Events and things to do in Grimaud in May 2024

Wednesday, May 1st: Grimaud City Golf Trophy

Golf Beauvallon – Copyright Guillaume Voiturier

Every year, on May 1st, the Grimaud City Golf Trophy takes place for a day filled with swings.

The trophy will be held at the two golf courses in the municipality: Golf Up and Golf de Beauvallon.

The competition is open to all golfers, with external players and non-members welcome. Players must register at both golf courses.

Numerous prizes offered by Grimaud merchants. Prize giving followed by a cocktail at Golf Up. Organized by Golf Up and Beauvallon Golf Club.

Wednesday, May 1st: Escandihado’s anniversary

Copyright Cyril Carpentier

The Escandihado celebrates its 60th anniversary with a grand procession throughout the village, starting from the rue des anciennes écoles at 9:00 a.m. A mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by a dance performance at 11:00 a.m. on Place Vieille, in commemoration of the founding president, André Decuers.

Established in 1964 by André Decuers, this association continues to perpetuate Provençal traditions over the years through numerous events in Grimaud (such as the Wool Fair, Mill Festival, and Saint-Michel Festival), as well as in neighboring communities.

Organized by the Escandihado association.

Friday, May 3rd: Soul & Funk Concert at Domaine du Val de Gilly

Copyright Cyril Carpentier

Join WONDERSOUL in concert on Friday, May 3rd, 2024, starting at 7:00 PM at Domaine du Val de Gilly for a Soul & Funk evening.

Bar and food available on-site.

May 4th and 5th: the Port Grimaud 100-mile race

Copyright Cyril Carpentier

Come and watch the bows crossing at this regatta, which counts towards the UNCL crew, double, and solo championship.

And as always, OSIRIS crews are welcome. New courses will be presented to best adapt to the weather conditions. A crew evening will take place on Friday night.

Tuesday, May 7th: Excursion to Mount Faron

Copyright Office du Tourisme de Toulon

The excursion to Mount Faron will depart from Les Blaquières at 8:30 a.m. In Toulon, you will take the cable car at 10:30 a.m. to enjoy the panoramic view. You will descend back down, still using the cable car, for lunch at the port of Toulon. At 3:00 p.m., you will have a guided boat tour of the Toulon harbor by ‘Les Bateliers de la Rade.’ This sea trip is scheduled to last one hour, before returning to Grimaud.

Organized by Grimaud Europe. Single rate of €53. Reservations available at the Tourist Office.

Wednesday, May 8th: Commemoration of May 8th, 1945

Copyright Cyril Carpentier

Councilor Alain Benedetto, Mayor of Grimaud, extends a heartfelt invitation to join him on this day of remembrance at 9:15 a.m. on the Town Hall Square, followed by a gathering at the Church Square, as we honor the end of World War II and pay tribute to its valiant soldiers.

Thursday, May 9th: Wool Fair

Copyright Cyril Carpentier

The most traditional of Grimaud’s festival will take place on Ascension Thursday as every year!

On the agenda for this bucolic day is a 100% artisanal market focusing on wool and textiles (a new addition for 2024), all around Place Neuve: colors, materials, and originalities await discovery at the stands of our 20 exhibitors for the delight of all!

In parallel, a grand transhumance with over 60 animals will traverse the village (new for 2024)! Starting from the castle parking lot, goats and sheep will parade past the Town Hall and through Templars’ Street to reach Place Neuve… A morning rendezvous not to be missed!

And to welcome our sheep and all their friends, a giant 1500m² farm will be set up in the village, with over 100 animals roaming freely amidst our visitors: goats, ponies, donkeys (and foals!), llamas, buffaloes, pigs, chickens, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, rabbits, ferrets… farm animals will have no secrets!

Moreover, sheep shearing and wool sorting demonstrations will take place throughout the day…

On-site, amidst the animals, the Culture & Heritage team from the Town Hall will present its exhibition on the history of the Wool Fair in our village: why this celebration, since when, who participated…?

To discover this famous wool, the star of the day, workshops will be offered continuously throughout the day for both young and old: introduction to weaving and felting, creation of wool garlands, discovery of carding, … by Ferme du Lambert and the Textile Fiber Association. Our visitors can thus leave with a souvenir, created by their own hands!

And for the little ones, how about a pony ride in Grimaud? Or a challenge with mom and dad on giant wooden games? Or even better, the discovery of our treasure hunt throughout the village…

As is customary each year, the Provençal folk group, l’Escandihado, will entertain with several parades and a dancing spectacle under the village kiosk, in true tradition! Speaking of Provence, this year we will offer discovery workshops of the Provencal language, in small groups under the village kiosk, with the association ‘Je Parle Provençal’ (new for 2024).

Finally, if hunger strikes during the day, a gourmet corner will delight everyone at the top of Place Neuve, with several choices of takeaway dishes!

Speaking of appetites, an aperitif will be offered to everyone at 12:30 p.m.!

To discover all these activities, and many more, join us on Thursday, May 9th, at Place Neuve in Grimaud village, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.!

Saturday, May 18th: Olive Growing Conference

Olive grower André Lanza will share insights into his profession during this conference.

As a producer of olive oil, André Lanza invites you to explore the fragrant aroma of local olives.

Organized by the Culture and Heritage Department on May 18th at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 18th: Mayor’s 2nd Petanque Prize

Copyright Grimaud Tourisme

Let’s meet at the Pont des Fées boules court for this petanque competition.

3 x 3 format Prize: €750 + entry fees.
Registration at 9:30 AM & draw at 10:00 AM.
Limited to 68 teams
Beverages & grilled food available on-site.

Saturday May 18th: Mauboussin Golf Up

Copyright Golf Up

For the third consecutive year, come and participate in the Mauboussin Golf Cup, organized in partnership with the MAUBOUSSIN boutique, located at 23 rue du Général Allard in Saint-Tropez, on Saturday, May 18th, starting at 1:30 PM!

At the end of the competition, the winners will receive prestigious prizes generously provided by the famous jewelry brand!

Like all GOLF UP recreational competitions, the MAUBOUSSIN Golf Cup is open to everyone, beginners and experienced players.

Schedule:

  • 1:30 PM: Player registration and briefing.
  • 2:00 PM: Start of the first shotgun, game format: simple strokeplay.
  • 3:00 PM: Players return.
  • 3:30 PM: Player registration and briefing.
  • 4:00 PM: Start of the second shotgun, game format: simple strokeplay.
  • 5:00 PM: Players return.
  • 5:30 PM: Prize giving ceremony with a magnificent buffet prepared by La Table des Oliviers.

Prizes to be won: Men’s and women’s categories: perfumes, Champagne, scented candles & 3 invitations for the Mauboussin competition at Golf de Beauvallon on Saturday, June 1st, 2024. A junior prize.

2 diamonds of 0.10 carats each to be drawn.

Saturday, May 18th: European Night of Museums

Copyright Grimaud Tourisme

20th edition of this essential cultural event at the Heritage Museum.

While France is now the beating heart of the European Night of Museums, it’s worth noting that the first event of its kind took place in Germany. In 1997, in Berlin, on the aptly named Museum Island, the Lange Nacht der Museen, the long night of museums, took place. The echo and success of this event were such that the French Ministry of Culture wanted to replicate the event in 1999 under the name « Printemps des musées » (Spring of Museums). French museums were invited to open their doors to the public for free on a spring Sunday.

Again, success and the public were there, and in 2001, no less than 39 countries hosted the Spring of Museums. With the support of the Council of Europe, the event took on a European dimension that it would not lose. Finally, in 2005, France declined this cultural event into a Night of Museums to attract new audiences to these places of arts and knowledge. Faced with the originality of the approach, its artistic rigor, and the popular enthusiasm it aroused, many countries on the continent followed France.

So, is the European Night of Museums only a European phenomenon? That would be too short! If the event takes place in mid-May, it’s not by chance but because the International Museum Day organized by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) takes place (almost) at the same time.

On the program:

  • Exhibition of photographs by Natalie FISCHER.
  • Conference on olive growing by André LANZA at 7 p.m. An opportunity for this olive oil producer to invite you to discover the fragrant aroma of local olives.

Friday, May 24th: Musical Evenings of Grimaud, Jean-Marc Luisada

Copyright Jean-Marc Luisada


Winner of the Dino Ciani Competition (1983) and the prestigious Chopin Competition in Warsaw (1985), Jean-Marc Luisada has led an extraordinary career as a concert pianist for over 30 years, performing in renowned venues worldwide.

In this recital, Jean-Marc Luisada pays tribute to various influences. He honors the music that has shaped his life, the cinema that has filled it, and, on a more personal and profound level, his parents, who instilled in him a love for both cinema and music.

The rich repertoire of classical music has often been utilized by cinema as a precious material for emotional construction. Renowned filmmakers such as Visconti, Louis Malle, Bergman, Woody Allen, among others, have skillfully underscored the drama of a scene or the beauty of an emotion through music.

This concert is not solely dedicated to film music but rather evokes the world of cinema, demonstrating how certain works from the repertoire we cherish have crystallized in our memory alongside images from the greatest films.

Location: Saint-Michel Church at 9:00 PM. Full price ticket: €25.

Markets

Every Thursday: Market in Grimaud Village

Copyright Grimaud Tourisme

Farmer’s markets are a must-see in Provence.

Discover the Provencal market of Grimaud every Thursday morning from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, at the church square.

Every Thursday and Sunday mornings: Market in Port Grimaud

Copyright Grimaud Tourisme

Let’s meet at the Market Square in Port Grimaud I every Thursday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Monday, May 6th, and Saturday, May 11th: Artisan/Craftsmen Market in Port Grimaud

Copyright Grimaud Tourisme

During the Plein V’ARTS events, all craft exhibitors are authentic and established or promising creators in various materials such as wood, iron, clay, leather, glass, fabric, or any other composite material. They craft their products in their workshop, within the hexagon, and personally sell them.

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

Explore the village of Grimaud with our orientation trail

All year round, Grimaud gives you the opportunity to explore 4 circuits to discover the village.

Whether it’s the Initiation, Castle, Mill, or Fairy Bridge trail, have fun strolling through Grimaud by searching for the orientation course markers.

Maps are available at the Tourist Office during opening hours. This is a free activity.

Source : Grimaud Tourisme