Across the gulf from Saint-Tropez lie two very different places that share a name: Grimaud, a medieval village stacked up a hillside beneath a ruined castle, and Port Grimaud, a lagoon town of canals and waterside houses built in the twentieth century. This private tour links them in one half-day experience, with a guided visit to the old village followed by a cruise on a quiet electric boat through the canals. It is a good fit for couples, families and small groups who want a relaxed day away from the beach-club scene.
How it works
You book as a private party, and the operator arranges the details of meeting, transport and timing. The village visit is on foot through steep lanes and stone arches, usually with a guide who explains the history and architecture. The boat portion is a gentle cruise, on a silent electric craft, along the canals, with the chance to see houses with moorings at their doors. Check the details when you book for the duration, pick-up points, the language of the guide and whether the boat runs in all conditions.
What you see in Grimaud
The village is known for its covered street of arches, a Romanesque church, flower-draped houses and the remains of a castle on the summit with views over the plain and the gulf. The lanes are narrow and shaded, and small galleries and craft shops are tucked among restaurants. A guide helps you read the stones, from medieval fortifications to the quiet squares where residents gather, and a stop for a coffee in the shade is a natural part of the visit.
What you see in Port Grimaud
The town was conceived in the 1960s as a lakeside village with canals, and it reads like a Mediterranean fantasy of Provencal houses with their own boat moorings, small bridges and pastel facades. From the water, you see the layout as the designer intended, with the lagoon, the church tower and the houses all fitting together. An electric boat keeps the experience peaceful, and the slow pace gives you time to take photographs and ask questions.
Making the most of it
Bring a hat, sun cream and a light jacket in case of breezes on the water, and wear shoes you can walk in on steep stone paths. Morning departures avoid the afternoon heat, and the light is flattering for photographs. Ask the guide about the best place for lunch afterwards, since both Grimaud and Port Grimaud have restaurants for every budget. If you have children, the boat is usually the highlight, and you can tell them in advance that part of the day is on the water.
Good to know
This is a private premium experience, so check what the price includes, particularly transport, entry to any sites and refreshments. Summer is busy and hot, while spring and autumn offer softer weather and fewer crowds. Weather can affect boat operations, so ask about the rescheduling policy. The village involves steps and slopes, and the boat may require stepping down onto a jetty, so tell the operator about mobility needs. Combine the day with a swim at a nearby beach or an evening in Saint-Tropez.
What to expect
The experience
A private guided visit to Grimaud village followed by a quiet electric-boat cruise through the canals of Port Grimaud.
Best time
Morning departures in spring through early autumn, when it is cooler and the light is soft.
How long
Half day
Tips
Wear shoes for steep stone lanes, bring sun protection and ask about mobility access to the boat.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and families who want a calm, scenic day with a guide.
- Families
- The boat ride is a hit with children; village lanes are steep.
- Couples
- A romantic cruise through canals after a village stroll.
- Pair with
- Lunch at a waterside cafe in Port Grimaud.
- Time needed
- Half day
Good questions
What is the difference between Grimaud and Port Grimaud?+
Grimaud is a medieval hilltop village with a castle ruin, while Port Grimaud is a canal-lined lagoon town built in the 1960s.
Is the boat noisy?+
No, the cruise is on a quiet electric boat, which makes it easy to talk and take photographs.
Is transport from Saint-Tropez included?+
Arrangements vary, so check the details when you book.
Is it suitable for children?+
Yes, the boat is a highlight for many children, but the village lanes are steep.
What if the weather is bad?+
Boat trips can be affected by weather, so check the rescheduling policy when you book.