Port Grimaud – The Little Venice of Provence

by Chantal & David · September 8, 2024

Our next stop was Port Grimaud, somewhere I (Chantal) have always wanted to go primarily because it was my late Father’s dream when he and Mum were still married, to have a house and boat there, with Mum running a boutique shop, and dad doing who knows what, sailing of course!

Port Grimaud is one of the most famous coastal towns in the world, but it’s only been in existence for around fifty years. A colorful port, nicknamed ‘The Little Venice of Provence’ and endorsed as a 20th Century Heritage site – it’s a place full of surprises.

Port Grimaud was brought to life on the French Riviera, and while its canals will no doubt remind you of the Floating City, it’s a project firmly rooted in Provence, as conceived by its architect, François Spoerry. It spreads over an area that was once made up of marshland and the alluvial plain of La Giscle. At the time, this area was only used for farming and hunting. Now it is a very colourful vibrant port with a very relaxed why of life.

We anchored outside as the marina is tiny, most of the boats being on pontoons attached to homes, to motor in and through its tiny canals and under bridges, taking in the views.

We finally found a little spot not marked residents only, although not sure it was totally legal, to leave the dinghy so we could have a wander around the tiny village in the heart of the place and have a glass of vino.

We then returned to Seaclusion and whilst Port Grimaud was this peaceful haven, the bay outside was not, with speed boats flying around us towing skiers and parascenders, churning up the water so we felt like we were in a washing machine. We didn’t stay long, choosing to head back to the bay just east of Saint Tropez, for a peaceful night.