Port Grimaud

Port Grimaud is a unique place, arranged over four islands surrounded by canals and connected by bridges—hence it being known as the Venice of Provence. The whole village was designed and built in the 1960s on former marshland west of the glamorous town of St. Tropez. The majority of homes are simple in structure and resemble the traditional fisherman’s cottages of the area.

The virtually traffic-free village attracted controversy for being a “fake” version of a Provencal town when it was first built, but now it’s a popular destination for both homeowners and visitors. The modernist church dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, with stained glass by Victor Vasarely, is on most people’s must-do list, as is a boat trip along the canals to see the many different watercraft—every house in town has its own private mooring.

For many travelers, Port Grimaud—often as part of a small-group or private guided tour out of Nice, Cannes, Monaco, or St. Tropez—is a highlight of their Provence visit.