Share

Grimaud is two places at once: a medieval hilltop village with ruined ramparts and views across the Maures to the sea, and Port Grimaud below it - a remarkable planned waterway town built in the 1960s on the marshland of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Between them they offer a range of experiences that few villages of this size can match, and the beach clubs along the gulf put Saint-Tropez across the water rather than under your feet.

What makes Grimaud special?

Port Grimaud is the work of the Alsatian architect François Spoerry, built between 1966 and 1982 on a design inspired by Venetian canal towns. Every house has its own mooring, the streets are either water or pedestrianised, and the composition - pastel facades, campanile, the church of Saint-François-d'Assise visible from the water - has a cohesion that makes it easy to forgive its origins. Seen from a boat on the gulf at dusk, it is quietly lovely. The old village of Grimaud, up in the hills, has a different character entirely. The ruined castle at the top dates from the eleventh century, and the views from it - across the Maures massif, the gulf and the Saint-Tropez peninsula - are exceptional. The church of Saint-Michel, with its decorated Romanesque apse, is worth pausing for. The gulf position is the real asset. Beach clubs on the western shore are within easy reach of both villages, and the boat service to Saint-Tropez runs regularly through the summer, making the famous town accessible without dealing with its traffic. The vineyards of the Golfe de Saint-Tropez appellation begin almost immediately outside the village.

What is our favourite thing about Grimaud?

Our favourite thing about Grimaud is taking the boat across the gulf to Saint-Tropez for a morning and returning to Port Grimaud for lunch - the best of both worlds, without the worst of either. Watching the town approach by water, the campanile and the coloured facades catching the afternoon light, is the kind of arrival that reminds you why people have been coming to this part of the world for as long as they have.

Where to stay in Grimaud

Discover our selection of properties in Grimaud

We pair exclusive holiday homes with completely tailored experiences

Our concierge service redefines luxury holidays, enhancing every stay, family holiday, or special occasion. Once you have confirmed your booking, you will be assigned a dedicated concierge who will arrange every detail, ensuring a memorable holiday from start to finish.

Food & Wine

Nature & Outdoors

Art & Culture

Entertainment

Sport & Wellness

Getting to Grimaud

Practical information

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is around 100km east - approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car on the A8. The nearest train station is Saint-Raphaël-Valescure, around 40km north-west, from which a taxi or hire car covers the remaining distance. By car from Nice, take the A8 to exit Le Muy (exit 36), then the D25 south through the Maures - around 1 hour 15 minutes in total. From Marseille, the A8 takes around 2 hours. There is no direct bus service to Grimaud village; a car is strongly recommended.

By car from the A8 via Le Muy

Take the A8 autoroute to exit 36 (Le Muy), then the D25 south through the Maures massif towards Grimaud. The drive from the exit takes around 30 minutes through the cork oak and chestnut forest. Port Grimaud is signposted separately and is a further 5 minutes beyond the village. Paid parking is available at Port Grimaud's main car park outside the pedestrianised zone.

By boat from Sainte-Maxime or Saint-Tropez

In summer, regular boat services operate across the Gulf of Saint-Tropez between Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime and Port Grimaud. This is the most enjoyable way to arrive if you are already on the gulf - the crossing from Saint-Tropez takes around 25 minutes, from Sainte-Maxime around 10 minutes. Services run from approximately April to October.

View More

Useful information about Grimaud

Grimaud offers a blend of historic charm and modern convenience, making it an inviting destination for visitors. The village provides essential services, including local shops, restaurants, and a pharmacy, ensuring a comfortable stay. The nearest police station (Gendarmerie Nationale) is located in Cogolin, just a 10-minute drive away, while the closest medical facility, Centre Hospitalier de Saint-Tropez, is around 15 minutes from the village and offers 24/7 emergency services.

Key emergency contact numbers:

Emergency services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112 (EU-wide)
Local police (Gendarmerie in Cogolin): +33 4 94 54 66 00
Saint-Tropez Hospital: +33 4 94 55 90 00
Grimaud Pharmacy: +33 4 94 43 20 03

For those arriving by car, parking is available at the village entrance, as Grimaud’s narrow streets are best explored on foot. Public transport options include seasonal shuttle buses connecting Grimaud to nearby towns and beaches. The Grimaud Tourist Office, located in the heart of the village, provides maps, guided tour schedules, and information on local events. They can be reached at +33 4 94 55 43 83 for any visitor inquiries.

Banks and ATMs are available in the village for easy access to financial services, and free public Wi-Fi is offered in key areas such as the central square. For those planning to visit Port Grimaud, parking is located outside the area, with pedestrian access into the waterside town to preserve its peaceful atmosphere.

Reserve your beach club

No Riviera holiday is complete without a day at the water's edge. Browse and book at the finest beach clubs near your villa today.

Explore activities nearby

Our hand-picked selection of the best experiences near your villa.

Discover Provence with us

Our magazine encourages you to truly live and breathe the essence of the region. From secret villages to culinary treasures, experience Provence authentically with us.

Browse our Magazine

As featured in

Recognised by

Homestays & Villa Rentals Category

Nominated

Best holiday home company in France

Winner 2026

Best Homestays & Villas

Top 20 Winner 2025

Best travel company for luxury holidays

Finalist

Best travel company for villa holidays

Finalist

Best Villa Operator

Finalist

Family holidays provider of the year

Finalist

Destination specialist of the year

Winner 2025

Best leisure property management company

Winner 2025

Best for luxury holiday rentals - France

Winner 2025

Best holiday home company in France

Winner 2025