Port Grimaud 3.93

Port Grimaud, the unique waterside village: Situated in the Golf of St Tropez between St Maxime and St Tropez. Port Grimaud a resort that wonderfully captures the atmosphere of a traditional Mediterranean fishing village is a picturesque network of canals, small stone bridges linking the islands to the mainland, squares and pretty streets - a miniature Venice with varied Provencal houses painted in pastel colours built around the waterway system. Many houses have there own mooring, and care was taken by the designer Francois Spoerry that each has its own individual character. Yachts, motor boats and tenders pass by throughout the day and there is always something to watch. The complex is surrounded by well kept gardens and there are many pretty waterside restaurants to try. There is 24 hr security and cars are kept to a minimum and have to obey a 15 km speed restriction.
The local area: The free water taxi can be taken from the end of the beach and this provides you with a pretty journey around the canals lined with an array of colourful fisherman's houses, you'll arrive in the main market square where you'll find the twice weekly market and many more restaurants and bars. Within 10 minutes walk of the apartment you'll find another square with tabac, bars and restaurants, markets also are held here twice a week in season. A further 5 minutes away are tennis courts. St Tropez can be reached by car (7 km) or far better by ferry only a 20 minute ride. A large market is held twice a week, selling everything from fresh local produce to designer clothes. There are many boutiques and lots of great restaurants and cafes. In the main port you will see some of the most valuable private yachts and motor cruisers in the world. Away from the glitz the town has retained it's feeling of tradition with small winding streets and old buildings that finally lead to the fort above.
Other neaby villages: Within short driving distance, there are the medieval hill-top towns of Gassin, Grimaud and Ramattuelle. Further a field there are many famous towns such as Grasse (perfumes centre), Cannes/Nice and the Cotes D'Azur, Aix en Provence. For those interested in walking there is a coastal path that runs for many kilometres around the beaches and headlands. Nearby there are many activities available nearby, so whether you want to relax quietly, explore or have an action packed holiday there is plenty here to chose from

St.Tropez has many moods and changes in character depending on the time of year you choose to visit. In high summer, the town and it's surrounding beaches, are the epitome of hedonism and high fashion, with fabulous boutiques, cafes and restaurants. At other times of the year, when it is calmer, the charm of it's narrow streets, picturesque old port and pretty pastel painted houses can be enjoyed at leisure. On leaving the St.Tropez peninsula, it always comes as a surprise to find that as soon as you leave the coast, the countryside is very rural and tranquil. A few kilometres from the centre of St. Tropez will find you surrounded by Cotes de Provence vineyards stretching from miles around. So with all these great attributes, St. Tropez is definitely the place to be!
Ferries run to Sainte Maxime, Port Grimaud and St. Rafael. There is also a regular bus service to Frejus/St. Rafael main line station with shuttle service to Nice International Airport. The daily fish market is close by in Place aux Herbes. On Tuesdays and Saturdays there is a general market in Place des Lices, offering a wide range of fresh food, designer clothes, antiques etc. In the evenings there is a rich choice of entertainment and nightlife in the bars, restaurants and nightclubs. The St. Tropez peninsula is surrounded by sandy beaches, the most famous being Tahiti Beach, the movie stars' favourite, about 4 km. away. In summer mini buses run between the beaches and Place des Lices. Next to the Port is Musee de l’Annonciade with an impressive collection of post-impressionists paintings.
A short drive takes you to the picturesque and historic hilltop villages of Ramatuelle, Gassin and Grimaud, with their galleries and craft shops. Don't miss the ubiquitous, colourful provencal markets. Inland, Collobrieres is famous for its chestnut puree and cork making. The Maures forest surrounds it full of ancient cork trees. Modern Port Grimaud, with its waterways are just outside St Tropez. To the east, the perfume capital of Provence, Grasse, and also the dramatic Gorges de Verdun. Visit medieval St Paul de Vence, where starving artists, Picasso and friends, paid for food with now priceless paintings at the restaurant Colombe d'Or. Across the bay, St Maxime, St Raphael, and the wonderful Cote d'Azur Corniche. The cities of Nice and Marseille are about an hour and a half away by car in opposite direction.