01 September 2021 | Architecture, Holidays, Tourism, Pure France
Port Grimaud, the Venice of Provence
Port Grimaud is a seaside town near Saint-Tropez and Sainte-Maxime. The commune was created by the architect François Spoerry in the 1960s by modifying the marshes of the Giscle river on the bay of Saint-Tropez. Built with canals in the Venetian style, but with French "fisherman" style houses resembling those of Saint-Tropez.
The mostly traffic-free town is popular with boat owners, as most have their berth attached to the house. The success of the first phase encouraged the development of Port Grimaud 2 (extension of the town further East) completed in the 1970s and Port Grimaud 3 in the 1990s.
It is an ideal base for summer holidays, not only in July and August but also during the months of May, June and September when there are fewer tourists and the climate is still warm.
The details of Port Grimaud
If you pay attention to the particularities offered by the Grimaud port, you will be amazed by the dazzling colors, its canals, its unique architecture. Discover the details of François Spoerry at Port Grimaud.
The facades by François Spoerry
Can you find the trompe l'oeil? The most visible is on the Market Square. You will also find the most photographed scenery of Port Grimaud and we understand why. With its magnificent cast iron pillars under the terraces, there is an air of Venice!
Solar energy in Port Grimaud
Travel by car is prohibited in the city. To move between islands, residents board water coaches and boats are powered by solar energy. Possibility also to rent individual electric boats to navigate between the canals of Port Grimaud.
The house of François Spoerry
In the same fortified style of the Tour des Célibataires and the church, the architect's residence stands out. He saw it big with a very large living room with an equally large fireplace with a half-indoor, half-outdoor swimming pool.
Pebble mosaic
It is one of the best hidden in Port Grimaud. This pebble alley is covered with the shops of the Place du Marché. The patterns drawn represent the trade that was there, about 200,000 pebbles for this achievement.
The ceramic fountain
Decorated with ceramics composed of floral motifs. Around a staircase, overlooked by a terrace, surrounded by beautiful wrought iron railings and lamp posts.
Original model of Port Grimaud
François Spoerry made a model made to talk about his project. He took advantage of the Salon Nautique in Cannes in 1968 to seduce yachtsmen and investors. The model put water in the channels to make the model even more real. You can admire the model at the Port Grimaud Tourist Office, open seasonally from April to September.
Rent a holiday home in Port Grimaud
Located two minutes walk from all amenities and the beautiful beaches of the Riviera, the accommodation is distributed over three floors with living / dining room / fully equipped kitchen opening onto a terrace by the water and a private mooring.
Bathroom on the ground floor.
Three bedrooms, WC and bathroom on the first floor. Second floor with fourth bedroom and roof terrace with spectacular views.
Small garden with table and chairs.
Waterfront terrace with table and chairs and deck chairs. Adjoining mooring overlooking the port.
All amenities are easily accessible on foot. Two minutes from restaurants and cafes, shops and a bank.
Water taxi around the harbor and bay to Saint-Tropez. Boat rental.
2 minutes walk from the beautiful sandy beach. Neighboring 5-star campsite with beach bars and restaurants.
Hypermarket and summer amusement park 5 minutes by car from Port Cogolin.