Port Grimaud & Cogolin by sea
Ten minutes from Sainte-Maxime and you enter the "Venice of Provence" through its canals: pastel-painted houses, footbridges, yachts moored at residents' terraces. Extend to Cogolin Marina and its vineyards. A half-day out of time.
2-hour response · Free cancellation 72h before · No commitment
The unique lakeside city of the French Riviera
Designed in 1966 by architect François Spoerry, Port Grimaud is a lakeside city classified as "20th-century heritage" since 2002. Seven kilometres of navigable canals, 2,000 pastel-façade houses — pink, yellow, terracotta, lavender blue — each with its private mooring ring. The concept is unique in the Mediterranean: you move around by boat like in Venice, but in a decidedly Provençal setting.
From Sainte-Maxime, the crossing to the port entrance takes 10 to 12 minutes. Our skipper knows the access channel (maximum draft 2.5m, standard port-starboard markings) and canal traffic rules (3-knot speed limit, priority to residents). Entry is via the north pass between the jetty and Nartelle beach; plan 20 minutes of slow navigation in the main canals before reaching the Main Port.
We then dock at Port Grimaud harbour master's office (mandatory reservation in season, 3-hour fee around €45) or moor off Saint-Pons beach. From there, the village is 5 minutes on foot: Saint-François-d'Assise Church (the only Provençal church with two towers), Place du Marché with a lovely market on Thursdays and Sundays, terraces at Café de France or La Table du Mareyeur for lunch facing the canals.
For an extension, we continue to Cogolin Marina (10 more minutes): 1,500 berths, authentic nautical atmosphere, Cogolin vineyards within walking distance (Domaine de Fonscolombe, 12 minutes). Rosé Côtes de Provence AOP tasting possible by appointment. The full route loops perfectly on a half-day.
The Venice of Provence: 7 km of navigable canals at the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
Port Grimaud essentials
Four spots to see in the canals and a detour to Cogolin. Everything is reachable by boat or within a 10-minute walk.
Port Grimaud main canals
Architecture · NavigationSeven navigable kilometres between pastel houses and footbridges. The Grand Canal, inner squares, Main Port with its resident yachts. Speed limit 3 knots, priority to residents. We trace a 20-minute route through main arteries and quieter side alleys.
Saint-François-d'Assise Church
Monument · ArtThe only Provençal church with two bell towers. Built in 1969 in Provençal style by Spoerry, it houses Vasarely stained glass (created in 1974). Free entry, €2 to climb the tower with panoramic canal views. A must at the end of your village visit.
Place du Marché
Market · SquareThe social heart of the lakeside city. Provençal market Thursdays and Sundays (7:30am-1pm): local products, Provençal linens, pottery, olives. Café des Arcades for pastis, La Table du Mareyeur for fresh fish lunch (€60-80/person). Authentic village atmosphere.
Saint-Pons beach
Beach · SwimmingPublic beach south of Port Grimaud, accessible by boat or on foot (5 minutes). Shallow waters ideal for children, sandy bottom. Beach restaurants: Le Mistral, La Guerite. Anchoring allowed 200m from shore. Perfect for a swim stop before returning.
Cogolin Marina
Marina · Vineyards1,500-berth marina between pine forest and vineyards, 10 minutes by sea from Port Grimaud. More local atmosphere than Saint-Tropez. La Villa Belrose restaurant 5 min by taxi (Michelin-starred, lunch €140). Côtes de Provence AOP vineyards on foot. Tastings by appointment.
Your half-day through the canals
- 0109:00
Departure from Port de Sainte-Maxime
Welcome at Quai Léon Condroyer, quick navigation briefing (canal specifics, speed limit). Coffee on board during the crossing. Actual departure 09:10.
- 0209:25
Entry into Port Grimaud
North pass of the jetty, slowing to 3 knots, heading to the Main Port. First photos in the main canals. Your kids will love it — it's a true visual theme park.
- 0310:00
Canal cruise
Slow navigation through the city's arteries: Grand Canal, Central Canal, past resident yachts. Option to dock at Main Port to visit the church and Place du Marché (30 min walk).
- 0411:00
Heading to Cogolin Marina
Exit Port Grimaud via the south pass, southwest heading to Cogolin. Passing along vineyards from the sea. Marina arrival in 15 minutes. Lunch possible at La Villa Belrose or beach shack.
- 0512:30
Return to Sainte-Maxime
Coastal return run, option for a last swim at Plage de la Garonnette. Arrival 13:00 at Sainte-Maxime. Brunch possible on board during the return.
Getting the most out of the cruise
Respect the canal speed limit
Three knots maximum in Port Grimaud, monitored by marine police. Violations trigger a €150 fine and port expulsion. Slow speed is part of the charm: enjoy passing under the bridges.
Reserve mooring in summer
In July-August, Main Port visitor slots are taken from 10am. We call the harbour master the day before at +33 4 94 56 29 88. Without reservation, anchoring at Saint-Pons beach and free tender to the village.
Market on Thursdays and Sundays
To experience Port Grimaud like a local, plan your visit on a Thursday or Sunday morning. The Place du Marché market runs until 1pm with Var producers. Perfect for an onboard return picnic.
Rosé tasting in Cogolin
If extending to Cogolin, Domaine de Fonscolombe offers tastings at €15/person by appointment. We can book it for you the day before. Rosé AOP Côtes de Provence, red ageing in barrels. 45-minute tour + tasting.
Frequently asked questions
What's the maximum draft to enter Port Grimaud?
The entry channel is 2.5m deep at low tide. All our boats (max 1.8m draft) pass without issue. Inner canals are 1.5 to 2m — no navigation worry.
Can you disembark in the canals to visit the village?
Yes, but not anywhere. Resident private pontoons are off-limits. Mooring must be at the Main Port harbour master (reservation recommended) or South Port. From there, the village is 2 minutes on foot.
Is it suitable for children?
Perfectly. Slow navigation in the canals fascinates kids ("village by boat" effect), waters are calm, and Saint-Pons beach is the Gulf's safest for family swimming. Our boats have children's life jackets (3 sizes available).
Can you combine Port Grimaud and Pampelonne?
Yes, but only on a full day. Half-day = Port Grimaud + Cogolin. Full day = option to add Pampelonne in the afternoon. Count 30 minutes of navigation between the two zones. Full-day price from €650.
What if the mistral blows hard?
Port Grimaud is one of the Gulf's most sheltered itineraries, ideal in mistral. Only the initial crossing from Sainte-Maxime can be choppy. Above 30 knots of mistral, we reschedule or swap for an even more sheltered itinerary (Cavalaire Bay).
Explore each stopover
Other itineraries to discover
Full dayPampelonne Beach Day
Cruise from Sainte-Maxime across the Gulf to the legendary beaches of Pampelonne. Drop anchor off Club 55, Nikki Beach, or Plage de Tahiti and enjoy crystal-clear waters all day.
Half daySaint-Tropez Port & Old Town
A short 20-minute cruise across the Gulf brings you to the iconic port of Saint-Tropez. Moor at the old port, stroll the cobblestone streets, and enjoy lunch with a harbour view.
Full dayEstérel Red Cliffs & Calanques
Head west along the coast to the dramatic red porphyry cliffs of the Estérel massif. Swim in hidden calanques, snorkel around Île d'Or, and explore the wild coastline between Agay and Anthéor.
Half daySunset Cruise Around the Gulf
Set sail in the late afternoon for a magical sunset cruise around the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Watch the golden light paint the coastline as you glide past Cap Camarat and the Ramatuelle vineyards.
Full dayCap Taillat & Wild Beaches
Explore the wildest stretch of the Saint-Tropez peninsula. Anchor off Gigaro, swim at L'Escalet, and round the spectacular Cap Taillat — a narrow sandy peninsula accessible only by sea or hiking trail.
Want to see Port Grimaud?
Half day €450, optional skipper €100. 2-hour response with exact availability and pricing for your date.