Events and things to do in Grimaud in June 2024

From May 31st to June 2nd : La Régate du Froid

Grimaud city trophy. Copyright Cyril Carpentier

From May 31st to June 2nd: 12th Annual Children’s Book Fair

Copyright Salon du livre de Grimaud

To promote reading, authors and illustrators will be signing books for three days.

Don’t miss this must-attend event!

Friday, June 7: Grimaud Musical Evenings, featuring Philippe Lefebvre

Copyright Philippe Lefebvre

Philippe Lefebvre discovered the organ at age 15 in the choir loft of Notre-Dame de Paris, where he met Pierre Cochereau. At 19, he became the organist of Arras Cathedral and received the Vocation Foundation Award. In 1973, he won the grand prize for improvisation at the international competition in Chartres and became the organist of that prestigious cathedral. In 1985, he was appointed organist of Notre-Dame de Paris alongside Olivier Latry and Jean-Pierre Leguay. He has since performed concerts and master classes worldwide and produced numerous recordings.

Lefebvre served as the director of the Lille Conservatory from 1980 to 2003, led the choir school of Notre-Dame de Paris, and later became the director of services at the cathedral. He taught improvisation at the Paris Conservatoire (CNSM) until 2014. He is a qualified member of the Ministry of Culture’s commissions for organ restoration and construction and a member of the superior commission of Historical Monuments. Philippe Lefebvre also presides over the Association of the Great Organs of Chartres and the national association Orgue en France.

Saint-Michel Church at 9:00 PM. Full price: 25 euros.

The Grimaud Musical Evenings are honored to welcome this exceptional figure to the Quoirin organ of Saint-Michel Church. Philippe Lefebvre is one of the most representative performers and improvisers of the French art.

Sunday, June 9: International Archives Day

Copyright Freepik

Exhibition of municipal archives at the Heritage Museum, showcasing the history of Grimaud in bygone days.

« Archives represent an unparalleled wealth. They are the documentary products of human activity and, as such, constitute irreplaceable testimonies of past events. They ensure the democratic functioning of societies, the identity of individuals and communities, and the defense of human rights. » (International Council on Archives).

Free admission all day at the Heritage Museum (= Musée du Patrimoine).

Sunday, June 9: Pétanque Tournament

Copyright Grimaud Tourisme

Let’s meet at the boulodrome du pont des Fées at 9:30 AM for this boules competition.

3 players per team Prize: €750 + contributions Registration at 9:30 AM & draw at 10 AM. Limited to 68 teams.

Refreshments and grilled food available on site.

Friday, June 14: History Week

Lecture by Annick Cojean, Copyright Grimaud Tourisme

As part of History Week, Annick Cojean, a senior reporter at Le Monde, will give a lecture on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. This will be followed by a book signing session for her work « Nous y étions » (Grasset 2024), where 18 veterans recount the events of D-Day hour by hour.

Location: Notre-Dame de la Queste Chapel Park Time: 7:00 PM.
Admission is free.

Friday, June 21: Music Festival

Copyright Cyril Carpentier

Since 1982, every June 21st has been synonymous with celebration in France – and now in over a hundred countries worldwide – and Grimaud naturally joins in the festivities!

For the fourth consecutive year, Grimaud’s Music Festival will pulsate to the rhythms of the Grimaldines, starting at 9:00 PM at Grimaud Castle with a concert by the ABI Afrobeat group.

Get ready to dance to traditional rhythms from West Africa, jazz, and funk, promising lively and captivating music. During the intermission, discover the lineup for the 21st Grimaldines Festival.

Tickets available at a preferential rate on site. Drinks available (no food service).

Sunday, June 23: The St. John’s Day Bonfires

Copyright Cyril Carpentier

The procession will start from the town hall square at 6:00 PM, carrying the flame to the Chapel of Our Lady of La Queste, where Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 PM.

This ceremony will include the blessing of the bundles of sticks and lighting the St. John’s bonfire. The evening of Provençal festivities will conclude with a « sardinade, » a traditional Mediterranean sardine dish, offered to all residents of Grimaud by the town hall.

Participation in the meal is reserved for Grimaud residents and requires mandatory registration with proof of residency. Registration is mandatory.

Friday, June 28: Jazz Night

Copyright Cyril Carpentier

A tribute to the great American crooners, guaranteed to please and captivate an audience of jazz aficionados.

With his band, Gabriel Marin will bring to life the greatest voices of swing.

Food and drinks will be available at the Chapel of Our Lady of La Queste. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the concert will move to Arthur Bauchet Hall at the Blaquières Sports Complex. The event starts at 7:00 PM, and admission is free.

Saturday, June 29: Escandihado Show

Copyright Cyril Carpentier

Celebrating 60 years of Escandihado and honoring its founding president, André Decuers, over 50 dancers, singers, and musicians will perform at the Château de Grimaud. Enjoy an evening rich in tradition and Provençal culture.

The show is free and begins at 9:00 PM.

Sunday, June 30: Grimaud Mill Festival

Copyright Cyril Carpentier

A delightful celebration alongside our beautiful and peaceful windmill: demonstrations, folk dances, a mini-farm, pony rides, carriage rides… A wonderful day for the whole family!

The festivities center around the Saint-Roch Windmill. In the morning, discover the mill’s history and observe traditional wheat threshing techniques. Enjoy freshly baked bread from the Escolo deï Sambro, who will animate the morning.

This event also offers insights into the workings of windmills and watermills with tour guides. The small Saint-Roch chapel will be open for visits. Watch folk dances by Escandihado and the Tambourinaires de Provence.

  • Wheat threshing demonstration, bread baking, and tasting
  • Tours of the Saint-Roch Windmill
  • Aperitif

Markets

Every Thursday: Market in Grimaud Village

Copyright Grimaud Tourisme

The markets are a must-visit in Provence.

Join us at the Provencal market in Grimaud every Thursday morning from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the church square.

Every Thursday and Sunday morning: Market in Port Grimaud

Copyright Grimaud Tourisme

Let’s meet at the Market Square in Port Grimaud I on Thursdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Monday, June 10: Artisanal Market in Port Grimaud

Copyright Grimaud Tourisme

During the Plein V’ARTS events, all artisans are authentic and accomplished creators or promising talents, working with various materials such as wood, iron, clay, leather, glass, fabric, and other composite materials. They craft their products in their workshops across France and sell them directly.

From 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Artisans Square.

Source : Grimaud Tourisme