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Village of Grimaud

The Charm of Provence...

The picturesque village of Grimaud is one of the most fascinating villages to discover around the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. This medieval village was built on the lower slopes of the Massif des Maures and is dominated by the ruins of its castle. It should not be confused with Port Grimaud, the famous lakeside town located just a few kilometres below.

Grimaud’s appeal lies as much in its heritage as in its atmosphere: flower-filled cobbled streets, old houses, charming little squares, a Romanesque church, historic chapels, a windmill and, above all, several magnificent viewpoints overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the surrounding plain.

Its Medieval Past

Grimaud has a particularly long history. Its strategic location made it possible to watch over the surrounding plain and control access to the gulf. During the Middle Ages, the area was important enough for what is now known as the Gulf of Saint-Tropez to have long been called the Gulf of Grimaud.

The best way to discover Grimaud is simply to make your way gradually uphill through the old village towards the castle. Take the time to wander away from the main route and explore its charming flower-filled lanes, narrow passageways, stone staircases and little squares.

Le petit village de Grimaud est l'un des villages les plus intéressants du golfe de Saint-Tropez. C'est un village médiéval construit sur les premières pentes du massif des Maures et dominé par les ruines de son château. À ne pas confondre avec Port Grimaud, la cité lacustre située quelques kilomètres plus bas.

As you wander through the village, you will discover stone houses, façades with colourful shutters, vaulted

passageways and an abundance of Mediterranean plants. Rue des Templiers, once one of the village’s main shopping streets, is particularly worth exploring, as is the Maison des Arcades, whose façade and cellar have been listed as Historic Monuments since 1926.

La rue des Templiers, autrefois l'une des principales rues commerçantes, mérite notamment le détour, tout comme la Maison des Arcades, dont la façade et la cave sont inscrites aux Monuments historiques depuis 1926.

Le meilleur moyen de découvrir Grimaud est simplement de monter progressivement à travers le vieux village en direction du château. Il faut prendre le temps de s'écarter de l'itinéraire principal pour parcourir les petites ruelles fleuries, passages, escaliers et placettes.

Saint-Michel Church

In the heart of the village stands Saint-Michel Church, one of Grimaud’s most important historic monuments.

The present church was built between the end of the 12th and the beginning of the 13th century. It is a beautiful

example of Provençal Romanesque architecture and is now listed as a Historic Monument.

Both its architecture and interior are relatively austere, with a massive stone construction that provides a striking

contrast to the colourful little houses of the village.

The Place de l'Église, in front of the church, is also a pleasant spot to stop for a few minutes before continuing your walk towards the upper part of the village.

The Chapel of the Penitents

A little further on, the Chapel of the Penitents, also known as the Chapel of Mercy or Notre-Dame du Coulet, dates from the late 15th century.

It was built in 1482 on the remains of an earlier Romanesque building dating from the 11th or 12th century. It later became the headquarters of the Brotherhood of the White Penitents, whose members devoted themselves in particular to helping the poor and those in need.

During the French Revolution, the chapel was even temporarily used as a meeting place for the municipal council.

Un peu plus loin, Chapelle des Pénitents, également appelée Chapelle de la Miséricorde ou Notre-Dame du Coulet, date de la fin du XVe siècle.

À l'intérieur, se trouvent un retable du XVIIe siècle et sa Pietà de Paul-Emile Barberi, peinte en 1808.

Inside, you can admire a 17th-century altarpiece as well as a Pietà by Paul-Émile Barberi, painted in 1808.

The chapel also houses the relics of Saint Theodore and several religious statues, including one of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows.

Grimaud Castle

At the very top of the village stand the imposing ruins of Grimaud Castle. This is undoubtedly one of the highlights of a visit to the village.

Over the centuries, several powerful families succeeded one another as lords of Grimaud, initially under the authority of the Counts of Provence and later King Charles II. In the mid-15th century, Jean de Cossa, Grand Seneschal of Provence, left his mark on the region, notably by helping to establish the village of Saint-Tropez as we know it today.

Later, in the mid-18th century, the lords of Grimaud from the powerful Castellane family enlarged the castle and had the southern towers built.

During the French Revolution, the Castellane family abandoned both the castle and their residence on Rue des Templiers and fled to Nice, which at the time was not yet part of France.

Unfortunately, by the end of the 18th century, the abandoned castle was declared a stone quarry and gradually dismantled. The most valuable materials, including lava stone and serpentinite, were carefully removed by stonemasons and sold. This dismantling in the aftermath of the French Revolution ultimately led to much of the castle’s destruction.

Once you reach the castle, the panoramic view is magnificent. From this commanding position, you can look down over the village, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the surrounding hills.

La vue panoramique une fois au château est grandiose, vous dominerez aussi bien le village que le golfe ainsi que les collines environnantes.

Access to the castle is free and possible throughout the year.

At the foot of the ruins, an open-air theatre has been created amid the greenery. It is used for various performances and, in particular, for the Grimaldines summer festival.

Port Grimaud

It would be a shame to visit Grimaud without spending a few hours exploring Port Grimaud afterwards, but the two should really be considered as two completely separate visits.

Port Grimaud is a remarkable 20th-century development built around a network of canals, quays and colourful houses. This unique lakeside town has now been awarded the French “Remarkable Contemporary Architecture” label.

Discover Port Grimaud

Port Grimaud est une réalisation contemporaine du XXe siècle organisée autour de canaux, de quais et de maisons colorées. La cité lacustre bénéficie aujourd'hui du label « Architecture contemporaine remarquable ».

The village of Grimaud offers a wonderful selection of restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Provençal and Mediterranean cuisine, often served in the charming narrow streets and little squares of its historic centre.

Le Petit Jacques

This bistronomic restaurant is located on the charming Place des Pénitents, close to the chapel, in a particularly pleasant setting.

It showcases modern, seasonal cuisine, largely prepared using locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant has notably been recognised by the Michelin Guide for its locavore approach, refined atmosphere and entirely homemade cuisine.

Provençal cuisine - €€€

Cette bastide du XVIIe siècle, dont la terrasse donne sur l'arrière-pays et une majestueuse oliveraie, est la propriété du chef Jacques Chibois. Il vous propose une expérience gastronomique haut de gamme dans un cadre provençal d’exception. La cuisine est souvent saluée pour sa finesse, portée par les trésors du terroir niçois. C’est un lieu d’exception très apprécié des amateurs de gastronomie.

Les Santons

Founded in 1962, Les Santons is a family-run gastronomic restaurant renowned for its refined interpretation of classic cuisine, its strong family heritage and its inclusion in the Michelin Guide selection.

Chef Julien Allègre serves refined, seasonal cuisine, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and short supply chains.

Provençal cuisine - €€€€

How to Get to the Village of Grimaud

By car: 88 km – approximately 1h30

For more information: www.grimaud-provence.com

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