Grimaud

Grimaud is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Câte d'Azur region of southeastern France. It lies on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, with the hilltop village of Grimaud inland from the coast and the coastal resort of Port Grimaud nearby. The commune combines a historic inland village with a modern coastal development, forming part of the broader Saint-Tropez area.

The hilltop village of Grimaud preserves a medieval character, with narrow streets, stone houses and remnants of fortifications that once protected the summit. The area offers panoramic views over the valley and the gulf, and the château remains a local landmark, reflecting the long history of settlement and defense in the commune.

Port Grimaud, on the coast, is a notable 20th-century development designed as a canal-based marina town. Built in the 1960s by architect François Spoerry, it features networks of canals, pedestrian streets and bridges, and has earned the nickname the Venice of the Gulf.

The local economy is driven by tourism, services and the surrounding countryside’s agricultural activities. Grimaud hosts markets and cultural events that reflect Provençal traditions, and serves as a gateway to the attractions of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The population is in the several-thousand range, reflecting its dual character as a historic inland village and a seaside resort area.