On our website, we’ve shared the story and construction of Port Grimaud many times. Here’s a delightful tale you can share with the little ones.

How a dream gave birth to Port Grimaud

Once upon a time, there was an architect named François Spoerry. But François wasn’t just any architect. He had a special love for the sea, boats, and the colorful villages of Provence, that beautiful region in southern France. His wildest dream? To create a place where people could live with their boats right outside their homes, almost as if their boats were cars. Imagine that! Instead of opening your door to find a street or sidewalk, you’d find water and boats!

In 1966 (that might seem like ages ago, but Port Grimaud is still a young village in France), François discovered a big marshy area near the Mediterranean Sea. This place was full of water and mud, and no one thought it was fit for building anything. But François, with his dreamer’s eye, saw right away what it could become. Instead of a muddy field, he imagined canals—little rivers winding between houses, so that people could sail right up to their door. Some thought he was a bit crazy, but François didn’t give up on his idea.

He began by drawing plans, imagining a village with canals, little bridges, and houses in bright colors. Then, with a lot of hard work, he started digging canals, bringing in water, and laying the first stones of what would be homes. After a few years, his dream came to life. Port Grimaud was born—a magical village where the streets are made of water, and each house has its own little dock for a boat. People started moving in, and soon Port Grimaud became a unique and charming place.

Home like no others

What makes Port Grimaud so special is its houses. François Spoerry wanted each house to be unique, like how each seashell on the beach is a little different. To do this, he took inspiration from the old houses of Provence, the ones you find in nearby villages. He used traditional materials like terracotta tiles, stone, and wood to make the houses feel warm and welcoming.

The houses are as colorful as a rainbow! Some are painted pale pink, others sky blue, soft yellow, or gentle green. François wanted the homes to reflect the sunlight and the colors of the sea, as if they were a part of the surrounding nature. When the sun rises, the colors of the houses blend with the reflections on the water, creating a beautiful scene.

Each house has its own style, and no two look exactly alike. There are round little windows, wrought-iron balconies, and even terraces where people can sit and watch the boats glide by. The main square of Port Grimaud is paved with small stones, and around it, you’ll find cafés and small shops selling ice cream and souvenirs. People can stroll, take a water bus (called coche d’eau here), or simply admire the colorful houses along the canals.

Life in Port Grimaud : a village between land and sea

Today, Port Grimaud is a village where life is good. Over 3,000 houses have been built, and there are about 2,000 spots for boats! It’s a lively, joyful place, with parks for children, shops, bakeries with the smell of fresh bread, and even a church that welcomes everyone.

In Port Grimaud, people walk along the canals, sit on benches to read a book, or simply enjoy the calm of the water. Kids love watching the boats go by and waving to the people on board. In the summer, families come here to enjoy the sunshine, swim in the sea, and especially take boat rides.

The people of Port Grimaud are very proud of their village and work hard to keep it clean and welcoming. They care about nature and the water because they know that Port Grimaud is a treasure to be preserved. In the village, people recycle, avoid polluting the water, and everyone tries to respect the environment.

We hope you had a wonderful holiday in Port Grimaud this year, and we look forward to welcoming you back next year!