Grimaud is a French commune located in the department of Var, in the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. It is located on the French Riviera. The village of Grimaud is a perched village, with historical links to the Grimaldi family. Gibelin de Grimaldi aided William the Good in driving the Saracens of Fraxinet out of the area in AD 973 and was rewarded with the land. The village is dominated by its 11th-century castle (partially restored).

This town on the Var coast is mainly known for its marina, Port-Grimaud. But the historic village is located a few kilometers from the shore, initially protected by the heights of a hill. During antiquity and the Middle Ages, this situation, in addition to avoiding coastal looting, allowed a defensive position to monitor the bay, between Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Tropez.

In the town of Grimaud is the lakeside town of Port Grimaud, built from 1966. The Gulf of Saint Tropez was known as the Gulf of Grimaud until the end of the 19th century. The seaside town of Port Grimaud lies within the commune, at the head of the gulf.

The town of Grimaud is located in one of the most visited tourist areas of the Var. Fourth commune in the department in terms of tourist accommodation capacity, it alone represents a third of that of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. It welcomes between 3 and 4 million visitors each year. 47 restaurants are spread over the entire commune, as well as hotels, campsites and guesthouses. A golf course was created at the end of the first quarter of the x10th century in the field of Beauvallon.

Geography
Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, the east of the town is at an altitude close to zero. The south is crossed, from east to west, by the Giscle valley. The village is located at the beginning of the hilly area, which covers the northern part of the Grimaud territory, in the Massif des Maures. The highest point of the town is the Summit of the Three Confronts, with an altitude of almost 514 meters.

History
Grimaud originates castrum Grimaldo mentioned since the 11th century. The village has evolved down from its rocky peak until 14th century. Then the 14th century, the village has refocused on the top of the hill, protecting himself behind the current rampart.

Middle Ages
The counts of Provence, the king of Burgundy and the Byzantine emperor unite to drive out the Saracens in 973. Certain families remain on the spot and convert to Christianity.

In the 11th century Castrum Grimaldo, the name of a landowner, appears in the charters of the abbey of St Victor of Marseilles. It is a new period for the region with the expansion of villages such as Grimaud located on a peak overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. It was also a strategic point to monitor this part of the Massif des Maures. The castle overlooks the Gulf of Grimaud.. It was also a period of construction of religious buildings, such as the first Saint-Michel church (now gone), the ND de la Queste chapel, the Saint-Pons chapel (now gone), the Saint- Pierre (now missing).

In the 12th centuryand 13th century, construction of the Saint-Michel church in granite and limestone. The oldest church still used in the current community, formerly Freinet.

In the 14th century, with its 1,200 inhabitants, Grimaud is the largest market town in Freinet. The death of Queen Joanna I opened a crisis of succession to head the county of Provence, the cities of Aix Union (1382-1387) supporting Charles of Durazzo against Louis I of Anjou. Grimaud is part of the Union of Aix, before making a promise of surrender on September 8, 1387 to Marie de Blois, regent of Louis II of Anjou. Like the other villages in the area, Grimaud suffered the plague and robbery. Part of the population disappears, the village gathers at the top of the castle hill. And to protect yourself, build in the second half of the 14th century, the rampart that still exists today.

In the 15th century, King René d’Anjou, count of Provence, gave the Château de Grimaud to his friend Jean Cossa. This enlarges and embellishes the castle of Grimaud. At the time of the sale of the barony by Gaspard Cossa, son of Jean Cossa to Jean de Berre, Charles VIII retained the barony of Grimaud by right of prelation and transmitted it to Étienne de Vesc, his chamberlain, theMay 8, 1485. He obtained from Charles VIII in January 1491 letters patent confirming all the rights and privileges granted by King René to Jean Cossa. In February 1500, Louis XII confirmed his rights on the barony of Grimaud. His grandson, Jean de Vesc still owned the barony in 1537 when he paid homage to the barony in the Chamber of Accounts of Aix. On January 3, 1555, Jeanne de Vesc and her husband François d’Agoult-Montauban paid tribute to the barony which then passed through the family of Agoult.

Modern Times
In the 16th century, the village was supplied with water three kilometers away by a gravity system in the hill, of which the Fairy Bridge remains today

In the 17th century, the barony of Grimaud passes into the house of the Beaume de Montrevel d’Agoult through the marriage of Jeanne d’Agoult-Montauban with Claude François de La Baume, count of Montrevel, in 1602. Their daughter, Marie de La Baume (1605- 1668), lady of Montrevel, baroness of Grimaud, married in 1627 with Esprit Allard (1595-1630), son of the notary Jacques Allard, favorite of Louis XIII, killed in a duel. In 1627, Grimaud was erected as a marquisate in favor of Esprit Allard. François de Castellane, lord and baron of St-Jeurs, Gassin, etc., governor for the king of the Tower of Cavalaire, acquired by act of July 10, 1645 the land and barony of Grimaud and Val Freinet from Dame Marie de la Beaume from Montrevel d’Agoult. The Marquisate de Grimaud remained in the Castellane family. The castle is rebuilt. The Saint-Roch mill as well as the three other windmills, just like the nine water mills are used by the population to have food autonomy, in particular for the production of flour and olive oil. Grimaud, loses its influence compared to the city of Saint-Tropez, then turned to the sea.

Contemporary period
In the 19th century, it is the boom in cork-making thanks to the forests of cork oaks, the development of the culture of the vine, olive trees and sericulture.

In the 20th century. At the beginning of 20th century is launched the idea of the resort of Beauvallon, seen as an extension of Sainte-Maxime. Postponed for a time due to the 1914-1918 war, the project required many architects, called by the promoters Émile and Léon Bernheim: Pierre Chareau; the Dutchman Bernard Bijvoet; the Swiss Julien Flegenheimer; Albert James Furiet; Louis Süe (villa La Colline for Paul Géraldy); René Darde (Q83276689) (Grand Hôtel L’Arbois); André Barbier-Bouvet; Jean Prouvé; Neil Hutchinson (villa Seynave); Chana Orloff (sculptor).

After the Second World War, François Spoerry was the architect of Port Grimaud, a marina which was built from 1966 in place of swamps. This lakeside city, forbidden to traffic, has twelve kilometers of quays, gardens, squares, shops, a church, etc.

Heritage
Several buildings of Grimaud are registered as historical monuments such as the remains of its castle of 17th century parish church of St. Michael, Chapel of the Penitents, the clubhouse of the golf Beauvallon or some houses are classified. The city also has a mill, a heritage museum and an old aqueduct called Pont des Fées.

Grimaud is also known for its lakeside city, Port Grimaud. Labeled heritage x10th century, Port Grimaud is an architectural curiosity, construction of which in 1966 signed the death knell of a wetland. for example with its water coches (water buses) which ensure the visit over the water. Cut into three districts of different eras and designs, this city can be visited by water bus.

Along the coast to the nearby town of Sainte-Maxime, many resort villas of the 19th century and early x10th century testify to the tourist wealth of the town.

Landmark
Like its castle tower, Grimaud, nestled on the curve of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, stands proudly above the plains and sea, a constant watchman, unchanging through the centuries. A forward looking region but with a rich, perfectly preserved heritage, Grimaud plays with notions of time, spanning the centuries to create a delightful mix of old and new.

Up above, the Medieval village awaits with its numerous monuments, cobbled streets, arcaded houses, old buildings and Medieval castle. Wander around at your leisure, exploring the streets with their long and eventful history; and look up and gaze at the traditional Provençal, village houses. In the Middle Ages, Grimaud’s wealth and importance meant that is was the capital of Freinet, an area that today corresponds to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez region. By preserving this identity, the village has, today, earned a listing on the register of Historic Monuments.

The castle of Grimaud
The castle, a witness to the historic events that defined the place and a symbol of the commune, overlooks the village.
The church, which is dedicated to Saint-Michel, the village’s patron saint, is the oldest Romanesque church in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

There are numerous other sites to explore, either alone, using the QR Codes located in front of the monuments, or with our guides who’ll be delighted to share their knowledge.

The lacustrian city
Port-Grimaud, on the sea front, a “lagoon city” listed as part of France’s 20th century heritage, is an absolute must for visitors. This ingenious concept, designed in 1966 by architect-sailor, François Spoerry, combines the charms of a new city with nautical requirements. The founding principle is a house with a boat mooring opposite. You can visit the town on foot, of course, but you can also explore the canals and discover the unrivalled charm of a place that today is recognized as architectural masterpiece. Be sure not to miss the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi with its stained glass windows designed by Vasarely.

Outside Port Grimaud, the lagoon city, you’ll find numerous (private) villas and other “20th Century Heritage” listed buildings, witnesses to the development of tourism from the earliest days.

Places and monuments
The castle of Grimaud: Originally (early 11th century), the castle consisted of a single turn. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the tower or dungeon was built. In the 15th century the building to the west is built. In the 17th century, the castle was enlarged with a final round towers.
The Notre-Dame-de-la-Queste chapel. Chapel of the 11th century, enlarged in the middle of the 17th century
The chapel of the Penitent, built at the western entrance of the village, was built at the end of the 15th century. Historic monument logo Listed MH (1976)
Saint-Michel church, Historic monument logo Classified MH (1989)
The Saint-Roch chapel, at the eastern entrance to the village.
Beauvallon chapel
The former Le Beauvallon hotel
The Saint-Roch windmill
The Fairy Bridge
The village of Grimaud is classified as a remarkable site [ref. required]. It contains many relics of architecture of 15th and 16th centuries, the village golden age.
Beauvallon golf clubhouse, Historic monument logo MH registered (1993)
villa Seynave (1961), Historic monument logo Listed MH (1995)
villa Vent d’Aval (1928), Historic monument logo Listed MH (1993)
Port Grimaud
Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Port Grimaud

Medieval village
Grimaud rhymes with diversity. It is a harmonious blend of old and new heritage, built up areas, wild spaces, bringing together the countryside and the city, the sea and the forest.

Although the château may appear as dead as a doornail, Grimaud is a very lively region! The town is buzzing all year round with lots of activities, cultural, traditional and sporting events, and top-level concerts etc. And, of course, a dynamic business and community network (shops, restaurants, accommodation etc.).

The area resembles a mosaic, made up of a collection of districts and hamlets, dominated to the north by the old Medieval village. The village, surrounded by the foothills of the Massif des Maures, oak forests and chestnut trees, overlooks the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

Wine
Grimaud’s vineyards are perhaps the best symbol of the area’s vitality; over the centuries; the vineyards have remained the driving force of the local economy and, today, Grimaud wines are exported and enjoyed the world over.

Olive trees
The region’s olive growing tradition dates back beyond the 11th century. For the most part, the olive groves are planted on sunny, often terraced, slopes. They produce table olives but also precious oil which is, of course, used for cooking but also for making soap. The number of oil mills, evidence of this olive production, increased significantly from the 16th century onwards. Today, just one smallholder continues to use this ancient production method.

Nature heritage
Grimaud is surrounded by a natural environment, dedicated to tourism (inland and on the coast), viticulture, in the heart of the Massif des Maures, which stretches from the hinterland to the coast. The flora is composed among others of cork oaks and pines.

Grimaud offers a variety of delights and vistas, from the Massif des Maures mountain range to the Mediterranean, from one thousand year old pathways to glistening streams.

Massif des Maures
Grimaud is one of the gateways to the Massif des Maures. As you climb towards the village from the sea, you soon reach the foothills of this imposing mountain range that extends along the entire southern part of the Var region, from Hyères to Vidauban, from the Maures plain to the sea. Oak and chestnut trees carpet the slopes of the rolling hills, dominated by the site of Notre-Dame-des-Anges, the highest point in the Maures massif, above Collobrières. Grimaud is like a crown jewel nestled against the unspoiled, well-preserved setting of the Maures mountains. A magnificent forest.

Walking trails
Tourist map can pick one up from the Tourist Office, follow one of our 6 hiking trails, either on foot, bike or horseback: The pont des fées trail, an accredited “sentier varois de qualité” trail, La Calade, Le Pierredon, La Castellane, Le Peyron and Grimaud/Port Grimaud

In fact, there are numerous trails available, around the village. Some will lead you across the plain, through vineyards, fields and unspoiled countryside. Others, like, for example the Pont des Fées trail, will lead you along the river, through protected areas with an altogether different atmosphere. Whichever route you choose, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the village and its hill-top castle. And then there’s one pathway that links the Medieval village and lagoon city of Port-Grimaud, providing an unusual approach to these sites.

Coast
Explore the coastline on foot, along the Sentier du littoral, or cycle path. There is drama and spectacle wherever you look! One hundred year old houses and hotels line the road, evidence of the history of tourism in the region. Saint-Tropez, on the opposite side of the gulf, changes colour depending on the season and the day. In the distance, the Château stands guard, like a sentinel, keeping watch over its surroundings. And once you reach the lagoon city of Port Grimaud, the landscape changes once again, combining seascapes and modern design.

The coastal trail
A seaside walk in Grimaud will lead you along the coastal path between Sainte-Maxime and Port-Grimaud. It used to be known as the Custom Officers’ Path, since originally, customs officers would wander along these paths, monitoring the coastline. Today this path is being fully restored by the commune, providing access to well-hidden bathing spots, unique views and superb houses and hotels.

Beaches
A number of beaches and coves are dotted along the coast between Port Grimaud and Pointe Alègre. There are no fewer than 8 beaches, all very accessible, with parking facilities, facing the celebrated village of Saint-Tropez! Remote coves and long stretches of fine golden sand are waiting to be explored.

Water sports
The sea offers visitors many other delights…Fun, water-based activities, a chance to explore the delightful canals of the lagoon city or diving in the Mediterranean where you can explore the ocean floor with all its surprises.

High Seas
It’s important to remember that Grimaud Port is one of the Côte d’Azur’s largest marinas. Sailors and recreational boaters, proud boat owners and visitors to our shores, all gather here every summer to share their passion for sailing. The area is full of magical sites that are an absolute must for visitors. A succession of isolated coves and other mythical places extend along the coast from Grimaud to the Iles d’or, via the Gulf of Saint Tropez It’s not unusual to encounter dolphins and other cetaceans on a boat trip, off our coasts.

Ports
Port-Grimaud 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. The development of tourism on the coast only began in the 1960s.

Culture heritage
Events enliven the village throughout the year: contemporary art exhibitions, painters and sculptors fair, Musical Evenings, World Music Festival “Les Grimaldines”, Truffle Days, as well as numerous festivals from local tradition.

The Heritage Museum
A visit to this charming museum, which is a member of the departmental network, “Pass Site,” is an absolute must. Housed in magnificent buildings (a village house, old blacksmiths and 16th century oil mill), it tells the story of life in Provence, through everyday objects and traditional activities. You’ll learn about the everyday life of local people through the centuries, and the Gulf’s heritage treasures, which will provide you with a better understanding of the region today. Temporary exhibitions are frequently held here.

European Heritage Days
These days offer you the discovery of the Heritage of the town. It is an opportunity to push the doors of the monuments, to know the history or the legends.

Festival of the Mill
In mid-June, the party is in full swing around the Saint-Roch windmill. During a morning, come and discover the history of the mill, look at how the corn was previously depicted. Taste the hot bread from the oven, thanks to the Escolo deï Sambro, which animates this morning. It is also an opportunity to understand the functioning of windmills or watermills, thanks to the heritage guides. The small Saint-Roch chapel is also open on this occasion. It is also the folk dances of the Escandiadho and the Tambourines of Provence. The whole thing ends with an aperitif offered by Grimaud Animations.

The village festival
Provence is a land of traditions and Grimaud does not escape the rule! Every year, August 14, 15 and 16, Grimaud is in a festive mood! The origin of this festival is lost in past centuries. At the beginning, religious since it is based on the celebrations of 15 August dedicated to the Virgin, it is also the feast of the village, marked, in the Middle Ages, by a great agricultural fair in the park of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Queste. Breeders and merchants came from all over the Gulf to sell and buy many goods and livestock. It was also the occasion for rejoicing, animated by music and dances, which remained anchored in the hearts of the inhabitants. That is why, today, from the land to the sea, this festival of the village is perpetuated by celebrating the tradition, whether religious with masses and procession, festive with ball, spectacle and fireworks, or Still culinary with the great aïoli of the Queste.

St Mickael’s Day
The St. Michael Day dates from the Middle Ages. This secular festival embodied the expiry of rural leases, hence the expression “on the Saint Michael, everyone moves”. To preserve the symbolism of this heritage festival, a garage sale is associated with a craft market in the two squares of Grimaud. This day will also be punctuated by many animations.

French Riviera
The French Riviera is the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France. There is no official boundary, but it is usually considered to extend from Cassis, Toulon or Saint-Tropez on the west to Menton at the France–Italy border in the east, where the Italian Riviera joins. The coast is entirely within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France. The Principality of Monaco is a semi-enclave within the region, surrounded on three sides by France and fronting the Mediterranean. Riviera is an Italian word that corresponds to the ancient Ligurian territory, wedged between the Var and Magra rivers.

The climate of the Côte d’Azur is temperate Mediterranean with mountain influences on the northern parts of the departments of Var and Alpes-Maritimes. It is characterized by dry summers and mild winters which help reduce the likelihood of freezing. The Côte d’Azur enjoys significant sunshine in mainland France for 300 days a year.

This coastline was one of the first modern resort areas. It began as a winter health resort for the British upper class at the end of the 18th century. With the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century, it became the playground and vacation spot of British, Russian, and other aristocrats, such as Queen Victoria, Tsar Alexander II and King Edward VII, when he was Prince of Wales. In the summer, it also played home to many members of the Rothschild family. In the first half of the 20th century, it was frequented by artists and writers, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Francis Bacon,h Wharton, Somerset Maugham and Aldous Huxley, as well as wealthy Americans and Europeans. After World War II, it became a popular tourist destination and convention site. Many celebrities, such as Elton John and Brigitte Bardot, have homes in the region.

The eastern part (maralpine) of the Côte d’Azur has been largely transformed by the concreting of the coast linked to the tourist development of foreigners from North Europe and the French,. The Var part is better preserved from urbanization with the exception of the agglomeration of Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël affected by the demographic growth of the maralpin coast and the agglomeration of Toulon which has been marked by urban sprawl on its part West and by a spread of industrial and commercial areas (Grand Var).