Grimaud offers everything Saint-Tropez promises — minus the traffic, the crowds, and the price tag. Perched on a wooded hill above the gulf, this medieval village is all cobblestone lanes, flower-draped facades, and the kind of views that make you understand why people fall in love with the south of France.

At the top, the ruins of an 11th-century castle preside over the whole scene: terracotta rooftops tumbling down the hillside, the blue arc of the gulf beyond, and the Maures mountains rising green in the background. It's the Riviera as it used to be — before the yachts.

Stone Streets, Hidden Courtyards

Grimaud's old town is compact and perfectly walkable. Narrow streets wind between stone houses adorned with shutters in every shade of Provençal blue and green. Hidden courtyards reveal fountains and fig trees, ancient chapels sit quietly between residential doorways, and artisan shops sell ceramics, olive wood, and local paintings.

The Rue des Templiers — the old Knights Templar route — climbs steeply toward the castle, rewarding the effort with views that deepen at every turn. At the summit, the ruined walls frame the gulf like a natural picture window.

Markets, Wine & Summer Nights

Grimaud's Thursday morning market is a local institution: rosé by the bottle, olives by the kilo, and socca still warm from the oven. The surrounding countryside produces excellent wines — several domaines offer tastings within a short drive.

In summer, the village comes alive with art fairs, night markets, and outdoor concerts in the castle grounds — a magical setting for an evening of music under the stars.

Practical Information

Getting there: About 1h15 from Toulon via the A57 and D558. Parking at the base of the village.

Best time to visit: Thursday for the market. Summer evenings for festivals. Spring and autumn for peaceful streets.

Don't miss: The castle ruins at sunset, the Thursday market, and a glass of rosé on a terrace with a gulf view.

Mauricette's Tip

Skip the port of Grimaud (touristy) and head straight to the old village. The climb is worth every step, and the castle ruins at golden hour are one of the Var's best-kept secrets.

Medieval villages with million-euro views — Villa Mauricette is your home base for exploring the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and beyond.