

Grimaud in 7 days
A week in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
Fancy exploring the famous Gulf of Saint-Tropez?
Let’s begin by spending the first three days in Grimaud, between land, sea, Provence and the French Riviera!
Are you ready? It’s time to go and explore the Gulf of Saint Tropez and some of our neighbouring towns, which have so many surprises in store.




Sainte-Maxime
A lovely walk in Sainte Maxime with its beach in the town centre : what more could you ask for?
A modern seaside resort, come and discover the town of Sainte Maxime via the “20th century architecture” route, or in the little train.
Sainte-Maxime has activities for you to enjoy all year round : the flower parade in winter, the village’s patron Saint festival in mid-season, and the nocturnal market in summer… Plenty of options!
Our favorite spot: the Pointe des Sardinaux. A little beach where you can explore the sea beds or enjoy a picnic in the shade of the pine trees overlooking the beach.
Gassin
If you like typical Provence villages, like Grimaud, you’re sure to love Gassin and Ramatuelle. Get in your car, put on your seat-belt, and take the road to Gassin, which is classified as one of France’s most beautiful villages (label “Plus beaux villages de France”).
Gassin is a charming village, which has been perched on the edge of the hill since the medieval period. One of its main features : it is home to Rue de l’Androuno, the smallest street in the world : 29 cm wide (the length of a ruler !)
This village has an exceptional view of the Gulf of Saint Tropez, and in particular, the Grimaud Castle.
Our favorite spot: from May to mid-October, come and enjoy the remarkable L’Hardy-Denonain botanical gardens. A kind of secret garden with dry-stone wall terraces.

Ramatuelle
The village of Ramatuelle is just as exceptional for history as it is for making new discoveries.
Ramatuelle, built in the shape of a snail ! It’s a real pleasure to wander its streets, the Place de l’Ormeau, prisons built under Napoleon III…
Just like Grimaud and Gassin, this village has some views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, and even of some snow-capped summits in the Alps.
Fancy a breath of salty air ? Say no more, come to L’Escalet beach! One of the prettiest spots in the Gulf of Saint Tropez, we couldn’t let you miss it. L’Escalet beach is a small beach with a wild and natural look about it, with a view of Cap Taillat.
Don’t forget your mask and snorkel in summer (or your wet-suit if it’s chilly!), as the sea beds are a must-see. You’ll also find Pep’s Spirit here if you fancy some paddle-boarding or kayaking.
Our favorite spot: the coastal walk from L’Escalet beach to the isthmus of Cap Taillat.


The Gulf of Saint-Tropez created nature
Le Plan-de-la-Tour, La Garde-Freinet, La Croix Valmer: in the open air.
Located inland or on the seaside, these towns have some simple walks, as well as some challenging hikes for more experienced hikers. Some of them will take you into the heart of the Maures mountains range, others run along the Mediterranean.
You can consult the list of walks in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez to choose your favorite. Our colleagues will be thrilled to give you more information and will help you choose the perfect walk for you. Some can also be done by mountain bike.




The Domaine du Rayol
If the idea of admiring nature from all over the world while staying in Var sounds appealing, we absolutely recommend visiting the Domaine du Rayol Mediterranean gardens! This garden is the complete opposite of gardens known as ‘jardins à la française’ (French formal gardens). Here, there is no geometry, but rather freedom.
Species from all around the world coexist here, adapting to the mild Mediterranean climate. The garden stands alongside the Mediterranean Sea, and you’ll be greeted with a beautiful view, at sea level.
The garden provides tours, workshops, training courses, family activities and there is even an eco-friendly restaurant serving fresh and seasonal produce.
Porquerolles Island
A stone’s throw from the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, there’s a heavenly island. You don’t need to travel to the other side of the globe!
About 60 km from Grimaud is Porquerolles, the pearl of the Iles d’Or islands. There are boat crossings available (depending on the season) from Cavalaire, Le Lavandou, La Londe-les-Maures and Giens peninsula (Hyères).
There are plenty of activities on the island, including diving, MTB hire, jet skiing, boat trips, etc.
Porquerolles is an incredible island, with its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, its exotic walks, coves… What are you waiting for?
Good to know: the number of people allowed on the island is limited. Remember to book your trip in advance.

Saint-Tropez
Coming to the Gulf and not planning on visiting Saint-Tropez? Not possible!
We recommend going there by boat. The Bateaux Verts will take you to Saint-Tropez from Port Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime or Marines de Cogolin.
When you arrive in Saint Tropez by sea, you’ll have the best views of the port and its famous bell tower.
This village is one of the most iconic in the world, and you can’t possibly miss out on this legendary, typically Provençal visit. Between the hustle and bustle of the port and the little cobbled streets in the old village, Saint Tropez will most definitely leave an impression.
French film lovers will recognize some filming locations and you can now visit the Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma (cinema-history museum in a former police station).
Our favorite spot: the citadel of Saint-Tropez, home to the Museum of Maritime History. A modern museum which retraces the history of the inhabitants of St Tropez on the sea.
The citadel also has an outstanding view of the bay and the village.