and vibe of a medieval village.
What’s more, Grimaud is classified as a Ville Fleurie, a flower town. You can admire it in all its glory during the spring and summer months. We can imagine that it’s really lovely to stroll around even more colorful streets, full of amazing scents.
Among Grimaud’s old town streets, you’ll find points of interest like the Church of Saint-Michael, Grimaud Castle, Templar Street, Penitents Chapel, Place du Cros square, and Saint-Roch Chapel. There are also many restaurants and cafes as well as small shops. Oh, and of course many nice views!
Grimaud Tourist Office is located on Route Nationale, at the bottom of the old town. Right next to it, you’ll find stairs and a lift that will take you up to the village.
Discover: Accommodation options in Grimaud
Grimaud Castle
Grimaud Castle (fr. Château de Grimaud) is located on the highest point in the village. Its first version dates back to the 11th century, and over the centuries it was strengthened and enlarged. At the end of the 18th century, after the French Revolution, the castle was abandoned and destroyed.
Nowadays Grimaud Castle is partially restored but still mostly in ruins – there are some walls, stairs, and the tower. All reminding of Grimaud’s former greatness. The castle was classified as a Historical Monument in 1996.
From the top, you can admire magnificent views over the coast and village surroundings – this is what makes the castle worth visiting. Grimaud Castle can be visited for free and is open 24 hours.
Templar Street
While strolling among Grimaud’s old town you can’t miss Templar Street (fr. Rue des Templiers) which you’ll find right next to the Church of Saint-Michael. Back in its heyday, it was the main street of the village with shops and businesses under the arcades on the ground floor, and wealthy families living on the upper floors.
Wondering where the name came from? Did Templar Knights stay in one of the buildings in the street? Well, it looks like the mystery surrounding the name remains unsolved to this day and it seems that the Templars in Grimaud are nothing more than a legend.
Along the street, behind the arcades, you can also find Arcades House (fr. Maison des Arcades). It’s a building dating from the 15th century, whose facade and cellar are classified as Historical Monuments. Since 2018, it has been a place of culture featuring various exhibitions. To check current opening hours visit visitgrimaud.co.uk website.
Book now: Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud Full-Day Tour
Church of Saint-Michael
Church of Saint-Michael (fr. Église Saint-Michel) is located in the heart of Grimaud Old Town. It was built in the 12th century in Roman Provençal style to replace the previous temple. Since then it has been modified a few times, and the bell tower was added in the 16th century. It’s quite simple both from the outside and inside.
The church houses a fresco dating back to 1850 presenting St. Michel, St. Peter, and St. Bartholomew, as well as stained glass windows made in 1975. It can be visited for free during opening hours.
Right next to the church, on Place de l’Église square, you’ll also find a viewpoint with great views over the coast and Grimaud surroundings.
Saint-Roch Mill
A bit outside of the old town, about 500m from the Church of Saint-Michael, you’ll find Saint-Roch mill (fr. Moulin Saint-Roch). It was built in the 16th century on a strategic, windy spot. It’s one of the 9 mills that were built in the area. Saint-Roch mill stopped operating at the beginning of the 20th century but in the 1990s the roof, the blades, and the mechanics were restored. Mill is also well-visible from Grimaud Castle.
While near Saint-Roch Mill, you can also take a quick look at a small, 17th-century Saint-Roch Chapel (fr. Saint-Roch Chapelle) after which the windmill takes its name.
If you’re up for a short walk in nature, from Saint-Roch Mill you can also easily visit the 16th-century Fairy Bridge (fr. Pont des Fées). The route starts from the cemetery car park below the mill.
Penitents Chapel
Penitents Chapel (fr. Chapelle des Pénitents) was built at the end of the 15th century at the entrance to the village. For some time, it was home to the White Penitents congregation which helped the local population. Penitents Chapel is small and very simple-looking, both from the inside and outside. Inside, you’ll find a 17th-century altarpiece, the Pietà painted by Paul-Emile Barberi in 1808, relics of Saint Theodore, and a variety of other statues. The chapel can be visited for free during opening hours.
Things to do in Port Grimaud
Port Grimaud is a fairly new addition to the town, located about 6km from the village. It was created in the 1960s by architect François Spoerry, by modifying the marshes of the river Giscle. After the success of the first phase of the development, Port Grimaud was extended in the 1970s and 1990s.
It was built in Venetian-style channels and with simple French houses resembling those in Saint-Tropez. Thanks to this, Port Grimaud gained a “Little Venice of Provence” nickname. In 2002 it was listed as the “20th Century Heritage Site”.
Discover: Accommodation options in Port Grimaud
What can you do in Port Grimaud? Just wander along the canals, admire colorful waterfront houses, and climb some of the 14 bridges. You can also rent a boat (no gondolas, sorry!) or explore the area with a guided boat trip and see Port Grimaud from a different perspective. When hungry, visit one of the cafes or restaurants serving fresh Mediterranean food. Port Grimaud isn’t big and it won’t take you long to see it all – 2 hours will be more than enough.
There aren’t any particular points of interest in Port Grimaud but be sure not to miss Saint-Francis of Assisi Church (fr. Église Saint-François d’Assise). It’s a simple building, also designed by François Spoerry. Inside you can admire 25 stained-glass windows created by Victor Vasarely, and the tomb of Mr. Spoerry. For €1 you can also go all the way up to the bell tower, where you’ll enjoy an amazing view of Port Grimaud’s network of islands and canals.
Port Grimaud Tourist Office is located at 667 Rue de l’Amarrage.
Book now: Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud Full-Day Tour
Grimaud beaches
We don’t think anyone needs to be convinced that Cote d’Azur is a real beach paradise. And along the Grimaud coastline, you’ll also find some amazing ones, perfect for soaking up the sun and taking a refreshing dip in azure waters. What’s more, it looks like Grimaud beaches are a little bit less crowded and more peaceful, even in the high season!
In Grimaud, the beach choice might not be as wide as in the other towns, but available beaches lack nothing and don’t disappoint.
Here are popular Grimaud beaches:
- Plage de Grimaud – main town’s beach, located close to Port Grimaud. It’s sandy, long and wide. It features calm clear waters and scenic views over Saint-Tropez. There are toilets, showers, beach bars, and a paid parking lot available on site.
- Plage Les Cigales – isolated sandy+pebble beach, located 5km from Port Grimaud. It features amazing views over Saint Tropez and a small lighthouse. There are amenities like showers and toilets. It’s not supervised.
- Plage du Gros Pin – peaceful small and sandy beach with a naturist area, hidden behind the pine trees. There is a parking lot on site with a few spots, but no showers or toilets.
Other nice beaches in Grimaud include Plage de Guerrevielle, Plage Du Vieux Moulin, and Plage Saint-Pons-les-Mures.
Remember to bring everything you might need and have an amazing time on one of the beaches!
How to get to Grimaud, France?
Grimaud is located about 15km from Saint-Tropez, 35km from Frejus or Saint-Raphael, 70km from Cannes, and 110 km from Nice. Grimaud Village is located about 6km from Port Grimaud. The most convenient way to get to the town is by car or bus.
Where to park in Grimaud?
In Grimaud village, your best option is to leave your car in Parking Les terrasses de Grimaud located at the bottom of the old town, right next to the Tourist Office. It’s free in low season, and paid in high – but it’s fairly cheap.
In Port Grimaud, you have to leave your car at one of the paid car parks outside the port, for example in Parking Port Grimaud located close to the entrance. We chose this parking lot (it was free in low season) a little bit further.
For great car rental deals visit Rentalcars website.
To Grimaud by bus
You can quite easily reach Grimaud/Port Grimaud by bus. For example, a trip from Saint-Tropez will take about 20min (€3), and 1h from Saint-Raphael (€2-5). To learn more about bus connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
To Grimaud by train
The closest train station to Grimaud is located in Saint-Raphael, 35km away. You can easily get there from many places on the coast like Nice, Cannes, Menton, or Villefranche-sur-Mer. Then you can take a bus or taxi to Grimaud. To learn more about train/bus connections that might interest you visit sncf.com or rome2rio.com website.
For great train ticket deals visit Trainline website.
Camping Grimaud
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Camping de la Plage Grimaud, or Holiday Marina Resort might interest you. They are located around Grimaud.
To Grimaud with an organized tour
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can always take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details. For a wide selection and well-reviewed tour options be sure to visit GetYourGuide or Viator.
Things to do in Port Grimaud & Grimaud Village, France – Summing up
Now you know what Grimaud village and Port Grimaud are all about. It’s an interesting and charming area, isn’t it? Rich history, charming village, interesting coastal area, magnificent beaches, stunning views… There’s something for everyone in Grimaud and we’re sure that every traveler will find a perfect activity for himself. This town is a great place to slow down for a bit and enjoy the charm of the South of France. We wish you a great time in Grimaud!
Our video from Grimaud
Our opinion about Grimaud
For us, a visit to Grimaud was a day trip, combined with a visit to Saint-Tropez, from nearby Cannes where we lived for a few weeks. We visited it in early December and during that time both the village and port area were quiet, with just a handful of other tourists. First, we explored Grimaud village and then drove to Port Grimaud – we needed about 4 hours to explore both places.
Unfortunately, neither the village nor the port impressed us that much. Both were nice and pleasant with nothing to complain about, but also with nothing special to remember. From this particular day, we remember Saint-Tropez much better.
What did we like most? Strolling along the canals while admiring colorful houses and boats, views over the surroundings from Grimaud Castle, and spending some lovely time on the magnificent Plage de Grimaud. Oh, and the nice and tranquil vibe of the area. Overall, Grimaud might not be the most exciting place on Cote d’Azur but we think it’s worth a visit. And it could be a great spot for tranquil summer holidays.
Book now: Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud Full-Day Tour
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Port Grimaud & Grimaud Village?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Port Grimaud & Grimaud Village:
Where to sleep in Port Grimaud & Grimaud Village?
Le Suffren Hôtel
Located in the heart of Port Grimaud, Le Suffren Hotel offers stylish accommodation with stunning views of the marina and the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel boasts contemporary rooms and suites, each elegantly designed and equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy leisurely moments with amazing views and explore the charming streets and waterfront promenades of this unique village.
Hôtel La Boulangerie
Located in the heart of Grimaud "Hôtel La Boulangerie" offers charming accommodations in a historic, lush green setting. The hotel combines traditional charm with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy the cozy ambiance, explore the surrounding cobblestone streets, and relax in the tranquil courtyard garden with stunning pool.
La Maison du Prince
Nestled in the picturesque village of Grimaud, "La Maison du Prince" offers elegant and intimate accommodation in a historic setting. This charming guesthouse features beautifully appointed rooms with traditional décor and modern amenities, providing guests with a comfortable and authentic experience. With its tranquil atmosphere and convenient location near the village square, it's an ideal retreat for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway in the French countryside.
Accommodations photos source: booking.com
