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Port Grimaud
A unique lakeside town
From marshland to lacustrian town
The fascinating story of Port Grimaud
Did you know? Port Grimaud, this little gem on the French Riviera, was born thanks to the over-active imagination of architect François Spoerry, and his plans for inhospitable marshland! Inspired by the canals of Venice and the charm of Provence, his dream was to create a village where each house had its own private access to the water. A truly revolutionary concept at the time!
Construction began in 1966 and very quickly Port Grimaud became the place we now know: a much sought-after destination with those who are passionate about the sea and enjoying the water. With its winding canals, pretty bridges and colourful houses, Port Grimaud is the living testimony to Spoerry’s vision and passion, a place where history, charm and innovation come together in perfect harmony.
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Port Grimaud Cite Lacustre Cote D Azur 61Port Grimaud Cite Lacustre Cote D Azur 103What actually is a lacustrian town?
Port Grimaud is often nicknamed the ‘Little Venice of Provence’. And rightly so! It is a lacustrian town.
Just picture this… A place where the streets are replaced by canals and cars replaced by boats… Sounds magical doesn’t it?
A lacustrian town is defined as a village built onto a lake, pond or marshland… Or any shoreline that is often flooded when the water levels rise.
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Port Grimaud Cite Lacustre Cote D Azur 97Boat trip
A whole host of activities
Sailing along the canals of Port Grimaud is a great way to explore the ‘Little Venice of Provence’ from a unique angle! Board the ‘coches d’eau’ water taxis or an electric boat and set sail to discover the hidden treasures of this lacustrian town. You could also choose to let an experienced captain guide you, such as Laurent! Always ready to share his stories about the enigmatic Port Grimaud.
If you’d take the helm yourselves, why not hire an electric boat that doesn’t require a boating permit? Sail at your own pace for a day and embrace the magic of Port Grimaud.
An adventure awaits you my hearties!
A stroll around the markets of Provence
What would Provence be without its famous markets… And vice versa? The markets are a real institution in Var, representing the very soul of life in the south of France.
Between the sing-song accents and the sun-kissed products, Provence really knows how to entice all the senses.
In Port Grimaud, these markets are unmissable for both locals and tourists alike. Grab your shopping basket and come and treat yourselves to some fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, deli meats and other homemade specialities. Our mouths are already watering!
In Port Grimaud, the markets are held from April to October, Thursday and Sunday mornings.
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Marche Nocturne Port Grimaud Cote D Azur 17The summer night market
Every Monday evening in July and August, the docks in Port Grimaud are lined with stalls for the summer evening market. This is an unmissable event for fans of local products and leisurely strolls.
The summer evening market in Port Grimaud is organised by Plein v’Arts and it is the absolutely perfect place for a leisurely stroll around the stalls. The creators showcase their endless imagination, producing wonderful creations made from wood, iron, leather, glass or fabric! This is also the ultimate place to pick up some holiday souvenirs.
Are you feeling peckish? Near the market, there are plenty of restaurants and local ice cream parlours so you can end your day on a gourmet note.
An augmented reality tour
Plunge into the history of Port Grimaud with Archistoire, an augmented reality application that will transform your smartphone into an interactive guide. Whether you’re actually there or in the comfort of your home on the sofa, you’ll have the secrets and anecdotes of Provençal history in the palm of your hand as you pass ‘from dream to reality’.
And if you’d like to take your exploration a bit further, Archistoire also has tours of La Garde-Freinet, Saint-Tropez and Cap Camarat. Download the application and set off on an immersive, easy-to-access voyage to the heart of the history of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez!
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Port Grimaud Cite Lacustre Cote D Azur 109The most beautiful views of Port Grimaud
Port Grimaud boasts a mosaic of fantastic views that all capture the essence of the lacustrian town. Grab your camera and make sure you don’t miss any of them!
– The bridge between the Place des Artisans and the Place du Marché is the most photographed location in Port Grimaud. And rightly so! The view of the lacustrian town from there is exceptional.
– The Tour des Célibataires resembles a stronghold and adds an impressive touch to the town, much like a welcoming fortress for visitors.
– The panoramic view from the Church of Saint-François d’Assise has to be earned, after climbing the 78 winding steps to the top.
– The colourful little fishing boat in the Rue du Septentrion.
– François Spoerry’s house can be seen from the church terrace, on a stroll along the docks, or for a more original perspective, on an electric boat trip.
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Port Grimaud Cite Lacustre Cote D Azur 72Beauty is hidden in the details in Port Grimaud
It may just be a minor detail for you, but to Port Grimaud it means a lot! Here, every little place has its own special personality. We can’t resist the temptation to reveal some of our favourites:
– The trompe-l’œil of the woman of Provence at the Place du Marché, a creation from François Spoerry.
– The bridge between the Place des Artisans and the Place du Marché, that bears a resemblance to both Venice and New Orleans with its cast-iron pillars.
– The stained-glass windows by Victor Vasarely, that capture the light in a magical way in the Church of Saint-François d’Assise.
– The pathway of pebbles underneath the covered passageway at the Place du Marché.
Anecdotes about Port Grimaud
The Provençal town, behind-the-scenesIf you’re still looking to find out more about Port Grimaud, this Little Venice of Provence has so many stories to tell!
How did this lacustrian town appear on the water? When was the first wedding? Is Port Grimaud twinned with Venice?
Find out everything there is to know and more about Grimaud!
Good to know
Port Grimaud is a neighbourhood of the village of Grimaud. The lacustrian town is on the French Riviera, in the department of Var, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, in south east France.
– Grimaud village
– Saint-Tropez
– Ramatuelle
– Cogolin
– Sainte-Maxime
– La Garde-Freinet
– Le Lavandou
– Hyères-les-Palmiers
– Cannes
– Aix-en-Provence
Fancy a relaxing break while you’re in Port Grimaud? Good news! There are several places to go swimming in the lacustrian town:
– Port Grimaud beach: This sandy beach at the entrance to the port is perfect for families and also offers a breathtaking view of the bay of Saint-Tropez. The waters are calm here and so it’s ideal for swimming.
– Port Grimaud South beach: This is quieter than the main beach, and is in Port Grimaud South. This beach is ideal for those looking to escape the crowds but enjoy the sea.
