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A day in Grimaud

We love advising you on what there is to do in Port Grimaud, whether it is for a day, a weekend or a week.

Today, we would simply like to present Grimaud our village to you : its history but also what you can discover if you spend a day here.

Grimaud is a high medieval village overlooking the clear blue bay of the Gulf of Saint Tropez, and is dominated by the remarkable ruins of the castle dating from the 11th century. The village is situated on the Mediterranean coast in the Maures Massif, the wooded hills which extend to the south west up to Pierrefeu-du-Var and Hyères, and to the north east in the direction of Fréjus. The sinuous D558 road which links the Gulf of St Tropez crosses the Maures after La Garde-Freinet, through oak, chestnut and pin forests. The winding D14 road,which is even narrower, runs towards the west of Grimaud through the hills up to Collobrières, passing close to Chartreuse de la Verne.

Grimaud through the centuries

The origin of the name Grimaud remains uncertain. Certain historians thought that it comes from Grimaldi, the family who reigned over Monaco, but this origin is debatable.

Pre-historic times

The vestiges of the pre-historic times are the hills of Grimaud which comprise of 2 menhirs; situated 3 km to the north west of the village, on the Couzes farm and on the Avelan side of the hill; one of two menhirs has an anthropomorphic side. At Our-Dame-de-la-Queste there are some basalt mills (black washed stone), and a sculpted Phoenician Carthaginian head can be seen in a cave situated in what we today call Port-Grimaud.

Gallo-Roman Times

In Ancient Times, Grimaud was the port of Sambracis, and several ancient gallo-roman objects were discovered in the area, notably large stone pots two meters high found buried underground for anchoring boats. A very large number of Roman ceramics were discovered here, notably amphora and slabs.

Medieval times

Grimaud was the Domaine of the Viscount of Marseille, then the Lords of Pontevès and Jean Cossa and, up until the 17th century, Lords of Castellane-St-Juers.

The high position of Grimaud offers a magnificent view over the surrounding hills and the Gulf of Saint Tropez, a bay which carried the name of Gulf of Grimaud until the 17th century. The overhanging passage which crosses the center of the Maures offered Grimaud a strategic position in the Middle Ages.

Discover Grimaud

A typical provencal village

The village has been carefully restored, but not excessively so and has successfully retained its authentic character.

Certain houses in the village date back from the 15th and 16th centuries. Many of them have been built with stone walls in the ancient style, and numerous others have been restored with luminous paste colors typical of Provence. In the rue des Arcades, you’ll see a house dating from the 15th century called the House of Templiers, whose façade and underground area are typical of the time.

The village is rather grand for a provencal village and you can easily spend half a day winding your way around the streets, exploring them, especially certain narrow medieval passages and a few passages with low vaults.

The Tourism Office offers visitors a free brochure which offers a walking tour of Grimaud, and you can view the corresponding signs on the buildings offering the visit itineraries. Several old village fountains are really interesting and, in particular, that of the Place Neuve dating from 1886.

A high-perched village which is easy to visit

The fishing villages and the villages on the other side, so typical of Provence and so picturesque, can be a problem for young children, people with reduced mobility and the elderly. Luckily, Grimaud has built a glass and iron lift (to transport people to the village or to the main part of the village, where the town hall certain main buildings and other shops are found).

The principal challenge for Grimaud throughout the centuries : the provision of water

All Grimaud’s water was supplied by three Middle Age wells up until the 16th century. Then, an aqueduct system was built to lead the water from the Pont des Fées (3 km to the north) towards the castle and the village. Some remains of the aqueduct are still there and le Pont des Fées dating from the 15th century which crosses the river Garde, is a magnificent ancient site.

The Pont des Fées : « The Fairy Bridge »

From the 19th century, the expanding population required more water and an air pump was built in 1886 to guide the water to the village from a low lying source.

The church

The village church is Saint-Michel church. It dates from the 12th century and is a Roman parochial church with a square bell tower. There is also the lovely stone Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs in the village, which was built in 1482.

La Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs : « The Chapel of the White Penitents ».

Shops and local businesses

Grimaud has a vibrant commercial village life, but the shops are located in several locations throughout the village. There is a grocer, a butchery and three bakeries/confectioners. You can also find several real estate agencies and numerous art galleries.

Specialities and presents to bring back home

Grimaud is situated in the wine region of Provence, and the local vineyards offer the famous wines « Côtes de Provence AOC”. A wine cooperative is situated not far from the village. The other specialities produced here are honey, flowers, sweet chestnuts and cork.

Port Grimaud’s Internal Regulations

In this article, we would like to introduce you to Port Grimaud’s internal regulations.

As you may know, Port Grimaud is a collection of 3 « districts » belonging to the municipality of Grimaud but managed by Free Union Associations (ASL : Association Syndicale Libre) like private co-ownerships.

The aim of these associations is « the management of common portions and the port, conservation, general surveillance of the Lacustre city as well as respect of specifications and special provisions. » (source)

The 3 districts are :

• Port Grimaud I, the historic district with the Saint Francis of Assissi Church, the Market Place and the Place des Artisans where you can find us. This is the largest district and has 867 moorings.

• Port Grimaud II is also called Port Grimaud South and was built between 1974 and 2002. The district has 679 moorings.

• Port Grimaud III was built between 1978 and 1993 (492 moorings)

Each district has its own internal regulations and it is good to have these in mind to derive the most benefit out of your stay in our charming village.

In this article, we remind you of the regulations prescribed in Port Grimaud welcome pack.

– Proper dress code is required,
– Dogs must be on a leash and are forbidden on the beach,
– Vehicle access to boats is confined to loading and unloading and no vehicle may be parked for more than an hour throughout the year,
– Cleanliness of sites must be respected : throwing of objects of any nature into canals, streets or gardens is strictly forbidden,
– Picnics as well as barbecues are forbidden,
– Please respect the peace of the residents,
– For safety reasons, swimming and fishing are forbidden in the canals,
– Laundry may not be hung from windows or on boats,
– Speed is limited to 3 knots (5 km/h). Do not cause waves,
-Sailing in the port is forbidden,
– Bunkering of hydrocarbons par in they quays is strictly forbidden,
– Emptying of tanks in the port is not allowed,
– Do not waste water and and use a jet wash to wash your boat,
– Finally, respect the peace of your surroundings and your neighbors.

As you can see, these rules are stricter than other coastal towns in the Côte d’Azur but it is because of them that Port Grimaud today enjoys an unequalled reputation for safety and peace.

In fact, if you own a property in Port Grimaud and you want to carry out some work or modifications (especially those that are likely to affect the outer appearance of your property), you must make the ASL in your district aware of your intention. In order to maintain the harmony and authenticity of the architecture around you, you must respect certain urban regulations, an overview of which you can view here.

We hope that this article has cleared up certain peculiarities around Port Grimaud. Our village welcomes many holiday makers each summer and the internal regulations are there to ensure that we all live together as harmonious as possible.

Buying a studio in Port Grimaud : an achievable dream

Often called la “Provencal Venice”, Port Grimaud is a small harmonious paradise between sky and sea, nestled in the Gulf of Saint Tropez. Since 2002 it has been part of the XXth century heritage and this riparian city givers a unique architectural offering, with a mixture of studios, apartments and sumptuous fishing houses. Amongst the canals and islands, amid the sails and the masts, it is a gateway to the open seas and freedom. The sweetness of living here is like nothing else, all your senses are heightened under this mediterranean sun where colors, scents and sounds mingle in the air.

So when the dream becomes reality when you buy a property here, life suddenly seems to take on another sense, as this haven of peace is the ideal place to be.
Port Grimaud has the peculiarity of being organized into private co-properties, which ensure maintenance and preservation of the property. Without being closed off to visitors, despite its private atmosphere, the heart of the city can be visited on foot. Indeed, vehicles are requested to remains outside and the peace and respect of the inhabitants is one of its major attractions.

Who are the property owners in this lakeside city ?

A large number of owners in Port Grimaud are company directors, often on retirement. Although a portion may not be part of the Jet Set like most their Saint-Tropez counterparts, this is because they have chosen to live a peaceful life far away from the spotlight and the clicking of the camera.

So after having become acquainted with this unique and paradise-like place, let’s look further at the sought-after opportunities on offer to capture that rare pearl. If a studio is your preferred option, don’t worry because the town consists of around 2% tenants for 98% of owners (the latter being 50% of them French and 50% foreigners, most of them from neighboring European countries).

This combination of unique real estate, which extends over 75 hectares, has a total of 2,400 accommodation options. The evolution of building in Port Grimaud has, over time, distinguished three areas that are managed by separate and autonomous trade unions.

Boutemy Real estate specializes in Port Grimaud and is particularly well established in the market to assist you completely in this regard.

A selection of studios which deserve a visit

From around twenty properties, ranging from a studio to 2 rooms, here are two which could correspond to your search criteria and could give you an overview of the numerous possibilities offered by our real estate agency. Firstly a large studio of 30 square meter, with a large balcony, a parking space on the main parking and a view over Saint Tropez behind closed doors goes for €250,000.

Studio for sale on our websites boutemy.net and boutemy.co.uk

There is also a cabin studio available with a loggia measuring 26 m², for the sum of €165,000, with a breathtaking view over the canals. It has a main living area with a kitchenette, a bathroom and a bedroom as you come in. The cherry on top is that it has a loggia facing the South east side of the canal, climate control and a parking bay with possibility of underground garage. This is an opportunity to take, and you can view it on our site boutemy.net/en.

In any event, when making contact with our agency you are in good hands, so without any further ado, come and pay our agency a visit or even send us an email to agence@boutemy.net with your search criteria. We will do what it takes to find the studio which will brighten up your days and enchant your nights.

Port Grimaud on a budget

Whilst on holiday, accommodation is the main cost. This is even more so for prime destinations such as those on the Côte d’Azur.

But if you have a limited budget for your holidays in Port Grimaud, you need not worry because there are some handy tips you can make use of in order to enjoy a wonderful holiday at a great price.

1. Port Grimaud, a nature destination

Provence is very popular, mainly for its year round sunshine, its quality of life, but mostly due to its beautiful landscape consisting of sea and mountains.
In the very heart of Var, Port Grimaud enjoys an enviable position, between the Maures Massif and the scintillating Mediterranean sea.

You could go mountain biking or hiking in the trails within the Maures Massif. The Var hiking week takes place From 24 September to 2 October 2016 for example. Various circuits will be advertised so that hikers at any level can discover the scenery of our magnificent region.

The Massif des Maures, copyright David Michon http://dernieravis.over-blog.com/article-massif-des-maures-part-iii-79981050.html

Holidays are made for relaxing, aren’t they ? So, what better way to do this than to kick back on the beaches of our coastline ?

2. Various free entertainment and cultural excursions

Throughout the year, our village’s Tourism Office is honored to offer various free entertainment and cultural activities which are accessible to everyone.

A. Discovering our heritage

Every month, the community arranges free and guided visits to the Saint-Roch mill and the Saint-Roche chapel, as well as to the Notre Dame de la Queste chapel.

The Notre Dame de la Queste chapel

To obtain the schedule of these visits, visit Grimaud’s Tourism Office website http://www.grimaud-provence.com/ or consult our blog where we publish the monthly program (and often even the weekly one) for the entertainment that is organized in Grimaud.

Here is an example of the weekly program from 5 September 2016 to September 11 2016.

B. Concerts, theatre and shows

Provence has fascinated artists and, more specifically, painters for several centuries. To continue in this tradition, the village highlights their efforts throughout the year. You are invited to stroll through the village’s many art galleries. Every Thursday from July to mid-September, art galleries are open until late in the evenings so that you can enjoy their art works with a drink in your hand.

In addition to this, an art exhibition is held in Grimaud twice a year (Spring session in April and autumn session in September). Here again, access is free for everyone where you can discover the region’s artists.

3. The Gulf of Saint-Tropez is home to several exceptional sporting events

The Gulf of Saint-Tropez has not lost its charisma and each year hosts several exceptional sporting events and rallies. The most iconic of all of these is certainly the Voiles de Saint-Tropez, a regatta bringing together traditional, centennial and cutting-edge modern yachts during September. Here, you are simply one of thousands each year admiring their fascinating ballet from the port of Saint-Tropez.

However, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez also welcomes Harley Davidson, Vespa and Porsche lovers during festive weekends. Large parades are organized in Grimaud and Saint-Tropez for everyone to admire.

As you can see, nature, sport and culture are honored in our village and the several exhibitions offered are completely free of charge. Take advantage of them!

The birth of Port Grimaud, 50 years ago

Exactly half a century ago, the State issued the building permit for the construction of the lakeside city.

On this aerial view of 1955, you can see the mouth of the Giscle and all of the marshland on which the future lakeside city will be built.

A crazy bet. These words quoted by Mayor Alain Benedetto on June 14 at the 50th anniversary of Port-Grimaud, symbolize the incredible saga of the birth of an outstanding project.

« In the end, it’s an exemplary success. » Grimaud is fortunate enough to have in its region a city whose global reputation reflects on us all », he continued.

Yves and Bernard, the two sons of François Spoerry, designer of the lakeside city were on hand to unveil the plaque commemorating this highly symbolic day of the issuance of the building permit, that of June 14, 1966.

‘’It is an important event for the whole family » stressed Yves. « Being here is very poignant, » said his brother Bernard. « This site was only a swamp but my father has succeeded in this unlikely undertaking. »

The series of speeches ended with a tasty anecdote told by Alain Benedetto: in fact, the building permit of Port-Grimaud was not issued on the 14^th but on the 13^th of June: ‘’The date was changed to please the senior official Paul Ploix (father-in-law of the elected representative Florence Ploix, Editor’s note), in charge of the urban planning initiatives. June the 14th is the date of birth of his son Christian! «

Right after, a Spoerry’s exhibition was inaugurated at the Community Hall. A must-see available for one month (until July 14).

1966-2016: AN ALBUM TO TRACE OUT HISTORY

‘’Port-Grimaud is 50 years old’’ is the title of a nice book newly released for the occasion.
It’s author is Bernard Spoerry, son of the master and it reminisces in pictures and sketches the crazy and beautiful adventure of the lakeside city’s construction. Here are a few images. 3000 copies were made and 1000 numbered. You can get hold of a copy in the village.

1962: François Spoerry has just acquired 35 acres. He is at the eve of his crazy dream.

As incredible as it may seem, the Great bridge was built on… dry land, just a few hundred meters away from the nearest canal!

1967: the first 14 houses are completed. 125 000 francs for a « Fisherman’s house »

François Spoerry with Brigitte Bardot at the very beginning of the construction

François Spoerry loved to repeat that his village was « like the nested fingers of two hands… One for the land, the other for the sea! »This article was first published in France on Var Matin, our local newspaper.

A day in Grimaud by Emilie who fell in love with our village

At Boutemy, we love to discuss with our clients what enchants them most about Port Grimaud. After having spent 20 years in the village, we are filled with wonder each day with these fantastic surroundings, but it is always nice to find out the little favorites of others.

That is why we wanted to let travelers do the talking on this blog. Today, we inaugurate this series of interviews with Emilie, mother and blogger who reminisces about her first visit to Grimaud:

» We chose to visit Grimaud in the morning and Port Grimaud in the afternoon.
We went there by car because Grimaud is located only 12 kilometers from Sainte-Maxime where we were staying. To avoid the traffic along the sea, I would advise you to go by Plan-de-la-Tour. Once you arrive, you can park in the village for free which has many parking lots available, that Port Grimaud does not have.
We had taken a map including a touristic track in a store (downloadable here.)

The village is charming with its paved roads and typical Southern houses. Grimaud is home to a 15^th century castle that offers a splendid view of the golf of Saint-Tropez, and an open air theater gives concerts during the summer.

After we had lunch in a brasserie, we jumped on the little train to Port Grimaud! This allows you to easily move along the coastline and as you can imagine, my daughter loved it.
Prices: One way: adults 5 euros – children 3 euros or roundtrip: adults 7 euros – children 4 euros.

Port Grimaud, called the Venice of Provence, is a maritime village. Cars are forbidden (except for residents) and you can visit the lakeside city in electric boat that is possible to drive without a license. It costs 25 euros for 30 minutes. Since we didn’t have enough time, we walked there, which was also very enjoyable. At the end of the afternoon, we took the little train back to the car and went back to our vacation rental.

We must do it again with a concert in the ramparts of the castle!

We would like to warmly thank Emilie for her help. Grimaud and Port Grimaud are ideal destinations for children who would be entertained by the different modes of transport available to travelers. We hope that she will have the chance to test the electric boats next time because little ones love to drive them (wearing their lifejackets, of course, and with the help of an adult :-).

The 900 Nautiques of Saint-Tropez, edition 2016

The 7^th edition of the 900 Nautiques of Saint-Tropez will take place from March 10 to 20 with a beginning race on March 12, 2016. Organized by the Nautical Society of Saint-Tropez, this Mediterranean race usually reserved to groups will open up this year to individuals with an adequate route of 400 nautical miles.

Registrations – open in November 2015 – were met with a large success since initially only 30 spots were provided. With this new racing system, the direction of the race and the organizer had preferred to reduce the number of registrations to 30, but the enthusiasm of the participants obliged the SNST to increase the number of participants. So, 38 sailboats are already registered in the race – 21 individuals and 17 in groups.

Which route ?

The sailboats in the “group” or “individual” category will each participate in a race of a different distance – 900 nautical miles for the first one and 400 for the second – leaving and arriving at Saint-Tropez. The boats will need to mark several points of obligatory passage. Two races are programmed (for each category) and it is the direction of the race and the organizer who will choose the one that will be held, depending on weather conditions.

Group Race

Race 1:

Southern Menorca (Balearic) / Southern Sardinia (Italy) / Northern Corsica

Race 2:

Southern Sardinia (Italy) / Eastern Ponza (Italy) / Northern Corsica

Individual Races

Race 1:

Southern Corsica / Northern Corsica

Race 2:

Northern Corsica / Elba / Southern Corsica

Who can participate?

The regatta is open to single-hulled boats measured IRC with a minimum TCC of 1,000 in “groupe” and minimum 0.980 in “individual” and for multi-hulled boats measuring Multi 2000 in “groupe.” French citizens also need to have a FFVoile license.

What are the stand-out features?

The 900 Nautiques of Saint-Tropez are registered on the UNCL calendar of proof of the Offshore Championship IRC 2016 Group and Individual. The three first winners of the race (the podium) will win a monetary prize.

For a group between 5 and 10 boats, the 1^st will win 2,500 euros, the 2^nd 1,500 euros and the 3^rd 500 euros.

For a group of more than 10 boats, the 1^st will win 5,000 euros, the 2^nd 3,000 euros and the 3^rd 1,000 euros.

For a group of more than 5 boats, the 1^st boat in real time “individual” and “groupe” will win 1,000 euros.

Below is a video from the 2015 Edition. Enjoy!

A week in Port Grimaud

When you come for a visit to our lovely town, you will no doubt notice that there are many others in the neighboring area. Though we strongly recommend visiting Port Grimaud first, we must admit that some of them are quite nice and worth the visit. So if you plan on staying in the area for a week or more, here are some places you can visit once you have exhausted the charm of our seaside city.

1- Cavalaire

A half-hour drive away from Port Grimaud, Cavalaire-sur-Mer is an old Greek colony that used to be named Heraciea Caccabaria. It is now a city centered around tourism and its port, so you can be sure to be well welcomed. It is renowned for its Mediterranean landscape and beautiful hiking paths with incredible views. It is also a very popular diving spot, as there are a dozen shipwrecks to explore. Thanks to its 4 km of white sandy beaches, you are free to picnic, sunbathe, swim, and enjoy a large number of activities such as water-skiing, sailing and more. All the equipment is available for rent in the nautic base.

2- Rayol Canadel

About a 35-minute drive away from Port Grimaud, Rayol Canadel is a botanist’s dream come to life. It is filled with over 400 species of plant imported from all around the world which cover 80 % of the area’s municipality. There are 5 beaches of fine white sand for you to delight in and explore. Everyone can find something to enjoy at the Domaine du Rayol, centrepiece of the town where people can discover a great variety of Mediterranean plants all year round.

3- Le Lavandou

A 45-minute car ride away from Port Grimaud, Le Lavandou is perhaps most famous for celebrating Christmas on July 31 with a wonderful parade. The local Thursday morning market is also very popular and fun to discover. There is also the Fountain Trail to discover, with 13 fountains to admire along with a tour guide’s explanations of their significance and history. The highlight of the town, however, is without a doubt its 12 beaches connected by the Beaches’ miniature train. Art lovers will delight in the Painters’ trail, where they can admire the views that inspired the most famous French neo-impressionists. Lavandou is a town where everyone will find something to inspire and delight them.

4- Sainte-Maxime

A 20 minute drive away from Port Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime is a town with a lot to offer. The Mediterranean side offers 6 km of fine sand beaches where you can relax and enjoy a wide array of aquatic activities, including boat tours. On the southern side, you can discover many hiking trails offering beautiful views of Saint-Tropez Bay. For art and architecture lovers, the village itself retains its Art Deco style of the 1920s. Guided tours are offered and will allow you to discover this lovely town from an insider’s perspective.

So there you have it, four lovely towns besides our own to visit when you come to our seaside region in the south of France. Happy travelling!

A day in Port Grimaud

Most people who hear “vacations in Port Grimaud” think a holiday lasting at least two weeks. However, our seaside town is perfect for even a day-trip. There are many things to discover, which makes for a fun-filled day. Here are some suggestions.

Obviously, the first thing that comes to mind is the town’s beautiful beaches. One can easily spend the whole day discovering the beautiful white sand beaches lining the Gulf of St. Tropez. There is always room and the water is always warm. There are also boats for hire, which allow you to explore the coastline, find shady bays and inlets that will make you feel as though you are the first to see them. You can go swimming and snorkelling at your own pace, without having to worry about a schedule. To top it off, why not watch a beautiful sunset from your boat, or have a long romantic walk on the beach? Peaceful and relaxing, this is the perfect way to spend the day with a loved one in a pristine setting.

If beaches aren’t your cup of tea, worry not! Port Grimaud has much more to offer. The area is quite famous for its wines, so why not go on a vineyard tour? The south of France, especially Port Grimaud, gets the most sunshine. This means that the grapes grown here are naturally sweet and have a high alcohol content. The wines made here are not aged, so they are made to be sold at the local market and enjoyed quickly. There are plenty of vineyards in the area offering tours and tastings, all you have to do is make your pick!

Visit the Domain de la Giscle in Cogolin, a village near Port Grimaud

You can also explore the town itself. It is a great way to spend time. Visit the lovely town square, shaded by big trees and framed by restaurants and bars. The market is held there every Thursday and Sunday, so plan your trip accordingly in order to experience its joys. There are many shops and art galleries to discover, as well as St. Francis Assisi church. You can also head for the hilltop to explore the old part of the village and see the stunning views of the area. Finish off the day with a nice meal in one Port Grimaud’s lovely restaurants to make a truly wonderful memory.

Of course, these activities may not take all day depending on how quickly you take it all in. However, you can mix and match them to better suit you. Go on a vineyard and wine tasting tour, then head over to the market to buy your favorites. Explore the old town and go to the beach when you get too hot. The possibilities are endless, and you will without a doubt find something you will enjoy and will remember fondly.

Buying property in Port Grimaud when one is not a French citizen

Are you wanting to buy a second residence in France, and is this the first time that you are investing in a property outside of your home country?

Be rest assured: whether you are English, American, Spanish, Italian, German or Dutch (we haven’t forgotten about the other nationalities, but here you have an idea of the main properties in Port Grimaud), our team will guide you in completing your transaction in complete peace of mind.

Our team has been trained at the best French management schools and is multilingual. We will therefore be able to guide you and assist you in your undertakings in your native language or even in English.
Furthermore, close to half of the property owners in Port Grimaud are foreigners (mostly Europeans). We therefore handle sales for locals as much as for foreign property owners.

With Boutemy Immobilier, you are in good hands !

Quite honestly, becoming a property owner in Port Grimaud, in France, when one is not of French nationality, is not that different to buying a house or apartment in one’s own country.
However, we would like to share with you some particularities specific to a purchase of a property in France.

We will put you into contact with a tax representative in French law.

For the purchase of your holiday residence in the Gulf of Grimaud (Gulf of Saint-Tropez) some of you will need to take out a loan. When this is the case, most of our buyers do this in their country of origin.
If you would prefer to contact a lender in France, we can certainly put you into contact with some local banks who enjoy our full confidence.
In any case, we will systematically put you into contact with a tax representative in French law.
This is compulsory if you originate from a country outside of the European Union, and has been optional since the 1st January 2015 if you originated from a country within the UE. However, even if you are exempt from it, we strongly advise you to do this.

We handle the establishment of all your water/gas/electricity accounts.

Our intervention does not end with the signing of the deed of sale. Boutemy Real Estate also takes care of the cancellation of the previous owner’s water, gas and electricity accounts and in creating new accounts for the new property owners.
From municipal and private services, we are aware that making one choice amongst many can be intimidating and time-consuming. Also, it is with great pleasure that we offer this service.

As you will have noticed, at Boutemy, we are committed to offering the best advice to our French, as well as foreign clients.

Our knowledge of foreign languages, our expertise in the Grimaudian property market as well as our knowledge in French administration enables you to complete the purchase of our property under the best circumstances.

<h2>You can find the list of all our properties for sale</h2>

in English on the website boutemy.co.uk
in French, German, Dutch, Spanish and Italian on our website boutemy.net. To do this, click on the icon of your flag on the right of the screen.

The church of Port Grimaud

The ecumenical church of St. Francis of Assisi is located in the heart of Port Grimaud.

It is the work, like our seaside town, of architect François Spoerry, who was laid to rest there.

Some of you will recognize a resemblance to the fortress church Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. That structural choice was due to the many pirate attacks of the 9^th century, initial date of construction of this other Provencal church. The church of St. Francis of Assisi in Port Grimaud was built between 1969 and 1973 and is part of the cultural and architectural heritage of the Camargue and Provencal churches.

The architect who built the church with his own money wanted it to be conducive to contemplation and without embellishment. The nave extends nearly thirty meters long.

Facing the sea, you can admire the unique stained glass of the church, made of 25 pieces each representing a phase of the sun from dawn to dusk.

25 stained gass windows by Victor Vasarely: from dawn to dusk

The stained glass windows were designed by French-Hungarian artist, Victor Vasarely.

The church has its feet in water on two sides and is adorned, on top of its 16 meter tower, with a wrought iron campanile supporting a bronze bell.

The church is ecumenical, meaning it performs the ceremonies of several strands of Christianity, including Catholic and Protestant ceremonies.
It is owned by the residents. Its care was entrusted to an Ecumenical Council, composed half of Catholics, half of Protestants and a co-owners’ representative.

Mass is rarely celebrated in the church of St. Francis of Assisi. It usually takes place at St. Michael’s church in the village of Grimaud.

We invite you all to climb the spiral staircase, so that you can all enjoy a wonderful, panoramic view of Port Grimaud in its entirety.

Les îles d’Or

Les îles d’Or, or ‘The Golden Islands’ as they are sometimes called, is a name given to a group of four islands located just off the coast of South-East France, right in the Mediterranean. The ease of access to the islands coupled with the fact that they are quite far removed from the glitzy lifestyle that the French Riviera boasts, results in Les îles d’Or being a popular destination for many tourists who want a bit of a break from the ‘hustle and bustle’ of city life.

As I said before; there are actually four islands that make up Les îles d’Or. You will however only be able to access three of them. One of the islands, which is incidentally the smallest one, cannot be accessed at this time. This means that you will see no trips to Les îles du Bagaud.

Porquerolles

This is the largest island in the group. It is also one of the most popular amongst tourists as it is the easiest to reach from France. Around 80% of this island has been designated as a national park. This means that most of Porquerolles is currently undeveloped. This makes the place absolutely fantastic for those want to walk through nature. At the south of the island you will find gorgeous, looming cliffs. The north is where you will be able to relax on the beaches. There is a single village on Porquerolles which is a true delight to explore. I do suggest you check out the church whilst walking around the village. It is stunning. A large proportion of the island is dedicated to vineyards. If you are heading here in the summer then you may be able to view the Jazz Festival that takes place each and every year.

Port-Cros

Port-Cros : Crédit photo Franco Caruzzo

This island is tiny. At the moment the vast majority of the island is dedicated to being a national park. It does have quite a history though. For example; there is some evidence that a Roman colony used to call this island home. The island used to regularly come under attack from pirates too. As a result you may spot a few defences peppered around the area. Port-Cros also played a major role when the Allies took back Provence during World War II. If you are going to travel to Port-Cros, and I suggest you do, then make sure you have a camera in tow as you will want to take a lot of photographs.

Ile du Levant

This island is slightly different from the other two. For a start; it is a military island (the other two islands are mostly privately owned). This means that you may not always be able to get onto the island. The village located on the island is mainly a nudist colony too. In fact; it was the first dedicated ‘nudist village’ in the world, so if that sort of thing offends you then you may want to steer clear. Being nude is actually expected in many areas. The area is quite a relaxed place and it does give off a good vibe, but you really do want to steer clear if you are not completely into the ‘nudist’ world.

Discover Porquerolles

For those of you who stay in Port Grimaud for the holidays, we recommend you take a trip to Porquerolles.

Porquerolles is one of four islands which make up the group of islands known as Les Iles d’Hyères, or ‘The Golden Islands’ as many people seem to refer them as. Porquerolles is actually the largest of the four islands. It is also the closest island to France. This makes it incredibly popular amongst the tourist crowd. If you are heading to Porquerolles thinking that it has all the glitz that the French Riviera boasts then think again. The vast majority of Porquerolles lacks any real development (we will come to the reasons as to why soon). This means that the island is mainly suited for those who want to be at ‘one with nature’ and just explore a beautiful Mediterranean Island.

The most recent history of the island began back in 1820. It was at this time that the village on the island, which still exists to this day, was established. The village grew at a fairly steady rate over the years. It is still fairly small (only 200 people are permanent residents of the island), but it does boast a rather beautiful church and lighthouse. In 1912 a gentleman known as Francois Joseph Fournier purchased the island for his wife. It was at this time about 500 acres of the island became dedicated to vineyards. The wine that was produced on this island was the first to be classed as ‘vin des Côtes de Provence’, and as any wine-lover will tell you; that is a pretty decent wine.

The French wanted to preserve the beauty of the island. As a result they purchased 80% of the island in 1971. They then created a national park out of it (the other half of the national park is on the nearby island of Port-Cros). Absolutely zero development is allowed in the national park area. This means that those who visit the island will be able to experience the true beauty of it. There are gorgeous forests to walk through, cliffs to get stunning panoramic views from, and gorgeous sandy beaches to relax on. This area is truly beautiful.

Now just because the village is small does not mean that there is not a lot to do. As mentioned at the start the island of Porquerolles tends to have a rather laid-back feel to it. There is no hustle and bustle here, even in the high tourist seasons. The culture is very different from mainland France. To me, Porquerolles has an almost ‘classic’ French feel to it. There are fantastic places to eat, wonderful places to drink, and some beautiful scenery to feast your eyes upon. If you head to the island during the summer then you may even be able to catch a glimpse of the ‘Jazz á Porquerolles’, a Jazz festival that has been held on the island each and every summer since 2010. It has gone from strength to strength too with some pretty decent jazz musicians taking the stage throughout the festival.

Discover Ramatuelle in Provence

Ramatuelle is a village that we, the team of Boutemy Immobilier really like to go to for a stroll once in a while. It is one of a few villages in the south of France which relies on tourism in order to thrive. In fact, the population of this area goes up from 2,000 to close to 30,000 when the warmer months start to roll in. Don’t worry though; those who head to Ramatuelle will never feel as though they are in the ‘hustle and bustle’ of a populated tourist town. The residents of Ramatuelle have gone to great lengths in order to ensure that the area retains its classic French town.

Most of the action in Ramatuelle actually takes place away from the center of the town, although those who head into Ramatuelle will be able to enjoy some of the most stunning views in all of France. If you are staying in Port Grimaud, then we do encourage you to visit Ramatuelle at least once. It is perfect for those who have never experienced a classic French village before. It is suggested that you visit here for the regular Farmer’s Markets, at least.

One of the main highlights of Ramatuelle, and perhaps one of the main reason as to why many a tourist heads to this part of France is for the absolutely stunning beaches located nearby. The water is crystal clear and the sand is beautifully white. In fact; the beach in this area tends to be a favoured destination for many celebrities. You never know, you may spot one! Located along the beaches are all manner of ‘secret coves’ and the like. This means that you will never really be far from privacy, even if you are picking the busy summer months to head to Ramatuelle.

Ramatuelle, for the most part at least, is surrounded by nature. It may take a while to get to some of the larger destinations in the south of France, but most people will not mind as you will need to travel through absolutely gorgeous scenery. The forests that surround Ramatuelle are absolutely stunning. If you are the active type then you are going to love exploring them. Since this area of France is well-known for its wine production you will also be able to enjoy gorgeous Vineyards which stretch for miles and miles.

Much of the area of Ramatuelle is dedicated to the more ‘laid back’ vacation so do not expect to find yourself in a midst of a crazy party night after night (although the nightlife in this area is good). Instead you can find yourself indulging in a Olive Oil and Wine trip, horse riding, craft-related activities, tennis, biking, walking, diving, boating, and even a spot of golf. A stay in Ramatuelle will really provide a break from the norm and it is an absolutely fantastic place to stay if you wish to head away from the major cities in the area. Those who visit Ramatuelle will never have anything short of an absolutely brilliant time on their holiday.

Culinary specialities in Provence

Holidays are the ideal time to discover the culinary specialities of our region and to treat yourself.

Perhaps you know of them and have even bought some in your own supermarket, but, believe me, there is nothing like a local tasting. A good, homemade ratatouille, with the vegetables all cooked separately, will never have the same taste of Provence elsewhere.

Many of our specialities come from the sea and it is today interesting to note that certain of our most iconic and sought-after dishes were originally considered as dishes of poor fishermen.

If you spend a few days here, the following are a few dishes to try.

Bouillabaisse

This is definitely the most iconic dish of the south of France and the ultimate Marseillaise speciality.

Its name comes from Provençal Occitan: from « bolh » for « boiling » and « abaiss » for «lowering», meaning lowering the fire, because this was how bouillabaisse was traditionally prepared.

This is a fish stew which is cooked at a rolling boil for about 15 minutes before continuing to cook on a low heat. The stew consists of at least 4 fish (monkfish, Saint-Pierre, redfish, red mullet , vive and roucaou) and is served with potatoes and croutons, or, even better, slices of garlic bread and rouille (our local mayonnaise).

Daube

Daube, just like bouillabaisse, is a family dish which is prepared the day before. It is most often prepared with braised beef and cooked with red wine, onions, celery, carrots, garlic and mixed herbs. It is delicious served with potatoes or gnocchi.

Sea urchins

Tasting sea urchins is an institution in the region, and whether you want to taste them for the first time or you are already a connoisseur, we invite you to atttend the sea urchin festivals, which are organised every year. They have a friendly vibe and they take place over several weekends in Sausset les Pins, Carry le Rouet and Fos sur Mer.

You can also find sea urchins on the menu at many restaurants. They are eaten like oysters : by the dozen of half dozen.

Boiled eggs with truffles

This absolutely divine dish links a very basic food such as the boiled egg with our most famous mushroom, the truffle. This is all it takes to delight the tastebuds; it is sometimes in the simple things that the best tastes are revealed.

Find all the lastest news on the truffle on this website.

In Boutemy, we like to have lunch with our restaurateur friends from Port Grimaud. We recommend with enthusiasm Café Telline, which is situated on the marketplace (the telline is a delicious shellfish that you should definitely taste during your holidays in the Mediterranean)

The restaurant is open throughout the year and the chef likes to cook truffle, venison and vegetables.

We also recommend the la Tartane, 8 rue de l’Octogone for his pan-fried Saint-Jacques.

Visit Sainte-Maxime in the South of France

Located just a few miles from Port Grimaud, 56 miles from Nice airport and resting right in the heart of the French Riviera lies the absolutely gorgeous town of Sainte-Maxime. This beautiful place is a popular location for royal families from around the world, in particular, the Swedish Royal Family. It retains a classic French charm that you will really enjoy.

Tourism is one of the biggest sources of income for Sainte-Maxime. It doesn’t get as many tourists as the nearby cities of Nice and Marseille, but those who travel to Saint-Maxime will never be short of things to do. Many people who head to the area find particular enjoyment in exploring the Old Town, located just a short hop from the harbour. Here you will be able to indulge yourself in all manner of shops, bars, restaurants, and classic French Markets.

Sainte-Maxime is one of the French Southern towns which played its role in the history of World War II. The beach in Sainte-Maxime was actually the focal point of the attack on the South of France. Some people may know this attack as ‘Operation Dragoon’. There are a number of monuments close to the harbour where you are able to pay respect to the fallen. In the Old Town you will find La Tour Carrée, a place constructed in the early 1600s by monks. It was here that Napoleon constructed cannons in order to protect France during the Napoleonic Wars of the 19^th Century.

As mentioned previously, those that stay in Sainte-Maxime are located a short distance from the cities of Nice and Marseille. This means that they are able to enjoy some of the best and the most beautiful cities in the south of France without subjecting themselves to the hustle and bustle of city life. Those who want a little break from it all can hop on the regular boats to Port Grimaud and Saint-Tropez.

If you head to Sainte-Maxime in the summer, you will be able to enjoy all manner of beach-related activities. The beaches that stretch along the coast here are sandy-white and virtually unspoiled. Not only will you be able to swim and soak up some of those rays whilst you lie on the beach, but you will also be able to engage in all manner of water sports. This includes water-skiing, Jet-skiing, and even sailing.

Those who love their golf will be pleased to know that there are eight different golf courses in the area. All can be reached in no more than thirty minutes by car. This makes Sainte-Maxime the perfect location for a golfing holiday.

Weekend in Port Grimaud : What to See and Do with Children ?

Will you soon be visiting the French Riviera as a family ? Why not opt for a weekend with your children in Port Grimaud and discover the many facets of our famous « Venice of Provence » ? Take a break with your loved ones as a family, for a weekend or a week. Tour Port Grimaud or stroll about the small streets of Grimaud’s medieval village…the little Venice of Provence is sure to please.

Photo taken from the bridge of Port Grimaud I between « Place des Artisans » and « Place du Marché »

Good to Know

Port Grimaud is in the commune of Grimaud, in the Var. Located in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, this private seaside town attracts more and more tourists from around the world searching for relaxation and a change of scenery. It may interest you to note that it was built in 1966 by a sea-loving architect from Mulhouse, François Spoerry. July of 1967, the first houses were delivered and construction was completed in the early 2000s. Since then, many French and foreign tourists have fallen in love with this one-of-a-kind village. It is dotted with footpaths and canals…but also small restaurants along the water, bridges, and views to delight those who admire beautiful landscapes, flowers and stones. Port Grimaud is an exceptionally beautiful architectural ensemble, a must-see at least once in your lifetime. Entering the Twentieth Century Heritage in 2002, this village guarantees a total change of scenery and allows you to enjoy quality family time. Discover Port Grimaud for a weekend! So not to miss anything on your weekend, here’s a quick overview of things to see and do onsite.

View from the Church of Port Grimaud

What to See and Do as a Family in Port Grimaud for a Weekend ?

First, know that the town has the distinct feature of being organized into private co-ownerships that entirely assume the town’s preservation and maintenance. The heart of the village is open to visitors, but you should leave your car in the parking lot outside. This will allow you to explore the town on foot or by boat. Indeed, you can board a boat to discover Port Grimaud far and wide…an experience that will surely delight the young and also charm the old. For those interested, note that there are small, electric boats available for use in several places in the village. And that’s not all, do not miss out on the region’s major tourist attractions: Cloister of Fréjus Cathedral (national historic monument), villages of Gassin and Tourtour (both belonging to the very select club of Most Beautiful Villages in France), Maures mountains (great scenic beauty that will delight nature lovers), as well as the many parks and gardens of the area where your children can play to their heart’s content.

Would you enjoy this family weekend in Port Grimaud ?

This article was first published in French on our blog.

Entrance of Grimaud harbour

Port Grimaud : A Waking Dream !

An exceptional seaside town, born in the mind of a genius architect.

A small, colourful, Provencal « village » offers all the advantages of a private community combining safety, privacy and friendliness in a locale made for boat lovers… this village is Port Grimaud.

A Bit of History…

Port Grimaud, often called the « Venice of Provence », is a private seaside town located in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, France. It is located in the commune of Grimaud, in the Var Department.

For its residents, Port Grimaud is heaven on earth. For others, it is the dream of a lifetime. Only by spending time in Port Grimaud, at least a few days with a view of its canals, can we understand that.

Port Grimaud was conceived, designed and built by François Spoerry, a sea-loving architect from Mulhouse.
In 1962, he acquired the marshy lands on which the Seaside Town was built and perfectly integrated into the Mediterranean environment.
The building permit was issued on June 14, 1966 and this founding date so named the first building « June 14 Place ».
In 1967, the first houses were delivered and life began in Port Grimaud.
Construction was completed in the early 2000s.

Thus was born a seaside village facing the sea, with colourful facades and Roman tiles, fantastic streets following the wind or sun, a place where every house has its own mooring.

Port Grimaud is a living town with a church, shops and services.

Since 2001, the seaside village of Port Grimaud is a UNESCO « Twentieth Century Heritage ».

This unique property complex that spans 90 hectares represents a total of 2,400 units, more than 2,000 moorings, 7 km of canals, 12 km of quays, 14 bridges plus a boardwalk, as well as 12 islands.

Considered a real village or real commune by many, Port Grimaud is actually an immense co-op, but with absolutely all the characteristics of a « mini-commune » even its own rules of procedure.

« Venice » in Provence divided into three boroughs.

The evolution of the town’s construction naturally defined three « boroughs » : Port Grimaud I, Port Grimaud II and Port Grimaud III, managed by three separate and autonomous union associations.

Historically, Port Grimaud I is the first of François Spoerry’s achievements and his largest : 22 hectares of land and 13 hectares of water. 1,108 co-op lots, 834 berths including 250 public docks reserved for passing ships or yearly tenants.

The union council of Port Grimaud I takes particular care to ensure respect of the architectural coherence created by François Spoerry, be it choosing façade colours or constructions that could alter the outer appearance of houses or shops.

All modifications must be authorized by the union association, who then receives advice from architects. They are equipped with an association for information and property owner advocacy.

Quality of life and environmental preservation are also not neglected, by land with an electric car transportation service, or by sea with a fully electric resident transportation service.

Greenspace is maintained without chemicals and waste collection works efficiently in all boroughs. The union council is also guarantor of preserving traditions of the seaside town with notably, every August 15, Sea and Fisherman’s Day that includes a mass held in the ecumenical church of St. Francis of Assisi, which has magnificent Vasarely stained glass windows representing the solar cycle.

After the ceremony, a procession of boats follows the priest as he blesses boats docked along the canals all the way to the harbour entrance, where he lays a wreath for missing sailors.

Deceased in 1999 at Port Grimaud, François Spoerry now rests in a tomb at St. Francis of Assisi church.

Abbeys and Priories near Port Grimaud

While Port Grimaud is a dream destination for lovers of sea and sail, some of you will enjoy recharging in the abbeys and other religious places only a few dozen kilometers from Port Grimaud.

Cannet-des-Maures (45 minute drive from Port Grimaud)

Old Cannet-des-Maures sits on a rocky ridge that dominates the valley facing the Maures mountains and offers a beautiful view.

The old Saint-Michel priory dates back to the 11^th century when it was occupied by Benedictines. The apse and two apse chapels are classic and very simple as a whole. On the portal keystone, you will notice a small decoration with two heads and a Chi-Rho. The bell tower, built in the 17^th century with a campanile, brightens up the building.

Chartreuse de la Verne (45 minute drive from Port Grimaud)

Located in the Collobrières commune, Chartreuse de la Verne is reached by a long, winding road. It is surrounded by a very dense forest of many species including magnificent chestnut trees.

Chartreuse de la Verne’s history is similar to that of many other abbeys: fires and successive looting. It felt secure being so elevated, but it was not spared.

When donations flowed in the 12^th century, lords then became jealous and ruthless with the Carthusians (imprisonment, punishment).

Religious wars, the Revolution and selling off some of its beautiful stones left Chartreuse in a sad state. But the building rehabilitation program (12^th to 17^th century) restored its lustre.

Roquebrune-sur-Argens (48 minute drive from Port Grimaud)

Leaving Roquebrune toward the sea, route D7 passes the old Saint-Pierre chapel, which has a rectangular shape and beautiful apse. Here, there was a priory that belonged to Saint-Victor de Marseille in 1043. This Romanesque structure is well-maintained and one of the oldest in the region.

Le Thoronet (53 minute drive from Port Grimaud)

This abbey is one of the best known and most admired in south-east France (along with Senanque and Silvacane).

Monks often chose the site of an abbey based on the proximity to abundant water and forest. This is the case with Thoronet, where water was bountiful and used in the lovely sink, kitchens, mill, latrines, and garden.

The buildings are made of different-sized stones, but with a dry stone method that interlocks and fits them together perfectly to prevent expansion. It is a truly remarkable construction. This may be the abbey which leaves you with the greatest sense of power, reverence, simplicity, and purity. By the end of the 12^th century, the architect, or more likely the abbot, was especially gifted at predicting the path of light and sound in the abbey-church. In fact, the acoustics are exceptional.

We hope that visiting these holy places will help you discover the immense historical and religious heritage of the Department of the Var.

Your real estate agency in Port Grimaud: new opening hours

Dear all,

We hope you spent a Wonderful Easter weekend with your loved ones.

With Easter starts the Summer Season and we have therefore extended our opening hours to better suit your needs.

From March 29, 2015 to October 15, 2015, Marion, Yael and Marc are pleased to welcome you:

– from 09:00am to 12:30pm and from 03:00pm to 06:30pm, Monday through Saturday
– from 09:00am to 12:30m on Sunday and by appointment on Sunday afternoon.

All our listings are updated everyday and available 24/7 on our website : so check out our houses with mooring, apartments with mooring or other properties for sale as well as our holiday rentals.

We’re looking forward to meeting or hearing from you.

Best,

the Boutemy Immobilier team

Things to do near Port Grimaud with kids

In Provence, Port Grimaud is slightly off the ‘beaten track’ and seems to be very much protected from the hustle and bustle of many of the larger places on the Riviera. This is the place to bring children when you want something a little bit quieter from the norm. Let me run you through a couple of the more exciting things you can do when you stay in Port Grimaud.

The Beach

If you got some kids in tow then it is likely that they will be dragging you along to the beach…a lot. Thankfully the Gulf of Saint Tropez boasts some of the best beaches around. That gorgeous white sand stretches for miles and miles. You can just sit and relax with barely a person in sight. If you want to make your trip to the beach a little bit more adventurous then you can always hire one of the boats in the area. There are plenty of lovely little, secluded bays for you to discover.

Horse Riding

If you have a car at your disposal then you can head just outside of Port Grimaud and head to the equestrian center. Here you will be able to take a couple of riding lessons. Honestly; it is going to be complete thrill. If you have never ridden a horse before then straight away you are going to experience something truly special. Not only is it great fun but you will be able to ride with the Les Maures mountains as your backdrop. It is a true experience.

Go Karting

Kids always love a bit of ride at speed around a track, right? Well; there is a pretty large Go Kart just a few miles outside of Port Grimaud. You can easily spend a whole day here. Ticket prices are fairly affordable too. A day here is going to be a perfect complement to your vacation rental.

Theme Parks

There are a couple within a short distance of Port Grimaud. Trust me; they are going to be pretty fun too. Parc Niagara is a firm favorite amongst children of all ages. It is a water park so it is probably best to head there during the warm days. For those kids that want a bit of evening fun (although you can go here during the day too!), then the nearby Azur Park, which is packed to the brim with all sorts of rides, is going to be truly thrilling. A combination of both of those parks should be more than enough to cover you for a couple of days for not a whole lot of money. There are also some ‘minor’ activities in the area surrounding Port Grimaud. This includes bowling and a bit of mini golf.

If you rent a place in Port Grimaud then you almost certainly will not be short of things to do.

Visit Provence in Winter

One of the true delights of Provence during the winter is the fact that there are barely any tourists there. Most people seem to be a bit reluctant to hit this area of France during the colder months. That is fine though. Avoiding the tourists is brilliant. It means that you can truly experience some of the delights that this area of the country has to offer.

Markets

Ok; if you are going to be in Provence during the winter, it is likely you will be staying in reach of one of the many small villages that are peppered around the area. Brilliant! Most days of the week you will find at least one or two markets running. Go and visit them! It will mainly just be locals there and you will be able to experience a true ‘French Market’. Make sure you head to a good Farmer’s Market (Port Grimaud I on Thursdays and Sundays, Port Grimaud Sud on Mondays and Fridays or Grimaud on Thursdays). You will be able to pick-up some high quality ingredients to work into your own cooking.

Shopping

The law in France states that stores are only allowed to offer sales twice a year. The first will always be in July in order to pull those tourists in. The second, and quite often bigger, sale is in January. There will not be tourists here. Stores will be looking to get rid of the stock that they were unable to shift over the Christmas period. There are plenty of deals here and I am sure you will be able to find more than one item to bring home to your family. There will be plenty of cafes and restaurants around these stores so you can always stop off for some delightful French food to ‘reinvigorate’ yourself.

Restaurants

Let’s stick to the subject of food for a little. Provence is a very ‘high class’ area. People flock from all over the world to sample the culinary delights on offer (French cuisine is the best after all). Most of these people will book months in advance to ensure that they have a table at their favorite restaurant. You will not be heading to Provence during the high season though. This means that you have your pick of some of the best restaurants around, and you are barely going to need to book a table. Grab a food guide in advance and just ‘tour’ the region. There will be plenty on offer !

The Beach

No. You are not expected to have a dip in the Mediterranean during the winter. You will freeze. You should still head near the beach though. The scenery is absolutely stunning. Have a walk around the area and you will almost certainly start to warm up on even the coldest of days. Don’t forget to bring your camera along too! Those gorgeous views will be unspoiled by tourists, and that means that you should be able to get in some beautiful photographs !

Traveling to France and to Port Grimaud for the first time

If you are traveling to Port Grimaud or to France for the first time, here a few tips for your visit.

Getting dressed

We are located in one of the sunniest areas of France, so you’ll most likely have a lot of sunshine whether you come and visit us in the summer or in the winter.
However, it can get gold in the winter, so don’t forget to layer up.

In general, people are dressed casually, even in fancy villages and cities such as Saint-Tropez or Cannes. However, if this is true when you stroll down the streets, you’ll need to dress up to enter casinos or gourmet restaurants.

Speaking with French people

France in general may not be the country where you’ll find the most English speakers, but we receive millions of tourists every year, so everyone in the industry does speak English. Don’t worry, you’ll easily be able to order a cup of coffee or a good meal at the restaurant (lots of restaurants have menus in different languages).

If you’d like to give French a try, start by learning how to say Hello, Good bye and Thank you.

Hello: bonjour (before 5pm) or bonsoir (after 5pm)

Good bye: au revoir

Thank you: merci or merci beaucoup (thank you very much).

We also suggest you download an app that enables you to speak your question or phrase to your smartphone and it will be automatically speak the translated version.

You’ve probably heard that we French people either say “tu” or “vous” for “you” and this may seem a little intimidating or confusing. Without entering into too many details, use “tu” when speaking to children and “vous” for everyone else. Only friends and family members use “tu”. And if you still have doubts, it’s better to start with “vous” and wait for other people to ask to “se tutoyer” (= to say “tu”).

Currency

Our national currency is the euro. It’s the same as in a lot of other European countries, which can be very convenient if you are travelling to nearby countries, such as Italy for instance.

Taxis/Cabs

Be aware that most taxis do not accept credit card so make sure you have withdrawn cash from an ATM before. If that’s not the case, you can still ask the driver to make a stop at an ATM on your way to your destination.

This profession is strictly regulated so the price should be the same for everyone. It depends on the number of kilometers, the time of the day and on the number of pieces of luggage in the trunk.

Uber is also very popular in France so you can give drive with them as well.

Tipping

At bars and restaurants, a service charge is systematically included in the bill so tipping is absolutely optional (French restaurant owners love foreigners who don’t know that and add a 15% to 20% tip). If you’re happy with the service you can still add a euro or two at the end of your meal.

These are some basic rules when it comes to visiting France. If you need more information or are looking for a vacation rental near Saint-Tropez, please reach out to us. We’ll be happy to assist you.

Boutemy Real Estate launches « 2015 BI’s Winter Sale »

Boutemy estate innovates once again this year and has not finished to surprise you !

From January 6th to February 12th, 2015, Boutemy Real Estate offers discounts through its « Winter Sale » ranging from 5 to 20% including VAT on our fees, on a selection of houses and apartments for sale, only on offers that have been accepted by owners during this period, and on the condition that the date of signing (of completion) takes place no later than June 30th, 2015.

To get a list of eligible properties or for more information, please contact us by any means at your convenience.

Boutemy Real Estate, innovating leader in Port Grimaud.

Bonne et Heureuse Année 2015 ! Happy New Year 2015 from Port Grimaud !

Best Wishes 2015 from the BOUTEMY team !

The whole BOUTEMY REAL ESTATE TEAM wishes you a Merry Christmas 2014, and a very Happy New Year 2015.

Here is our Greeting card 2015 that we are offering to you with our hearts … and our sense of humor !

« We wish you the Best for 2015… Port Grimaud, your greatest gift. »

Boutemy Immobilier Press Release November 2014

Boutemy Immobilier Real Estate has provided in thousands of media supports an international press release last week. Here is a summary for your eyes only.

Port Grimaud : a French getaway like no other

Known as the “French Venice,” this private lakeside village in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez features waterways and boat moorings in front of every house.

Grimaud, France – Port Grimaud is one of Europe’s little known treasures.

A charming lakeside town located in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez in southeast France, Port Grimaud is known as the “French Venice.” It offers waterways and canals throughout the town, and every homeowner can moor a boat in front his or her house.

A private village facing the sea, Port Grimaud features colorful facades, town markets, Roman tiles and small streets with fantastic plots as well as the shops and conveniences of a modern city.

“It is a magical place where people can feel and experience the unique atmosphere of a French village and its scenic waterways,” said Marc Giordano, CFO of Boutemy Immobilier Real Estate, which offers apartment and houses rentals and sales in Port Grimaud. “It is a dream vacation on the French Riviera”.

“We would love to help people from all over the world to come and discover this amazing vacation spot. At least once in their lifetime everyone should enjoy this type of house-with-mooring experience. Port Grimaud is a safe and peaceful city for people who are looking to combine tranquility and wonder during their vacation.”

Boutemy Immobilier Real Estate provides rentals for about 60 French Riviera houses and apartments in Port Grimaud as well as sales of more than 60 local properties. In an effort to let more people know about this unique vacation getaway, the agency is offering a number of discounts through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign.

“The goal of this crowdfunding campaign through Indiegogo is to enable us to subsequently launch an internationally ambitious communication campaign to try to make known Port Grimaud worldwide”, said Marc Giordano.

The Indiegogo page can be viewed at www.indiegogo.com/projects/feel-the-magic-of-port-grimaud-french-venice.

For example, a donation of 50 Euros (about $63) is good for a 10 percent discount on a boat rental in Port Grimaud. For 150 Euros ($188), you’ll receive a free apartment or house cleaning plus the 10 percent boat discount.

A €200 (about $250) contribution is rewarded with a 5 percent discount on a one-week house or apartment rental in Port Grimaud and the 10 percent boat rental discount.

A €500 (about $625) contribution is rewarded with a 10 percent discount on a one-week house or apartment rental in Port Grimaud and the 10 percent boat rental discount.

“This is a great opportunity for people to save some money on a great vacation and discover something totally different,” Marc Giordano said. “If you’re looking for an apartment or house on the French Riviera, this is the place to be for your next vacation.”

For additional information, visit www.indiegogo.com/projects/feel-the-magic-of-port-grimaud-french-venice; the agency’s Port Grimaud website, www.boutemy.co.uk; or the Boutemy Immobilier Real Estate Port Grimaud Facebook page, www.facebook.com/boutemy.immobilier.

Boutemy Immobilier supports « Je cours pour Lilian » Association

News of the Gulf of Saint Tropez deal also with solidarity shown by many people around families in need. We also want to share this solidarity by taking the example of the Association « Je cours pour Lilian » (« I Run for Lilian »).

The Non-Profit Association « Je cours pour Lilian » (I Run for Lilian) was created in November 2013 by people close to Lilian, in the town of Cogolin, France, near Saint Tropez.

Lilian is a little smiling boy with mischievous sparkling eyes. He just wants to enjoy life and be able to run and play with his friends and cousins.

He was born May 24, 2012 with a complete bilateral cleft lip and palate, severe plagiocephaly and congenital legs folded on his stomach torticollis.

Thereafter, he was diagnosed with, in addition, central sleep apnea and an overly narrow occipitocervical junction with risk of compression of the spinal cord.

Since his birth his parents struggle to give him the best care but everything has a price. As time passes, the risk of psychomotor delay for Lilian increase.

Lilian’s mother and two of her friends are fans of running. Pushed by people around them they decided to create the Association to try to take care of (at least part of) Lilian’s medical expenses.

The name of the Association was created according to the following idea : « Instead of running for us, why not run for Lilian ? »

Above all, Association’s will is to do everything they can for Lilian so he can RUN one day.

The Association is committed since November 2013 to help Lilian’s family and give a long-term help to other children with same diseases.

Today, there are many structures to separately deal with various Lilian’s diseases but very few structures deal with all diseases at the same time and unfortunately they do not have the right answers for Lilian and other children with same diseases.

The whole small village of Cogolin in France has mobilized for Lilian and some surrounding communities did so (Port Grimaud, Grimaud, Gassin, la Môle and many other towns), but now the Association needs your help so Lilian’s disease can be known worldwide and globally shared with other countries.

The Association needs to raise as soon as possible about $ 15.065 to allow Lilian to follow emergency care in Barcelona, the only European center adapted to this kind of disease. This neuro-rehabilitation program in Barcelona is called « Essentis Program ».

You can visit Essentis official webpage to understand the kind of care children like Lilian are following in this center (see http://www.metodoessentis.com/info.php?sec=142&idioma=en) but you have to know that, during the sessions, the patient goes through various workshops in which posture, disability and symptoms are evaluated by different members of Essentis’ team (osteopaths, acupuncturists, Physiotherapists …) to develop a personalized program adapted to children’s needs.

Different therapists work in coordination within the center and the team of Dr. Nazarov (myiotenofaciectomie), that of Dr. Lao (geneticist) and Dr. Cori Lopez (neurologist), Windoor (Empuriabrava), which enables a rapid response to the needs of daily patient.

The Essentis patient approach is holistic, meaning it is considered in its entirety.

Essentis is the only program that is known which is able to treat all the symptoms of the disease at the same time.

The Association would also need SPLINTS, SPECIAL SHOES, and a GATEADOR, a support allowing children with this disease to walk with 4 legs almost alone.

Boutemy Real Estate supports « Je cours pour Lilian » Association and has recently invested to launch an international crowdfunding campaign via the world famous US website « Indiegogo ».

You want to support this initiative by making a donation ? Simply go to the Indiegogo page by clicking on the following link, and drop the amount you want or simply make a comment of support (which will help ensure that the campaign could remain well ranked among 7000 other ongoing campaigns on the website) : https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/i-run-for-lilian/x/8601164

If you are a journalist : an article or a news story in your media support about this campaign would be most welcome.

We hope this campaign will meet with a success in order to achieve the target set for Lilian and Association. If the expected amount is exceeded, other children may be able to benefit from similar treatment.

See you soon,

The Boutemy Real Estate Team.

Sébastien Loeb en Guest Star au Rallye du Var / World Race Champion Sébastien Loeb Guest Star at Var Race

Un beau cadeau pour les Varois ! Le Rallye du Var, fondé en 1971, va accueillir les 28,29,30 novembre prochain à Sainte-Maxime le nonuple champion du monde de la discipline.

La prochaine édition du Rallye du Var, programmée les 28, 29 et 30 novembre 2014 est déjà un succès puisque les organisateurs ont clôturé les inscriptions, et une liste d’attente a même dû être créée.

Deux cent dix pilotes (voitures modernes) et quarante autres (voitures historiques) sont inscrits, au départ sur la promenade Simon-Lorière !

Dernier grand événement sportif de l’année 2014, le Rallye du Var fêtera cette année sa 60e édition en ce qui concerne les voitures modernes et la 30e pour les véhicules historiques. Et pour ces deux anniversaires, l’organisateur Alain Mahé ne pouvait rêver plus beau cadeau que la présence de Sébastien Loeb !

Son épouse comme copilote !

Le nonuple champion du monde des rallyes sera au volant d’une Citroën DS3 avec, comme copilote, son épouse, Séverine. Et ces derniers ne viendront pas faire de la figuration puisque Citroën dépêchera vingt-cinq personnes pour ce rallye dont un ingénieur !

Alors ne boudez pas votre plaisir et allez encourager votre coureur favori pour cette course (même si ce n’est pas Sébastien Loeb), qui s’annonce une nouvelle fois spectaculaire.

English Version

A lovely gift for people of Var ! Rallye du Var, founded in 1971, will host next November 28,29,30 in Sainte-Maxime the nine-time world champion in the discipline Sébastien Loeb.

The next edition of the Rallye du Var, scheduled on 28, 29 and 30 November 2014 is already a success as the organizers closed registration, and a waiting list has even been created.

Two hundred and ten drivers (modern cars) and forty other (vintage cars) are registered initially on Simon Lorière road !

Last big sporting event of the year 2014, the Rallye du Var will celebrate its 60th edition regarding modern cars and the 30th for historic vehicles. And these two anniversaries, the organizer Alain Mahé could not imagine a more beautiful gift that the presence of Sébastien Loeb !

His wife as co-pilot !

The Legendary nine-time champion of the World Rally Tour will be driving a Citroen DS3, with his wife, Severine, as co-pilot. And they will not come for nothing since Citroën will bring a twenty-five technician team to the rally and an engineer also !

So if you can or cannot come to the Var Race you will anyway be able to support your favorite runner for this race (even if it is not Sebastien Loeb), which promises once again to be a spectacular one.

L’étang des Salins de Saint-Tropez est désormais officiellement un site protégé – The Pond of Salins in Saint-Tropez is now protected by law

L’arrêté préfectoral attendu depuis plusieurs années par les défenseurs de l’environnement pour protéger de toute déprédation la dernière zone humide du golfe, est entré en vigueur officiellement cette semaine.

Voici, ci-dessous, l’article complet de Var Matin datant du 16 novembre 2014.

The order expected for several years by conservationists to protect Saint Tropez Gulf last wetland pond from depredation officially entered into force this week.

Here is the complete article from Var Matin Newspaper dated November 16, 2014 (in French, sorry…) :

Il aura fallu de longues années pour que l’étang des Salins, perle de l’environnement dans le golfe, soit enfin protégé de l’urbanisation et de toute tentative de destruction diverse.

Les défenseurs de la nature réclamaient en effet qu’un « arrêté de protection de biotope » soit pris au niveau préfectoral, afin que soient définitivement mis à l’abri, non seulement le lieu et sa végétation, mais également les espèces animales protégées qui le fréquentent régulièrement et en font sa spécificité, les oiseaux notamment.

Le fameux arrêté a enfin été pris à la fin du printemps dernier, le 6 juin exactement.

Il a concrétisé une réunion de la commission départementale de la nature, des paysages et sites, qui s’était déroulée six mois plus tôt, en décembre 2013, au sein de laquelle la ville de Saint-Tropez, à travers le maire, Jean-Pierre Tuveri, mais également le directeur général des services M. Ruiz, était représentée.

D’après une étude de la LPO

La décision s’est appuyée sur une étude naturaliste de la zone, réalisée par la Ligue de protection des oiseaux Paca, à la demande de l’État.

Toutefois, certaines zones restent en dehors du périmètre, au grand dam de certains qui estiment que la protection aurait dû être plus élargie – notamment la partie sur laquelle un parking d’été est installé durant chaque saison estivale. Bien que dans le périmètre protégé, ce stationnement temporaire sera pérenne.

D’une façon générale, la zone à protéger, proposée par la Ligue de protection des oiseaux, était plus vaste.

Certaines zones ont été écartées de la protection car déjà urbanisées ou privées.

Quoi qu’il en soit, et en attendant une révision qui arrivera peut-être si les mécontents sont entendus, l’arrêté existe bel et bien.

Treize hectares

Il s’étend sur 12,9 hectares. Il prend en compte l’étang lui-même évidemment, mais aussi les terrains à l’intérieur des terres, et même la plage jusqu’en limite du domaine public maritime.

Les propriétés privées riveraines en sont exclues. Une réglementation très stricte régit maintenant la fréquentation du lieu et exclut, de fait, toute construction nouvelle, et même toute activité ou passage motorisé sauf autorisation spéciale ou dérogation prévue dans le texte pour cause d’entretien , de service ou de sécurité (lire par ailleurs).

L’arrêté est une première étape pour la protection de ce site.

En effet, d’autres viendront, telle la maîtrise foncière, puisque le Conservatoire du littoral pourrait, à terme, devenir gestionnaire du site.

Une protection générale

Grimaud protection environnement L’arrêté de protection de biotope de l’étang recense les espèces végétales et animales à protéger.

Les oiseaux sont particulièrement visés par le texte.

La protection du site entraîne une longue liste d’interdictions.

Circulation : elle est interdite aux piétons hors de sentiers balisés, voies ouvertes au public sauf pour les propriétaires et leurs ayants-droits.

Sont autorisés : le parking estival temporaire, la circulation pour des missions de service public surveillance, opérations, incendies, de police ou de sécurité, mais aussi celle à des fins d’entretien écologique des espaces naturels et à des fins d’entretien des réseaux existants sur la zone (EDF notamment).

Toute autre circulation y compris cavaliers et cyclistes est interdite.

Activités agricoles et cynégétiques : les activités agricoles continuent de s’exercer librement pour les propriétaires.

Toutefois, l’usage du feu est interdit sauf incinération de rémanents et entretien programme, les épandages divers sont soumis à autorisation, le retournement des prairies est interdit, de même que la plantation d’espèces végétales non spontanées et toute autre intervention visant à modifier l’apect du milieu naturel.

La chasse est exclusivement limitée aux opérations de gestion des populations de sangliers. Elles sont soumises à autorisation entre le 1er septembre et le 15 novembre.

Déversements divers : ils sont évidemment tous proscrits ainsi que l’extraction de matériau et l’utilisation de lubrifiants non biodégradables pour le matériel agricole.

Constructions et installations : elles sont toutes interdites sauf entretien des pistes, débroussaillement en bord de voies, et travaux d’entretien pour la préservation des espaces naturels, et ceux liés à l’activité de services publics.

Un comité de suivi a été instauré pour superviser la bonne exécution de l’arrêté. Il est composé du directeur régional de l’environnement, du directeur départemental des Territoires et de la mer, du président de la chambre d’agriculture du Var, du président du conseil général, du maire de Saint-Tropez, du directeur du Conservatoire du littoral, du directeur de la LPOPaca et du directeur du Conservatoire botanique national méditerranéen.

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