2 Days in Port-Grimaud, Var

Port Grimaud steals your heart from the moment you arrive. With its pastel-coloured houses, elegant bridges and winding canals, a trip to this coastal town feels like stepping inside a postcard.

The Cité Lacustre (Lake City) was created in the 1960s by architect François Spoerry, inspired by his travels through Italy and Greece. He set out to build a colourful, car-free community where each house was unique, many with their own mooring.

Tucked between Saint Tropez and Sainte Maxime on the Côte d’Azur, Port Grimaud is easily reached by boat, bike or bus from either town. If you’re driving, there’s paid parking on Avenue de la Mer. The nearest airports are Nice and Toulon, and while there are public transport options, hiring a car is often the easiest choice.

Here’s how to make the most of 48 hours in Port Grimaud:

Day One

MORNING 

Pull up a seat at one of the cafés in Place du Marché for a delicious breakfast. Café Fringale is a great choice for coffee and croissants and perfectly located for obligatory people watching.

From April to October, Port Grimaud is brought to life every Thursday and Sunday morning by the typical Provençal market. Spend a leisurely morning browsing stalls piled high with local delicacies, sun-ripened produce and handmade goods. Afterwards, take your time wandering along Rue des Artisans where the small boutiques are perfect for picking up a gift or little treat for yourself.

Once you’ve explored the markets and boutiques, take to the water and uncover the hidden corners of this charismatic port not reachable by foot. Choose a 20-minute guided boat tour of the canals (Les Coches d’eau at Place du Marché until 2nd November 2025) or hire your own electric boat (Barque electric at Place de l’Église until 30th September 2025).

AFTERNOON 

After a late lunch, a short walk down Avenue de la Mer will lead you to the sandy beach of Plage de Port Grimaud. There are plenty of options here; simply relax on the beach, swim in the crystal clear sea or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can parasail, pedalo, paddle board or even jet ski at Riviera Sailing Water Sports (based on the beach and open from May until 30th September 2025). 

EVENING 

Wind down from the day with an aperitif. Happy hour at Long Bar (at Les Prairies de la Mer campsite, open until October) starts at 7.30pm, and no trip to Provence is complete without a “piscine de rosé”. In the evening, head to Don Peppe Pizzeria (Rue des Deux Ports) for a simple yet delicious dinner. Located right on the canal, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy great food with a memorable view.

Day 2

MORNING 

Head back to Plage de Port Grimaud before 9am for a peaceful beach walk before the crowds arrive. If you’re an early riser, it’s also a great spot to catch the sunrise. 

Grab a coffee at La Licorne at Place du Marché before heading to the Church of Francis of Assisi. Climb the 78 steps of the spiral staircase for breathtaking views across the Gulf of Saint Tropez. On a clear day you may be able to make out the hilltop village of Grimaud, just 7km to the west. 

You can’t visit Port Grimaud without a visit to nearby Saint Tropez. Catch a Bateaux Verts boat from Place de l’Église (30 minutes, €17 return) or the Capitainerie (25 minutes, €15). Tickets are available online or at the ticket office at Place de l’Eglise. Keep your camera handy as you sail into Saint Tropez’s iconic port!

The short walk from the port to La Citadelle is steep, but you’ll be rewarded with expansive views over Saint Tropez and the glittering Gulf below. It’s just €5 for entry to the museum of maritime history, worthwhile if you’re curious about the town’s seafaring past.

AFTERNOON 

Head back into town for lunch at one of the cafés and bistros on Place de Lices and watch the locals play pétanque on the square. Be sure to save some room, you don’t want to miss the local speciality: tarte tropézienne from La Tarte Tropézienne pâtisserie.

Catch the Bateaux Verts back to Port Grimaud in time for dinner. Disembark at the Capitainerie and take a peaceful, final stroll through the quiet back streets. Walk along Grand Rue, then turn onto Rue du Septentrion taking in the charm of the colourful houses.

EVENING 

For your final evening, dine at La Marina (Rue des Deux Ports), a relaxed and romantic spot by the water’s edge. The menu features fresh, local ingredients and Mediterranean inspired dishes. The perfect place to reflect on a weekend well spent before heading home.

Port Grimaud is a tranquil, picture-perfect port with a charm all of its own. Though it quietly welcomes around a million visitors a year, it manages to feel like a well-kept secret. You’ll leave feeling restored, inspired, and just a little bit enchanted.