Port Grimaud is located in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, in the Var department. Often referred to as the "Venice of Provence", this private lakeside city represents a "piece of paradise" on Earth with its breathtaking views of its canals and the atypical architecture of its homes.

Mulhouse resident and passionate about the sea, the architect François Spoerry is at the origin of the design and construction of this port. It was in 1962 that he decided to buy marshy land on which he built this city perfectly integrated into the Mediterranean setting.

Issued on June 14, 1966, the date of the building permit will designate the name of the first square built at Port Grimaud: “Place du 14-Juin”.
From July 1967, this marina began to transform into a beautiful place where each of the dwellings was accessible by land access and by a quay, with a mooring in front of each house where one could moor one's boat. The construction of this real estate complex would be spread over several successive stages until 2000.

Listed as a "20th Century Heritage" since 2001, Port Grimaud and its 2,400 homes extend over 75 hectares. This marina also has 2,000 boat parking spaces, on a 14-metre stretch of quays. Considered a small town, there are also 14 bridges, 12 islands and 7 km of canals.

The houses with colorful facades and Roman tiles bring a unique touch and charm to the city of Port Grimaud. A true village, this city even has its own church, as well as various local services and shops.

Divided into 3 districts, the city resembles a huge co-ownership, with its own internal regulations. The 3 districts are managed by 3 distinct and autonomous union associations. There are three "arrondissements": Port Grimaud I, Port Grimaud II and Port Grimaud III.
Of course, Port Grimaud I is François Spoerry's first construction and it is the largest with 22 hectares of land and 13 hectares of water.

Concerned about traditions and environmental protection, internal travel is done by fully electric golf carts or sea transport. Water buses are also available to residents for their travel within the city.

In addition, every Thursday and Sunday the Port Grimaud market takes place. According to the wishes of François Spoerry, this city is also a space for exchanges between land and sea, accessible to all boaters. The latter died in Port Grimaud in 1999, his tomb is in the church of Saint-François d'Assise.

In order to ensure harmony between owners, traders, boaters and visitors, some common rules of life must be respected on site. For example, non-residents are invited to park their cars in the outdoor parking lot reserved for them at the entrance to the city, the visit is done on foot (2-wheeled vehicles are also prohibited), respect for the cleanliness of the city and its common areas, etc.

Finally, every year on August 15th, the festival of the sea and fishermen takes place. A mass is said in the church of Saint-François d'Assise, followed by a procession of boats. It follows the priest who blesses all the boats moored all along the canals to the entrance of the port. A wreath of flowers is laid at this location in memory of the lost sailors.

© photos of Grimaud town hall https://www.mairie-grimaud.fr/