Grimaud & Port Grimaud, French Riviera, France
Grimaud is a picturesque medieval village located in the French Riviera, not far from Saint-Tropez. It should not be confused with Port Grimaud, which lies directly on the coast. Grimaud is a classic perched village, built on a hilltop and rich in history. Within its surroundings, you’ll find both a restored windmill and the ruins of a medieval castle.
Port Grimaud, often referred to as the “French Venice” or “Mini Venice,” is a charming town designed to resemble Venice with its scenic canals. Located about 7 km southwest of Sainte Maxime and 6 km east of Grimaud, it was the lifelong dream of Alsatian architect François Spoerry. In 1962, he purchased marshland at the mouth of the Giscle River and transformed it into a vibrant waterfront town. Although the layout imitates Venetian channels, the houses are designed in a traditional French fisherman’s style, similar to those seen in Saint Tropez.
Grimaud
To begin exploring Grimaud, we suggest parking your car near both the castle and the windmill — while staying within walking distance of the village center. The most convenient place is on Piste Serge Fougère street (1; GPS: 43.275943, 6.521450). We’ll start with a visit to the historic windmill, continue to the castle ruins, and then head down into the heart of the village.
The St. Roch Windmill (A; GPS: 43.277239, 6.522543) stands on a small hill directly opposite the ruins of the medieval castle. Originally built in the 17th century, the mill was fully restored and brought back to working condition in 1990. Next to it, you’ll find a large cross and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Close to the windmill is the charming Pont des Fées bridge (B; GPS: 43.278415, 6.520479), a historic remnant of the old aqueduct that once carried water from the hills.
After exploring the windmill, we continue to the nearby castle ruins (C; GPS: 43.274909, 6.521314). We follow the same trail back from the mill and then take a footpath leading up to the hilltop where the remains of the 11th-century castle await. Although partially restored, the ancient structure still holds its original character. Walking through the gate, you step into nearly a thousand years of local history. The panoramic views from the ruins are absolutely breathtaking and offer a fantastic photo opportunity.
To reach the village center, we descend along a marked path from the castle. We then stroll through narrow, flower-lined streets that charm visitors with their beauty. On the lower level, along Rue du Cabro d'Or, you'll find the local town hall and the 11th-century Church of St. Michael (D; GPS: 43.274063, 6.522900). A bit further down the way is Place Vieille (E; GPS: 43.273549, 6.522541), a traditional spot for pétanque games. Nearby, there is also a tourist information center (F; GPS: 43.272845, 6.521598).
Port Grimaud
After enjoying the charming village of Grimaud, we head to Port Grimaud — a town inspired by the layout of Venice. The drive takes around 15 minutes via roads D558, D14, D61, and D61A. We park the car in a spacious lot conveniently located at the entrance to the town (2; GPS: 43.275566, 6.579306).
The transition between the historic hill village and the waterfront town is surprisingly smooth and offers a unique contrast in atmosphere. Where Grimaud is steeped in medieval history and quiet charm, Port Grimaud feels modern, vibrant, and architecturally playful. The proximity of the two makes it easy to enjoy both in one day without rushing. For travelers who appreciate both cultural depth and scenic waterfronts, this combination is ideal. It’s also an excellent route for families, couples, and solo explorers alike. Few places in Europe offer such diversity in such a compact area.
We enter the town via a bridge built over the outer canal, followed by the picturesque Porche Poterne gate (G; GPS: 43.275061, 6.579540). From there, we continue to the central Place du Marché (H; GPS: 43.274437, 6.580681), a perfect starting point for walks across the numerous “islands” of Port Grimaud. Each island has its own atmosphere and architectural style, making a stroll through them a delightful experience. Even better is to explore the town by boat — 20-minute tours run all day and offer a peaceful, unique perspective on the town. From Port Grimaud, you can also take a boat to Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime, or Fréjus. The town has two beaches: one on the northern side (I; GPS: 43.275903, 6.583701) and the other to the south (J; GPS: 43.270446, 6.585389). On Thursdays, the local Provence market is held — a vibrant and colorful event worth adding to your itinerary.
Port Grimaud captivates visitors with its unusual blend of French elegance and Venetian charm. The canals, boats, bridges, and pastel-colored houses create a dreamy setting that feels far from typical seaside resorts. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, browse market stalls, or cruise through the waterways, this town delivers a memorable experience. Many travelers are surprised by how quiet and relaxing it is, even in the summer season. It’s an ideal destination for slow travel and a great place to stay a bit longer. If you enjoy hidden gems with character, Port Grimaud is likely to steal your heart.
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